Birmingham, United Kingdom 🇬🇧
#622
52.479699, -1.902691
Nomad Score:
65%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Birmingham is the second largest city in the UK, known for its rich industrial history and diverse culture. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 1.1 million |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average download speeds around 70 Mbps; fiber-optic options available. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | GBP (British Pound). 1 GBP ≈ 1.35 USD. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable, with good quality. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type G sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include EE, O2, Vodafone, and Three. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Commonly accepted payment methods include Monzo, Revolut, and local bank accounts. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, Booking.com, and local lettings agents. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are widely accepted. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and Vrbo are popular choices. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options include Selina Birmingham and the Birmingham Central Backpackers. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Impact Hub Birmingham offers collaborative spaces and community events. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | The Coffee Lounge is known for its quiet atmosphere and good Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Birmingham Tech Week and various Meetup groups for entrepreneurs. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Birmingham Expats Facebook Group and regular meetups at locations like The Church Inn. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber is widely used in Birmingham. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Birmingham has several dockless bike rental services like Lime and Bird. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | The closest beach is Weston-super-Mare, approximately 2 hours by train. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Flybe operates several regional routes. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Birmingham Airport serves major carriers like British Airways and Emirates. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Access to M6, M5, and M42 motorways. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Birmingham New Street Station is the main train station. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Birmingham offers a network-wide travel pass called the Network Day Saver. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Regular trains to London, Manchester, and other cities via West Midlands Railway. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham is the main healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Birmingham Yoga and the Serenity Hub offer various wellness classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | PureGym and The Gym Group provide affordable memberships. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry Lounge offers wash-and-fold services. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Deliveroo and Just Eat are popular in Birmingham. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Birmingham is famous for its Balti curry; try it in Brick Lane. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Vegan options can be found at The Warehouse Cafe and Sattva. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | The Pudding Pantry is well-known for its desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Birmingham Bull Ring has a variety of budget-friendly options. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon UK and eBay are popular for online shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Tesco and Sainsbury's offer online delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Arcadian Centre and Broad Street are popular nightlife districts. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Birmingham Brewing Company offers tours and tastings. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Vino Wines has a great selection of wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Digbeth Dining Club operates weekly street food events. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Birmingham offers a range of cuisines including Indian, Mediterranean, and Chinese. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, Bullring Shopping Centre, and the Library of Birmingham. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery and the Ikon Gallery. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Old Rep Theatre and the St. Philip's Cathedral. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Birmingham Cathedral and the Islamic Relief Mosque. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Birmingham International Carnival and the Frankfurt Christmas Market. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Jewellery Quarter and the Custard Factory. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Birmingham Hippodrome and the Crescent Theatre. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Bullring Markets and the Moseley Farmers Market. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Birmingham has a vibrant music scene with venues like The O2 Institute. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Digbeth has been transformed with notable street art pieces. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Birmingham Botanical Gardens offers cooking classes for all ages. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The Thinktank, Birmingham Science Museum, and the Barber Institute of Fine Arts. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Victoria Square and the Town Hall are significant landmarks. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Birmingham is known for its rich industrial and cultural heritage. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Sutton Park and Lickey Hills offer great outdoor spaces. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | The Peak District, about an hour away, is ideal for hiking. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Birmingham Canal Navigations have excellent trails. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The Birmingham Eye offers panoramic views of the city. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The RSPB Sandwell Valley is a great spot for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Specific areas in Sutton Park allow bonfires with permission. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Royal Mail and local courier services operate throughout the city. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | iFixit and other local shops offer tech repair. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Birmingham Table Tennis Club hosts regular games. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | The City Centre offers various ESL and language schools. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Birmingham Central Library has ample study space. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Birmingham Community Centre runs various programs for locals. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gamer's Paradise hosts video gaming events. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | The Grosvenor Casino is a popular venue. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. £3,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = £140,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. £2,800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = £112,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. £3,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = £192,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. £2,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = £150,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. £3,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = £240,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. £2,300 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = £184,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 19% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Nil for individuals; corporation tax applies to profits. |
| 🏦 Tax System | UK uses a progressive income tax system for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 45% for incomes above £150,000. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT rate is 20%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, regulations exist for CFCs. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Based on local council tax bands, dependent on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Stamp duty ranges from 0% to 12% based on property price. |