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Guide
Southampton, United Kingdom π¬π§
#628
,
Nomad Score:
57%
Essentials
ποΈ City | Southampton is a vibrant city located on the south coast of England, known for its maritime heritage and cultural venues. |
π₯ Population | Approximately 250,000 residents. |
π» Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 60 Mbps. |
πΈ Currency & Banking | Currency is GBP. 1 GBP β 1.25 USD. |
π° Tap Water | Drinkable. |
π Power | 230V, 50Hz, π Type G sockets. |
πΆ SIM Card | Major providers include EE, Vodafone, and O2. |
π³ Banking for Expats | Popular banks include HSBC, Barclays, and Monzo (online banking). |
π Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, local flats, and hostels like YHA Southampton. |
π³ Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards accepted widely across the city. |
π Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local agencies offer various short-term rental options. |
ποΈ Budget Accommodation | Affordable lodging at YHA Southampton and local hostels. |
ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | City Centre, near the Westquay Shopping Centre. |
ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Ocean Village, known for its waterfront views and coworking options. |
Working and Networking
π’ Best Coworking Space | The Greenhouse, a modern coworking space with flexible plans. |
β Best Cafe for Work | The Coffee Lab, offering free Wi-Fi and a quiet atmosphere. |
πΌ Networking Events | Southampton Tech Meetups are held regularly in various locations. |
π₯ Social Events for Expats | Southampton Expat Community Facebook group organizes regular meetups. |
Transportation
π Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber and Bolt operate in the area. |
π² Bike/Scooter Rental | Beryl Bikes offers bike-sharing services throughout the city. |
ποΈ Best Beach Nearby | Southampton Common Beach, a 10-minute bike ride. |
βοΈ Top Regional Airline | British Airways operates regional flights from Southampton Airport. |
βοΈ Top International Airline | EasyJet and Ryanair provide international flight options. |
π£οΈ Highway Access | Access to M3 and M27 highways. |
π Main Train/Transit Hub | Southampton Central Station, providing connections to London and other major cities. |
π Public Transport Passes | MyJourney offers day passes and monthly tickets for local buses. |
βοΈ Regional Travel | Trains to nearby cities like Portsmouth and Winchester are frequent. |
Health and Wellness
π₯ Best Hospital | Southampton General Hospital provides comprehensive healthcare services. |
π§ Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Ananda offers various classes for all levels. |
ποΈ Gyms & Fitness Centers | The Gym Group and Anytime Fitness offer affordable membership options. |
π§Ί Laundry Services | Laundrette Southampton is nearby for laundry needs. |
Food and Drink
π± Best Food Delivery App | Deliveroo and Just Eat are popular in Southampton. |
π½οΈ Best Local Dish to Try | Fish and Chips, available at numerous local pubs. |
π± Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Moksha Cafe offers an extensive plant-based menu. |
π« Best Dessert Spots | The Chocolate Artisan serves gourmet chocolates and desserts. |
π Affordable Shopping Spots | East Street Market is a great place for budget food options. |
π E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon UK and local online stores offer a wide range of products. |
π Grocery Delivery | Tesco and Sainsbury's offer online grocery delivery services. |
πΈ Bar/Nightlife Area | The Polygon district has a vibrant nightlife scene. |
π» Local Brewery | Unity Brewing Company offers tours and tasting sessions. |
π· Wine Bars | Vinny's has a great selection of wines and tasting events. |
π² Street Food Stalls | The Southampton Street Food Market operates every weekend. |
π Popular International Cuisine | Turtle Bay offers Caribbean cuisine with a fun atmosphere. |
Culture and Attractions
ποΈ Must-See Landmarks | The Titanic Museum and City Walls are essential visits. |
ποΈ Museums & Art Venues | The City Art Gallery showcases local and national artists. |
π° Historical Sites | The Old Town area with medieval buildings is a must-see. |
π Religious Sites | The 13th-century Gothic-style Holy Rood Church is notable. |
π Annual Events | Southampton Boat Show is held every September. |
π¨ Cultural Districts | Cultural Quarter offers theaters, galleries, and art spaces. |
π Theater Venues | The Mayflower Theatre hosts a variety of performances. |
ποΈ Local Markets | The Bargate Market is ideal for local crafts and foods. |
πΌ Music Scene | The Engine Rooms regularly features local and touring bands. |
π¨ Street Art | Work by local artists can be found around the Cultural Quarter. |
π§βπ³ Cooking Classes | St. Maryβs Bakery offers classes specializing in British baking. |
π©βπ¨ Art Galleries | John Hansard Gallery features contemporary art. |
π°οΈ Historic Buildings | The Tudor House Museum provides insights into local history. |
π΄ Local Heritage | The city has a rich maritime tradition reflected in various sites. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
π Nearby Nature Escapes | The New Forest National Park is accessible by train. |
ποΈ National Parks Nearby | The New Forest National Park offers ample hiking and nature trails. |
π² Cycling/Walking Paths | The Southampton Common has scenic walking and cycling paths. |
π Scenic Viewpoints | The lookout at The Solent offers breathtaking sea views. |
π¦ Birdwatching Locations | The Itchen Valley Country Park is perfect for birdwatching. |
π₯ Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas at the Common are available for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
π¦ Parcel Delivery Service | DPD and Royal Mail offer reliable courier services. |
π οΈ Tech Repair Services | FixIT provides mobile device and computer repair services. |
π Table Tennis Spots | Table tennis tables are available at various community centers. |
π§βπ« Language Classes | The Southampton Language School offers various language courses. |
π Libraries & Study Spots | The Central Library provides quiet study spaces and free Wi-Fi. |
ποΈ Community Centers | The Voluntary Action Southhampton is a hub for community activities. |
πΉοΈ Gaming Lounges | Player 1 Gaming Lounge offers a great space for gamers. |
π° Casino & Gaming Halls | Grosvenor Casino provides gaming and entertainment. |
Business
π’ Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. Β£3,500 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = Β£140,000) |
π’ Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. Β£2,800 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = Β£112,000) |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. Β£3,200 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = Β£192,000) |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. Β£2,500 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = Β£150,000) |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. Β£3,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = Β£240,000) |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. Β£2,300 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = Β£184,000) |
πΌ Corporate Tax | 19% standard corporate tax rate. |
π΅ Dividend Withholding Tax | 0% for offshore companies, 7.5%-38.1% standard tax rate. |
π¦ Tax System | Residence-based taxation for residents. |
π Highest Income Tax Bracket | 45% for income above Β£150,000. |
π§Ύ VAT | 20% standard Value Added Tax rate. |
π Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, UK rules apply. |
π Property Tax | Annual council tax based on property value. |
π Property Transaction Tax | Stamp Duty Land Tax: 0-12% based on property value. |
π» Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No special tax regime, but tax residence based on physical presence. |