Moving to Glasgow – Unusual Weird Facts Americans Should Know Before Becoming Glaswegians

Before Relocating to Glasgow From USA, Learn a Few Not-so-Interesting but Informative Facts

Before moving to Scotland and embracing everything the county has to offer, there are a few things every future Glaswegian should know. All of these “boring” facts will make living overseas and adjusting to a new environment easier and faster. That’s why before you pack up the bags, it is essential to know that:

• You’ll be relocating to the United Kingdom, where Glasgow is located. Well, technically, it is located in Scotland, a part of the UK,
• Glasgow’s nickname is The Dear Green Place,
• There won’t be a need to break the language barrier, because mostly everybody speaks English,
• You can stay in the country for six months without a visa. If you want to stay longer, contact the British Embassy and learn more about the documents needed when moving abroad,
• The official currency is the British Pound or GB,
• You’ll have to get used to the metric system.

Local Slang Might Leave You Confused When Moving Overseas

Let’s face it, you might not be learning a new language abroad. However, even if Glaswegians are all speaking English, some completely unique slang phrases might leave you utterly confused. It is almost like a secret language only locals know.

For example, New Yorkers have “crusty” to describe disgust while Glaswegians use “boggin’.” Pick up the phrases like – bolt ya rocket (if you want to tell somebody to go away) or gallus (to compliment a stylish person,) and nobody will know you are not local.

If you want to learn more slang phrases, check out the video below.

You’ll Bump Into More Expats Than You Would Expect

There are Americans in every corner of the world. That means that no matter where you go, you’ll find some sort of expat community ready to help you adjust. Luckily, you set your heart on becoming Glaswegian which puts you in a very diverse environment. According to National Records Of Scotland, the highest proportion of non-British residents are in Aberdeen, Edinburgh, and Glasgow.

When Living in Glasgow, Finding Expat-Friendly Neighbourhoods Will Be Piece of Cake

At the beginning of the relocation process, finding a new home is one of the most important things. While the overseas shipping company handles all the grunt work related to your belongings, you can check out neighborhoods in Glasgow and find the one that suits you best. Since you are relocating to an unfamiliar location, maybe you should start the search for a new home in one of the best neighborhoods in the city:

• Bearsden is all about amazing homes and quality schools,
• Hillhead is buzzing with art galleries, shops, and trendy places,
• Scotstoun offers a variety of post-war residences and Victorian-style buildings.

You Might Unintentionally Break a Few Laws While Living in Scotland

When you figure out how to move overseas, you should also learn how to stay on the right side of the law. Even though you might consider yourself to be a goody-two-shoes, when moving internationally, rules and regulations change. So, you might find yourself singing on the train without realizing it is illegal in Scotland.

Also, if you are relocating with your children, know that it is illegal to allow a boy that is under the age of ten to see a naked mannequin. Another ridiculous thing that can get you in hot water is firing a cannon within 300 yards of a residence. That’s why, when you are considering what to pack when relocating, maybe leave heavy artillery behind. If you want to annoy new neighbors, just play some music really loudly.

When Moving to Glasgow You Will Play Hide and Seek With Bars

Looking for one of the best places to live abroad that offers plenty of exciting and unique pubs, bars, and drinking joints? Look no further. The Dear Green Place takes bar hopping and binge drinking on a completely new level. From quirky cocktail spots to basement-located pubs, there is something for everyone. You just have to know where to look.

To help you with a search, we made a shortlist of some of the best secret joints around the city that every Glaswegian must visit at least once:

• The Flying Duck is a basement nightclub with an unmarked entrance that only “cool kids” can get you in.
• Chinaskis pays tribute to Charles Bukowski. Green leather and dark woods give it a romantic vibe, but American food can help cure any nostalgic feelings you might have.
• Speakeasy will help you travel back in time. Hidden doors and prohibition-era decor, big red booths, and an admirable bourbon collection make it one of the local favorites.

Embracing Spookiness Is a Rite of Passage When Living in Glasgow

Horror movie enthusiasts, people that like spooky, dark things, as well as brave and curious ones, will have plenty of grim and creepy areas to explore in Glasgow. Start with Necropolis, a Victorian cemetery, and learn about vampires and children that haunt them. Also, stop by Glencoe and hear different stories about a gruesome massacre that happened in 1692.

If you are not convinced enough that there are some really scary areas around the city, check out the video below and learn about the ghosts of Glasgow’s Citizens Theatre.

There Are So Many Fun Things to Do That Won’t Cost You a Thing

Yes, shipping overseas everything you own knocked a lot of money out of your pocket. But that doesn’t mean that you should spend your first weeks being a Glaswegian hunched over your wallet like Quasimodo. There are so many things you can do and see that don’t require money.

For starters, most major museums and galleries are free for everybody. Meaning you can stop by Kelvingrove Art Gallery, spend the day in Botanic Garden or learn about transport in Riverside Museum.

You can also spend a day in the park. After all, there are 90 of them in the city. From Linn Park (not to be confused with Linkin Park, that’s a band) to Cuningar Loop, you can walk, run or just bask in the sun whenever you want. And it won’t cost you a thing.

International Moving to Glasgow From the USA Will Be Once in a Lifetime Type of Adventure

When it’s all said and done, you’ll know that the most populous city in Scotland is a uniquely weird, interesting, and exciting place to settle in. That’s why you shouldn’t hesitate one bit when it comes to moving overseas.

Pick up the phone, hire an international moving company that offers packing services as well as moving ones, and relocate ASAP. While a professional overseas moving company takes care of shipping your car and other belongings, brush up the slang and prepare for the adventure that is life as a Glaswegian.

If you want a stress-free and smooth relocation to one of the most interesting cities in Europe, you should give My International Movers a call. Our team is experienced in helping people move to and from Glasgow, and we’ll make your relocation an adventure to remember.