Source your medical records
It's always a good idea to bring any medical records or important prescription details with you when you travel, especially if you have an ongoing medical condition. Simply ask your doctor, who'll be happy to help. Once you arrive you'll be able to register with a doctor on the NHS.
Put together a CV and get letters from references
Letters from outside references can help hugely when looking for accommodation in London to live or opening a UK bank account.
Appoint a power of attorney
Before you leave, you should appoint a power of attorney - in a nutshell, someone authorised to act on your behalf if you're unable to do so for whatever reason.
A power of attorney can be anybody: it's unrelated to the American meaning of the word 'attorney' (meaning solicitor). Appointing a power of attorney is usually pretty simple, but the exact process varies by country (and, in some cases, by jurisdiction within each country).
Make a will
Yikes, sounds scary but all we're saying is that you should leave some kind of plans for your worldly goods just in case the worst should happen while you're away.
Happily (yeah, OK, this might not be quite the right word, but stick with us), making a will is a relatively straightforward procedure. Do-it-yourself will kits are available in Australia and New Zealand, and are suitable for most individuals without a large or complicated amount of possessions.
The kits will lead you through the process quite comfortably, and should save on legal fees. However, if you're at all unsure how to proceed, contact a lawyer: it might not cost as much as you expect.
Things are marginally more complicated in South Africa, but the process still shouldn't be too tricky.
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