This is according to UK banking laws and allowances.As an alternative to paying bills via direct debit, you can use your KFCU Checking account to payBritish bills automatically each month instead of the company taking money out of your account.Please remember, if you choose this method, you will get the DFAS exchange rate. The appearance of hyperlinks does not constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense of non-U.S. Government sites or the information, products, or services contained therein. Incoming personnel should be in contact with their sponsor for the latest COVID-19 travel guidance. One significant drawback to using a bankoff-base is that it is not possible to setup direct transfer deposit from your US bank. Drivers must also have the Motorcycle Safety Foundation's (MSF) course (ERC/Experienced Rider Course or BRC/Basic Rider Course) or equivalent training. If you plan on using your advance pay option, be aware that this amount with automatically be deducted from you pay, reducing your monthly income. Main Menu. There is a mandatory newcomers orientation for all Active Duty, Reservists and civilian employees offered twice a month on Thursdays. However, in this circumstance, the government will only fund the shipping of one of the two vehicles. In order to place a call using DSN, the caller must be using a military phone on an installation. Most banks, likeUSAA, will not allow more cash to be withdrawn in this transaction, but if you take all the moneyout of a regular account you use, you may incur overdraft and other fees as other bills hit thedepleted account, so pay attention.KFCU offers Shared Branching through the CO-OP Shared Branching Program, which allows accountholders to transfer funds from a credit union in the states to your new KFCU account. The term vehicle generally includes automobiles, motorcycles, vans, trailers and boats regularly parked or garaged overnight. To avoid high quarterly bills, ask your utility companies to bill you monthly, making your budget easier to manage. Many DoD installations have multiple gates, and not all gates have a Visitor Control Center. Drive this slip road about 2 Driving this slip road about 2 1/2miles, once past Little Stukeley there will be a brown sign saying RAF Alconbury, make a right turn, this is the entrance to RAF Alconbury where Lodging is located. Banking in the UK Things to ConsiderWhile in the UK, you most likely will have to purchase British Pound Sterling on a regular basisso setting up a British Pounds/Sterling account is highly recommended especially if you plan onliving on the economy.Banking in the UK can be somewhat challenging, so youll need to exercise patience due to theamount of time it will take to open an account, transfer funds to your account, and use youraccount for needed payments. Pet travel is the responsibility of the military member. This is especially helpful when traveling with family members. This doescause issues with making your first rental and/or utility payment (see below). It is essential that you discuss with your outprocessing Commander's Support Staff (CSS) the UK visa and passport requirements for entering the United Kingdom. You are about to leave the Military INSTALLATIONS site. Exit for B1043 to RAF Alconbury/The Stuckleys. Resources for AFRICOM personnel assigned to RAF Molesworth, U.K. Office of Security Cooperation in-processing, Sexual Harassment/Assault Response Prevention, FOIA (Freedom of Information Act Requests). There is a fee. For all others, you may opt to use the rotator, or use commercial aircraft arriving at one of a few airports. When your road tax comes up for renewal you will need to come through Pass and Registration and this process takes around 10-14 days. If you arrive commercially and have not pre-arranged transportation (See Below). Thisis a very easy way to get cash in hand quickly if you have a KFCU account. By Appointment Only: Passport Appointment SchedulerTourist PassportsUnfortunately, we are unable to provide tourist passports here at RAF Alconbury or RAFMolesworth. Take the Piccadilly tube line (underground subway) to Kings Cross rail station. RAF Mildenhall, Suffolk, will also close as a USAFE base after 2020. Three major command branch sites are located on base: the Joint Intelligence Operations Europe Analytic Center of US European Command, the . You are not given this optionwhen using an off-base ATM which only provides Sterling. Check out the information below to see whats available at your installation. You are also encouraged to obtain fee passports (tourist) because the no-fee passports will not allow entry into some European countries. Department of Defense civilians do not receive COLA, nor will they receive "locality pay" as they do stateside; however, after moving into a home in the U.K., they will begin receiving "post allowance" (in addition to living quarters allowance), which is the overseas equivalent to locality pay. The USAA International Auto Insurance number is (Toll Free) 1-800-531-8722 / 0800 28 9192 (local). Keeping it 100 before, upon & after your arrival. Members are only allowed to drive their imported vehicles in Suffolk County, with plate(s), for 30 days prior to the completion of the full U.K. registration. Community Bank is also on RAF Lakenheath and RAF Mildenhall. You can also bringUSD into the banking institutions on base to exchange to Sterling, but you will pay the DFASexchange rate, not the international exchange rate. You will need to planfor anywhere from 24-48 hours for the transfers to show up in your UK accounts for use. It was announced in January 2015 by the US Department of Defense that RAF Molesworth will close as a USAFE base in 2022. An event is held at RAF Molesworth in the U.K. for World War II veterans on May 27, 2014. If you require a rental vehicle due to a missed delivery date, members may make a request for a direct bill rental vehicle arranged by IAL to be considered on a case-by-case basis dependent on the individual need of the service member. ***Food Truck Schedule Change - Friday, 23 Apr*** Due to a scheduling issue, Friday's food truck originally scheduled for RAF Alconbury will be relocated to RAF Molesworth at the main car park. Please note any damages to your POV while still at the port, on form DD788 during inspection and take to the legal office-claims section. Another benefit to using a bank off-base is you canrequest overdraft protection which is based on income. There are no exceptions to this policy. Motorcycles count as a vehicle for the household. There is a Bureau of Change at the airport. A nice property willnot remain available long, so its important to be aware of the banking challenges and to planahead. The first American unit at Alconbury was the 93d Bombardment Group and its B-24 Liberators. Money can be exchanged from dollars to pounds (or vice versa) at nearly any bank or credit union. An imported vehicle can be one that is shipped to the UK from another country or one that is driven into the UK by the owner. If this is the case, both the seller and the buyer must visit the seller's Pass and Registration together to make the transfer. These cookies do not store any personal information. This is a required step to acquire your car from customs. Before USAFE motorcyclists can operate a motorcycle or moped, they must meet the following requirements: In USAFE you must complete this training or re-training every three years. Vehicles three years or older must have a Ministry of Transport (MOT) certificate completed. You must meet both of these requirements if you want to operate any vehicle in this country; this includes government vehicles. One secure method is to bring the cash into the Community Bank and deposit it into yourSterling Account, then have the bank give you a cashiers check (they will charge a fee for this) this way, you arent carrying so much hard currency around.Most landlords will require the first months rent and a security deposit equal to one monthsrent. There are circumstances where a member could have a record and will not have passed the newcomers test, but these are very few and far between. 423d SFS. If you need financial information specific to how to handle your British finances prior to arrival, e-mail the relocation section. Based on the U.S. or U.K. currency exchange, this expense can easily cost $200 to $400. The headlights in the UK are angled differently than in the States because of driving on the other side of the road. Please note, it is NOT possible to open a British Sterling accountbefore you arrive since the UK law requires that you be physically present. To pass the MOT inspection it willmost likely be necessary to have some modifications to your American vehicle to meet the UK requirements. Many banks charge international fees, which will add up over the course of 2-3 years.Additionally, VISA debit cards, do not work at many ATMs in the UK, nor do debit cards work atlocal establishments like you are used to in the US.Also keep in mind that some ATMs in the UK will ask you if you want to convert your dollars intopounds using their exchange rate listed on the screen or continue without the conversion. The pound is divided into 100 pence. The U.S. European Command Joint Analysis Center (JAC) began operations at RAF Molesworth in October 1991, and the 423d Air Base Squadron activated in July 1995. Off base accidents must also be reported as soon as possible. Follow the above directions but when you exit from the A-14, you will actually stay in the lane marked A-141 Huntingdon (far right-hand lane of exit which is the right exit 3/4 of the way around the roundabout). Military members accompanied by dependents on their tour will not be permitted to out-process without having the required passports/visa in hand for their dependents. If you need assistance or advice on your finances after you arrive, visit the RAF Alconbury PFMP counselor. Anyone you want on theaccount must be physically present with his or her military/dependent ID Card.If you desire to use your debit card from the institution on the economy, we advise you to provideyour UK address to your account so as to avoid potential problems in using the debit card. There is a local Geico office located on RAF Lakenheath and also a local USAA insurance branch located in London. Keep in mind, most statesidebanks limit the amount you can withdrawal in one day and will likely charge ATM withdrawal fees andor commissions. Ability to research your pay and benefits. An ATM withdrawal issubject to ATM fees, but there are ATMs in the UK that offer free withdrawals. Under current legislation, each military member can import a single concession/tax-free vehicle, the shipping of which is paid for by the US Government. After you arrive, contact the VAT office for information on how to make tax-free purchases on certain items that cost more than 100 sterling. While on the subject of traffic, gasoline off base is nearly two and three times more expensive than gas purchased on the base depending on the exchange rate. You will not be authorized to register your motorcycle nor ride it in the UK if your card is more than three years old. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. RAF Alconbury Child Development Center provides services for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years of age. Upon arrival of your POV your plates will be put back on your car until your vehicle is fully registered in the U.K System and the British license plates can be made. When you use your Community Bank debit card to make a purchasein Sterling off base, the money is deducted from your dollar account at the DFAS rate set for theCommunity Bank. Both Course II and the drivers examination are required to receive the 3rd Air Force driving/fuel permit license. The MOT certificate is good for 12 months and then must be retested. Cell Phones -- It is a specific offense to use a hand-held phone, or similar device, when operating a motor vehicle. This includes the entire UK (even on military installations). Vehicles imported into the country must be registered with the British authorities through the Pass and Registration office within 72 hours of being driven into the U.K or after being picked up from the port. Email UDG_100SFS_Pass.Registration@us.af.mil. For more detailed history of the bases, visit 501 CSWhomepage. You are highly encouraged to attend one of the MSF safety courses offered at your stateside location prior to PCSing here to avoid any unnecessary delays in licensing. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website.