First Shopping List for Indians Arriving in the UK
Moving to the UK is exciting! To make your first few weeks smoother, here’s a checklist of essential items many students, professionals, and families find they need soon after arriving.
On this page
Packing Checklist: What to Bring From India
Pack in your hand luggage
- Passport and your visa or eVisa details
- University CAS or job offer letter
- Original degree certificates and transcripts
- TB test certificate (if you needed one for your visa)
- Prescription medicines with a copy of the prescription
- Some pounds in cash or a forex card for your first days
Worth bringing from home
- Traditional outfits for Diwali, weddings and festivals
- Favourite masalas and spices in sealed, labelled packets
- A small pressure cooker if you cook Indian food every day
- Passport-size photos for university and other forms
- Everyday medicines you rely on, like pain relief and antacids
Easier to buy in the UK
- Duvet, pillows and bedding in UK sizes
- A proper winter coat suited to UK weather
- UK plug adapters and extension leads
- A UK SIM card
- Kitchen basics and toiletries from supermarkets and discount stores
What you can't bring
You cannot bring meat, milk or dairy products — including ghee, paneer and milk sweets — from India into the UK. Fresh fruit, vegetables, plants and seeds are also restricted. Check the rules on GOV.UK before you pack.
Frequently Asked Questions
Mostly, yes, but you will always need a Type G plug adapter. The UK runs on 230V/50Hz, which is very similar to India's 220V/50Hz, so most modern electronics like chargers for phones and laptops will work fine with just an adapter. However, for high-power appliances like a mixer-grinder or hair dryer, it's safer and better to buy a UK-specific version to avoid overheating or damage.
Yes, the tap water across the UK is among the safest in the world and is perfectly fine to drink. However, it is often 'hard' water, meaning it has a high mineral content. This can affect the taste and cause limescale buildup in kettles. Many people use a water filter jug, like a Brita, to soften the water.
You need a TV Licence if you watch or record live TV on any channel (e.g., via Sky, Virgin, Freeview) or if you watch or stream content on BBC iPlayer. You do not need one just to own a TV or to watch streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, or YouTube.
Most large supermarkets (like Tesco, Sainsbury's, Asda) have a 'World Foods' aisle with a good selection of basic spices, lentils, and pastes. For a wider, more authentic range, you'll want to find a local South Asian or Indian grocery store. In larger cities like London, Birmingham, and Manchester, areas like Southall, Wembley, or the 'Curry Mile' have many dedicated stores.