UK Border Patrol TV Show

Since I don't have any other sort of ID here I carry mine. As I've said, not the best thing but its all I've got. And it's been drilled into my head so much in the States that you ALWAYS carry some sort of ID with you at ALL times.

Seriously, I'd get out of that habit fast.

I was once mugged in Milan on the way from teh airport to our hotel, and it was an utter PITA to get my passport replaced.  It also had my visa in it to live in France, so I had to get that re-issued.  I wound up having to stay in Milan extra days.

And it's been drilled into my head so much in the States that you ALWAYS carry some sort of ID with you at ALL times.

I know what you mean, but many people here (especially if they don't drive) don't carry ID with them at all times- it's just not ubiquitous the way it is in the US, mostly because it's not necessary (even at the bank, I'm only ever asked for my ID when I'm doing something out of the ordinary like withdrawing or transferring hundreds of £££ at once.)

I keep my passport at home in a drawer, but I really need to invest in a fireproof box.

Since I don't have any other sort of ID here I carry mine. As I've said, not the best thing but its all I've got. And it's been drilled into my head so much in the States that you ALWAYS carry some sort of ID with you at ALL times.

You could get a provisional driving license.  They're not cheap (£50) but are easy to obtain and losing your passport would be a lot more expensive, in the long run. 

I keep my passport at home in a drawer, but I really need to invest in a fireproof box.

I got one in Argos when I first got here.

Well worth it, IMO.

I know from first-hand experience that losing or having your passport stolen really sucks, especially if your other ID is stolen along with it or it's in another country or place faraway at the time.

Amy got me addicted to this show and now DF and I watch it all the time and then Amy and I gossip about it lol. I love it I can't help it. It did however show me that I am DAMN lucky to have gotten in when I came in November. I was asked 4 jillion questions too and I'm certain that ONE THING I said got me in here. Otherwise my butt woulda been sitting in that little room they take people to.

Perhaps I shouldn't, but I have security in knowing I have my visa and I'm allowed to be here. I used to carry my passport everywhere I went but after reading this thread I stuck it in my dresser. I should go buy a fireproof box for all our VIP docs. How much do these cost usually?

I have no ID.  No drivers licence, no photo ID other than my passport, which is in a drawer somewhere.  There is no obligation to carry ID with you, and I only ever really need it when flying.

Vicky

Amy got me addicted to this show and now DF and I watch it all the time and then Amy and I gossip about it lol. I love it I can't help it.

Hee hee. But we save the best gossip for the trainwreck known as Katie & Peter Stateside. 

Hee hee. But we save the best gossip for the trainwreck known as Katie & Peter Stateside. 

Yes and our own dramz

When I first moved here, I felt odd not having ID with me all the time, but I've gotten used to it by now.

I remember living in New York I had to show ID and have my bag searched when I went to the library.

Has anyone flown into the Uk lately? I flew into Stanstead yesterday, after a trip to Sweden. I have never seen so many UKBA posters in my life! Every 2 feet there was a poster warning that it was an imprisonable offense to enter the UK illegally, stating that Uk borders were strict and to expect a wait while documents were "thoroughly checked", there was even a poster about claiming asylum which stated that if the claimant failed the Uk had no responsibility to provide them with any support...

It really was overkill, and I was getting a bit nervous, I have cleared passport control dozens of time in the past 6 years, but I have never seen so many UKBA warnings. Luckly I was travelling with my wife (She's a BC) so we went through passport control together, as I have a spousal visa a the mo, and all was fine. But I would have been sh*tting myself if I was an illegal immigrant or had been breaching the conditions of my visa.

. But I would have been sh*tting myself if I was an illegal immigrant or had been breaching the conditions of my visa.

Isn't that the point? 

I got one in Argos when I first got here.

I just looked on the Argos website, and didn't find anything like that.  Do you know if it is specifically called a "fireproof box" or if there's another name?

I just looked on the Argos website, and didn't find anything like that.  Do you know if it is specifically called a "fireproof box" or if there's another name?

I had one in the US, its called a fire safe.

I had one in the US, its called a fire safe.

Ah, excellent, I found it.  Thanks!

Ah, excellent, I found it.  Thanks!

You are most welcome.