jspear,

Hopefully your transition to the UK has been smooth so far; I made it myself a few years ago, and have found London to be a great place [when I am here!].

As for mileage earning cards - unfortunately, you are limited to Citibank's Visa card, which I used to have. You can earn 1 mile per £1, and I am sure they have some kind of sign-on bonus. I also recall there being some fee - about £30 or so, if I recall correctly.

I also have retained my *wood AmEx and Citibank US cards, and it might be worth doing the same.