What should I expect to earn as a band 5 nurse in the UK, and how do I compare countries?

Pay depends on the band, the region and any allowances. The NHS publishes its pay scales on its own website, so check those before you plan a budget. Compare any offer with the published scale, not with what a forum member says they earned. For a wider view, the life-abroad page on NurseFlyAbroad compares pay and benefits across countries, shown in the currency you select. Use it for a rough comparison only, and check exact figures with the employer and the official pay scale. Write the figures in one table, and add your costs for registration, exams, moving and the first three months of living costs, so the comparison reflects what you will actually spend. Ask the employer in writing for your band, the pay review date and the allowance list. Keep recruitment fees out of your plan, because a legitimate employer does not ask a nurse for a fee to be hired.