London Travel Tips
Customs and visas
Travel health
Money matters
Crime and security
Tourist information
Useful phone numbers
London's public holidays
January 1: New Year's Day
March/April: Good Friday, Easter Monday (dates variable)
May: May Day (first Monday), Spring Bank Holiday (last Monday)
August Summer Bank Holiday (last Monday)
December Christmas Day (25), Boxing Day (26)
London: customs and visas
There are no official restrictions on the movement of goods within the European Union, provided those goods were purchased within the EU, and EU nationals no longer need to exit through a red or green channel. There are no restrictions on the amount of currency you can bring into the country.
However, British Customs have set the following personal-use guide levels for other common items: Tobacco 800 cigarettes, 400 cigarillos, 200 cigars, 1kg tobacco. Alcohol 10 litres spirits, 20 litres fortified wines, 90 litres wine, 110 litres beer.
Those entering from a non-EU state are subject to these limits: Tobacco 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 30 cigars or 250g of tobacco. Alcohol 1 litre of spirits, or 2 litres of fortified or sparkling wine, or 2 litres of table wine (an additional 2 litres of still wine if no spirits are bought). Perfume 60cc perfume, 250cc toilet water.
The following are prohibited entry into the United Kingdom: Animals Under the pets scheme, cats and dogs may now enter Britain from EU countries providing they have the appropriate documentation. All other pets are still placed in quarantine for six months at the owner's expense. For further details, visit the DEFRA website: www.defra.gov.uk
Plants and perishable foods such as meats and meat products, eggs, fruit; some (check with your doctor if you need to bring strong medication on your trip). Firearms and ammunition brought without special arrangement. film or written material. For more information, check H.M. Customs & Excise website: www.hmce.gov.uk
London travel health
If you fall ill and are a national of the European Union, you are entitled to free medical treatment for illnesses arising while in the UK. Many other countries also have reciprocal arrangements for free treatment.
However, most visitors will be liable for medical and dental treatment and should ensure they have adequate health insurance. Emergency treatment, however, is always free, and usually very good. For more details, check the National Health Service website: http://www.nhs.uk/england
Major hospitals include Charing Cross Hospital (Fulham Palace Road, W6, tel: 8846 1234), St Mary's Hospital, Praed Street, W2, tel: 7886 6666, and St Thomas's (Lambeth Palace Road, SE1, tel: 7928 9292).
Emergency dental treatment is available on weekdays 9am-3pm at Guy's Hospital, St Thomas Street, SE1, tel: 7955 4317.
Chemists (pharmacists): Boots is a large chain of pharmacies with numerous branches throughout London that will make up prescriptions. The branch at 75 Queensway, W2 is open until 10pm daily, whilst Bliss Chemist at Marble Arch is open until midnight daily.
Accidents: in the case of an emergency, dial 999.
London money matters
The pound sterling (divided into 100 pence) is the currency, though many large London stores will accept euros. Most banks are open between 9.30am and 4.30pm (or even later) Mon-Fri, with Saturday morning banking common in shopping areas.
Major British banks tend to offer similar exchange rates; it's only worth shopping around if you have large amounts of money to change. Banks charge no commission on sterling traveller's cheques. If a London bank is affiliated to your own bank, it may make no charge for cheques in other currencies either. However, there will be a charge for changing cash into another currency.
Some High Street travel agents, such as Thomas Cook, operate bureaux de change at comparable rates. There are also private bureaux de change (some are open 24 hours) where rates can be very low and commis- sions high. Chequepoint is a reputable chain with branches at Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square, Marble Arch, Bayswater Underground and Victoria mainline station. International credit cards are almost universally accepted. However, a few stores and restaurants do not accept them; check for signs at the entrance.
Tax refunds enable visitors from outside the European Union to reclaim the 17.5% value-added tax when spending over a certain amount. Stores can supply VAT-refund forms which should be presented to Customs when leaving the country.
Budgeting for a visit to London
London is a very expensive city. You'll be lucky to find a conveniently located double room for less than £70 a night and prices soar to well over £300. A decent English breakfast will start at £6 and a Continental breakfast at £3. Expect to pay from £25 to £40 each for a three-course dinner, including a modest wine, at a reasonable restaurant. Most cinema tickets cost from £6 to £2, and a good seat for a West End musical will cost £30-£40. Taxis aren't cheap, especially at night, but neither is the Underground, with a short Tube journey costing £2 (though see details of Special Passes in Getting Around).
Crime and security in London
Serious crime is low for a city of this size, but the Dickensian tradition of pickpocketing is alive and well. Hold on tightly to purses, do not put wallets in back pockets, and do not place handbags or cameras on the floor in busy restaurants.
The threat of terrorism has led to an increase in police patrols, so don't hesitate to report any suspicious packages to the police.
Gangs of professional thieves target the Tube; avoid standing near the doors on crowded trains. Report routine thefts to a police station (address under Police in a telephone directory).
In a genuine emergency, dial 999 from any telephone (no cash required).
Tourist Information
The official London tourist board website is www.vistlondon.com.
Personal enquires can be made at Britain and London Visitor Centre, 1 Regent Street, Piccadilly Circus, SW1Y 4XT. It is open: Mon 9.30am-6.30pm, Tues-Fri 9am-6.30pm, Sat & Sun 10am-4pm (Jun-Oct, Sat 9am-5pm). You can email to BLVCinfo@visitbritain.org, otherwise personal callers only.
Other tourist information centres are located at:
City Information Centre, St. Paul's Churchyard, EC4M 8BX. Tel: +44 (0) 20 7332 1456.
Greenwich TIC, Pepys House, 2 Cutty Sark Gardens, Greenwich SE10 9LW. Tel: +44 (0)870 608 2000. Fax: +44 (0)20 8853 4607. Open: Daily 10am-5pm.
Waterloo International Terminal London Visitor Centre, SE1 7LT (Arrivals Hall). Open daily 8.30am-10.30pm.
Southwark TIC, Vinopolis, 1 Bank End, SE1 9BU. Tel: +44 (0)20 7357 9168.
Useful websites on London
www.visitlondon.com: the official tourist board site, with lots of advice, listings and useful links. www.thisislondon.com: this site, run by the Evening Standard newspaper, has detailed listings of events.
www.london-se1.co.uk: up-to-date coverage of the South Bank and Bankside.
www.24hourmuseum.co.uk: up-to-date information of what UK museums are exhibiting.
www.viewlondon.co.uk: listings and reviews of restaurants all around London, as well as entertainment, events and more.
Emergency - police, fire, ambulance: 999
Operator (for difficulties in getting through): 100
International Operator: 155 Directory Enquiries (UK): 118500 or 118888 or 118811
International Directory Enquiries: 118505 or 118866 or 118899
London Regional Transport 24-hr information: 7222 1234
Rail information for all London stations: 0845-748 49 50.
Accommodation bookings: 7604 2890.