Top ten things to make your London vacation one to remember
1 - Be sure to order money about 2 weeks prior to departure. Most banks have the option to order currency exchange on their app or by calling your local branch. The UK uses pounds and pence, not dollars and cents! English people tend to use the colloquial “quid” in place of pounds. So, if they say, “it’s five quid,” they mean five pounds. You can use all major credit cards, but the most common will be VISA and Mastercard. Some places will accept American Express, but have a backup to be safe - AMEX is not as widely accepted in Europe. If you are also traveling to another country before or after visiting the United Kingdom, remember to order the appropriate currency (France, Italy, and Greece, and most of Ireland all use the Euro but Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales all accept the same as England - the Pound Sterling.)
2 - Tipping in London is less customary than in the US. Although considered a mandate back at home, tipping in London is not really a requirement when you’re dining at restaurants. The service charge which is otherwise provided in tips is usually included in the cost of your bill in London, so don’t sweat it by trying to tip big money at restaurants! However, if you do feel like appreciating the service, a couple of pounds can be a nice gesture.
3 - Sometimes walking is just faster than the Tube. London is widely connected by the Tube, and while it seems like the best option to travel around, there are places that are accessed quicker by foot. For instance, Leicester Square to Covent Garden is located in the same vicinity and can be easily reached by a brisk 2 to 3-minute walk.
4 - Carry a type-G plug or a universal travel adapter. London, unlike the US, uses a type-G plug which requires a different type of pin. It is essential to carry a type-G converter for you to successfully charge your electronics of any sort. Make sure you buy one from your respective country, as it may become expensive to hunt for one in London. Again, if you will be traveling to other countries during your travels, be sure to find one that works in all locations you will be visiting.
5- Avoid Being Pick Pocketed. “3 Card Monte (aka Find the Queen, Ball, and Cups etc) has become a popular scam in London. You’ll often see tables set up on Westminster Bridge where you’ll see what appear to be tourists winning and losing money by guessing which cup the ball is under or picking which position the queen has moved to. Now the trick itself is usually sleight of hand but the real scam is that there will be several plants in the audience acting as pickpockets. You are just as likely to lose money watching one of these games as you are playing one. Just keep walking.” Also, refuse flowers! Anyone offering you flowers, or ‘Lucky heather’ will 100% ask for a ‘small donation’ for their gift. Just politely refuse to take whatever they are offering and move on.
6- Don’t Forget to Look Right! You probably already know that the Brits drive on the opposite side of the street from Americans but it is easy to forget when crossing the street as a pedestrian.
7 - London airports are very strict! Even if you have flown to countless airports around the world without issue, know that airports in London are the strictest airports when it comes to security. If you are planning to fly out of London, make sure you pack toiletry into small Ziploc bags and take it out from your luggage. London airport security actually takes this very seriously. If they find any liquids (even makeup like gel eyeliners) in your carry-on luggage that are not in the Ziploc bag, they will open your carry-on and check items one by one.
8 - There is more than just Oxford Street! Most people think of Oxford Street as London’s prime shopping district, but the city is full of hidden gems. Head to Shoreditch to poke around quirky gift shops, hunt for treasure at the Brick Lane Vintage Market, and shop for the trendiest streetwear. While you’ll find the usual designer brands at Coal Drop Yards, this relatively new hotspot is known for featuring indie labels and up-and-coming designers. This shopping mall is situated in a Victorian brick warehouse by Regent’s Canal, so you can even enjoy some food by the waterside.
9 - Buy an Oyster card. It's easy to use a Visitor Oyster card, Oyster card, or contactless payment card on London's transport network. Simply touch your card on the yellow card reader at the gates when you start and end your journey. Touching in and out will ensure you pay the correct fare. If you don't, you may get charged a penalty fare. If you need help, ask the station staff. You only need to touch the yellow card reader at the start of your journey on buses and trams. You do not need to touch out. Day Travelcards are paper tickets that can be used at the gates of Tube, DLR, London Overground, Elizabeth line, and National Rail stations, or shown to the driver on buses and tram services. Travelcards are not valid on river bus services, but Uber Boat by Thames Clippers and most river tour companies offer a 1/3 discount when you show a valid Travelcard.
10 - Know the lingo! What are some British words that mean something different in the U.S.?
To avoid confusion, check out our quick checklist:
Coach means bus
Trolley means shopping cart
Chips mean French fries, but crisps mean potato chips
Lift means elevator
Biscuit means cookie
Boot means the trunk of a car and bonnet means the hood
Flat means apartment
Chemist means pharmacy
Mate means friend
What are some British words I should know?
Some British terms don’t get used at all in the states. Here are a few that may help during your travels:
Underground is the subway (also called the Tube)
Rubbish is garbage
Dustbin is a trash can
High street is main street
Knackered is tired
Chuffed means pleased
Ta and cheers both mean thank you
Happy travels!