London Travel Information, Tips and More
Passport and Visa Requirement
U.S. citizens do not need a visa for tourist or business travel to the United Kingdom for a stay up to 6 months. A valid U.S. Passport is required.
If you are a citizen from any other country we suggest you check the Visa website to see if a visa is needed.
Currency & Credit Card Payments
Not all merchants accept credit cards in Europe so you will want to have some cash. In London the currency is in Pounds (£), in Amsterdam and Paris, it will be Euros (€). Bring a small amount of cash, around 50 or 100 pounds' worth, ideally purchased before your departure to London, since airport exchange rates are notoriously bad. You will, however, get a better exchange rate if you withdraw money from an ATM using a debit card.
You can exchange US Dollars at banks and exchange offices, but most if not all banks will be closed on weekends and holidays. It's easiest and usually cheapest to just use your ATM card at automated machines. Check with your bank first to see what kind of fees (if any) you will incur and ask for ways to avoid them (like using an affiliated bank's machine). Also be sure to let your bank know that you will be traveling abroad.
Language
It is Received Pronunciation, or RP, also sometimes called BBC English, or Queen's English, and it is the Standard British accent. ... The first is the cockney accent, which originated in East London, a predominantly working class area – but in fact it is widely spoken all over London and the south east of England.
Water
The short answer is yes—all mains tap water in the UK and Ireland is safe. This will come as a relief to those traveling on a budget, since bottled water is charged at a premium, especially in London. Filling up your water bottle from the tap is an easy way to cut costs.
Time
Time zone in London, UK is (GMT+1). London, UK is 5 hours ahead of New York, NY, USA.
Electric Plugs
In London the associated plug type is G, which is the plug that three rectangular pins in a triangular pattern. United Kingdom operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz.
You can purchase one on Amazon here - Travel Converter
Weather
Modern London has the equable climate of South East England, with mild winters and temperate summers. The average daytime air temperature is 52 °F (11 °C), with 42 °F (5.5 °C) in January and 65 °F (18 °C) in July. Statistics show that the sun shines, however briefly, on five days out of six.
What to Pack for Your London Vacation
London Packing Checklist
Clothing
Shirts / t-shirts
Sweater / fleece for layering
Jeans / Pants
Underwear / socks
Shoes (bring a pair that is versatile so you can travel with just one or at most two pairs)
Swimwear (if needed, such as hotel has pool for instance)
More formal wear (if needed, such as planned fine dining or theatre experience)
Clothes (Cold Weather additional items)
Warm winter Coat
Gloves
Hat
Scarf
Additional Sweaters/ Fleece
Clothing (Warm Weather additional items)
Short sleeve t-shirts / tank tops
Spring/Summer skirts/dresses
Capris / Shorts
Light jacket / sweater
Sandals
Sunglasses / hat
Reusable water bottle
Toiletries
Toothpaste / toothbrush
Deodorant/Fragrance
Moisturiser
Chapstick
Makeup
Sunscreen
Medications
Hygiene Products
Other __________________
Photography Gear
Camera
Tripod / selfie-stick
Memory cards
Spare batteries
Camera accessories
Electronics
Smartphone
Headphones
Travel adaptor
Extension lead
Laptop / tablet / e-reader
Cables
Other __________________
Luggage
Checked bag
Carry-on bag
Miscellaneous
Passport
Visa / proof of onward travel etc (if required)
Travel towel (backpackers only)
Jewelery / watch
Travel journal / reading materials
Cards / games
Travel umbrella or poncho
Other ___________________
Important Local Customs
British people will shake hands on greeting old friends or acquaintances; female friends may greet each other with a kiss on the cheek. In Britain, you can never say please, thank you, or sorry too often; to thank your host, a phone call or thank-you card does nicely
Shopping
Great Souvenirs to Buy in London
1. Tea - The English love their tea and there is nothing better than Tea to buy from London. Whittard and Twinings and Fortnum & Mason are two of the best brands. The best part is it’s easy to pack and carry.
2. An Oyster Card - An Oyster Card is quirky and exciting at the same time. It’s a great souvenir as they are only made in London and are being used more widely as time passes.
3. A Hat From Lock & Co. - This one is the oldest hat shop in the world and yes, history is involved. It is believed that Mad Hatter’s character was inspired by Lock & Co’s manager!
4. Harry Potter Merchandise - Potter fans, rejoice! If you wish to be taken through barriers to Hogwarts Express then head to the 9 3/4 and pick up Potter Merchandise.
5. London Gin - Well, if you are then here is a fact Londoners love their gin and there’s no better souvenir you would get.
6. Perfumes & Colognes - If you want to have the most exotic London shopping experience then take home perfumes and colognes as souvenirs.
7. Paddington Bear - If you are looking for cute gifts as take home from your London shopping experience then Paddington Bear is what you should get! The tales of Paddington Bear are iconic.
8. Teapot And Cups - As we said already, English love their tea and so do they love their cutlery, especially their teapot and cups and that is why you should get teapot and cups from London!
9. Art And Craft - This may not be the usual stuff but it is worth it! You can pick up an artwork while you are indulged in London shopping and admire it when you get back.
10. A House Of Commons Notebook - The Houses of Parliament shop sells items with the Government stamp!! If that’s not exciting, we don’t know what is and a super cool souvenir to take back from London.
Local Foods
The 10 Must Try Foods in London
1. English Breakfast
2. Fish & Chips
3. Pies
4. Sunday Roast
5. Chicken Tikka Masala
6. Roast Duck
7. Afternoon Tea
8. Gin & Tonic
9. Craft Beer
10. Vegan Cake
Don’t Leave Home without your Passport!