Banks in London: Banking and Currency Exchange
British currency normally referred to as sterling, comprises of two monetary units, the penny and the pound. You may hear the pound called the "quid", this comes from the Latin expression "quid pro quo" meaning one thing for another, leading back to the Roman occupation of Britain.
Although most of the major US banks have branches in London, many do not offer "retail" or personal banking services to expatriates. Contact your London Branch to see if they will provide chequing and savings account services and importantly "plastic" that is compatible with the UK network of ATM's and accepted in most shops.
It is generally a good idea to open an account with a UK bank. The four largest UK banks are Barclays Bank, Lloyds TSB Bank, HSBC Bank and National Westminster Bank. They have numerous High Street branches throughout the UK. You will need to take your passport for confirmation of your identity and references may be required.
Money can be changed for a fee, in most High Street Banks, the usual working hours are 9.30am to 3.30pm. "Bureaux de Changes" can also be found in main high streets.
Post Offices in London: Postage and Payments
The Post Office is a government agency which provides a wider range of functions than its overseas counterparts. The full range of services is featured in the "Postal Address Book" which you can obtain from any post office.
First Class postage stamps cost 27p. First class post will usually arrive the next business day within the UK. Second class takes about 3 working days.
Payments can be made at Counter Services within the post office by cash or cheque. These include: Household bills that are part of the National Giro Service Accounts System (gas, electricity etc) National Savings transactions, TV licence, tax discs for cars.
Most post office counters are open Monday to Friday from 9.00 to 17.30 and on Saturday from 9.00 to 12.00. Local post office opening hours vary.
Public Call Boxes
Public telephones are generally available in larger shops, pubs and along the street, they have facilities to make calls, send text messages and emails. Call boxes generally take 10p, 20p, 50p and £1 coins and/or phonecards. Not all pay phones accept incoming calls so make sure you check before asking someone to call you back. Phonecards are sold in most newsagents and Post Offices. Phonecards come in £2, £4 and £10 denominations.
British Telecom (BT)
To obtain a new telephone service contact BT sales by dialling 150 for residential or 152 for business service. There will be a connection charge to activate an existing line and a charge of around £100 to install a new line. If you would rather that your telephone number does not appear in phone books you must request "ex-directory". BT offer additional services including voice mail, call waiting and caller ID.
Telephone charges are based on metered units. This unit charge varies according to the time the call is made for local, national and international calls.
Daytime rate: Monday to Friday 8.00 - 18.00
Cheap rate: Monday to Friday 18.00 - 8.00; All weekend
Telephone bills will be issued on a quarterly basis unless
you specify otherwise.
www.bt.com
Mobile Telephones
Commonly referred to as "mobiles" mobile telephones are very popular in Britain. The service tends to be less expensive here than in the US; user are not charged for incoming national calls.
A mobile can be bought on the High Street, popular shops include The Carphone Warehouse, The Link and Vodafone.
The stores will be able to provide you with details on
the various service options available. Common providers
include Vodafone, O2, Orange and T-Mobile. Most of these
companies offer service that will work throughout Continental
Europe. If you need coverage in the US please check before
buying your phone and committing to a service provider.
www.vodafone.co.uk
If you are not able to commit to a 12 month contract your best option may be to buy a "Pay-as-you-go" mobile, most service providers have these phones available, you do not pay line rental but simply pay for calls by buying "Top-up" cards or by credit card. There are also companies specialising in mobile phone hire.
Travel and Transport in London
The best way to get to know London is by foot. An A-Z map can be purchased in most newsagents and bookshops on the high street.
For faster travel take a bus or the underground (the tube). A "travel card" can be bought weekly, monthly, quarterly etc at newsagents displaying a red "Pass Agent" sign and at underground ticket booths. A one-day travel card is available after 9.30 weekdays and all day Saturday and Sunday (not valid on night buses). The underground, buses and trains do not operate on Christmas Day.
The London Underground
The tube operates from 05.30 until approximately 00.30
on weekdays, with reduced schedules on Sundays and holidays.
Peak times (the "Rush Hour") are from 08.00 to
09.30 and 16.30 to 18.30 weekdays.
www.thetube.com
London Buses
Buses are less expensive than the underground but can be slower in heavy traffic. Most areas are serviced by night buses. Some bus stops are request stops, indicating that you need to signal the driver when you want him/her to stop the bus (by pressing the button, therefore sounding the bell).
London Trains
The major cities in Britain are linked by modern, high speed trains. There are also commuter lines between towns and outlying areas. The mainline stations in London provide rail links to the rest of the country, and to Europe via the channel ports and Eurostar.
London Taxis
The familiar black London cab, now often in many other colours, is the most expensive but often the most convenient form of transportation. Taxis are controlled strictly by law and all areas within London are regulated by meters. It is customary to tip up to 10%.
London also has "mini-cabs" these are unlicensed and cannot be hailed in the street. You must confirm a price before as they often do not have meters and their drivers are not required to know London streets and directions.
Medical Services
Local authorities hold lists of General Practitioners (GP's).
Any British or European Union citizens can register free
of charge.
Citizens from non-EU countries, or countries without a reciprocal
health agreement with the UK, may be charged a fee.
Telephone numbers can also be found in the telephone directory
under "Health and Social Security, Department of"
Culture and Entertainment in London
London has a wealth of culture and entertainment for all the family so you should never be at a loss for something to occupy your time.
London Museums and Galleries
British Museum 020 7636 1555 Great Russell St, London WC1 Tottenham Ct Rd
Natural History 020 7938 9123 Exhibition Road, London SW7 South Kensington
Science Museum 020 7938 8080 Exhibition Road, London SW7 South Kensington
Tate Gallery 020 7887 8000 Millbank, London SW1 Pimlico
Victoria & Albert 020 7938 8500 Cromwell Road, London SW7 South Kensington
National Gallery 020 7747 2885 Trafalgar Square, London WC2 Charing Cross
Family Fun in London
London Zoo 020 7722 3333 Regent's Park, London NW1 Camden Town
Madame Tussaud's 020 7935 6861 Marylebone Road, London NW1 Baker Street
Rock Circus 020 7734 7203 Piccadilly Circus, London W1 Piccadilly Circus
London Theatres
Most people think of the West End when they think of theatre in London. Tickets to most West End shows are available from theatre box offices, ticket agencies, major department stores and Lettings. Half-price tickets for same-day performances are available subject to availability from the Society of West End Theatres' booth which is located on the south side of Leicester Square in the clock tower building. You must pay cash and a nominal service charge. Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 12.00 for matinees, Monday to Saturday from 12.00 to 18.30 for evening shows. Beware of "ticket touts" people trying to sell tickets outside the theatre, it is illegal to buy tickets from them.
Musical Concerts in London
The Evening Standard and Timeout have listings a wide variety of musical concerts to suit all tastes.
For more information on what to do around London please visit the Tourist Board website:
restaurants in london
London has a diverse range of different restaurants ranging from sushi bars to Michelin starred celebrity eateries.
Check your local press to find out about restaurants within your area.
If you feel like a night in but would like food delivered from your favourite restaurant rather than a pizza from the local delivery outlet visit:
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