First International Trip

[Dex]

I leave for London the day after Christmas. I've already packed up pretty much everything. Passport is good to go. Are there any last minute things I should think of or should pack? Any travel tips specific or not specific to London?

 

How do you deal with currency exchange? Do you do it here or over there? I'm assuming you get a better rate here at your own bank.

[Davidson Deac II]

4 hours ago, Dex said:

I leave for London the day after Christmas. I've already packed up pretty much everything. Passport is good to go. Are there any last minute things I should think of or should pack? Any travel tips specific or not specific to London?

 

How do you deal with currency exchange? Do you do it here or over there? I'm assuming you get a better rate here at your own bank.

London is great, you should love it.  The people are relatively friendly, and the food is great.  Lots of wonderful historical sites and events to see as well.  

You don't generally get a better rate at your bank.  That being said, it might be a good idea to have some Pounds when you get there, just so you don't have to rush to a currency exchange.   But if you are leaving the day after christmas, might be to late to get currency.   Won't hurt to call your bank and ask though.

 In my experience, I got the best rate just going to an ATM in the country was traveling to, and pulling pounds out when I got there.  I got a better rate using my credit and debit cardz, just be aware that most banks charge a fee to use those cards outside of the US.  Just pull out a large amount at once to avoid having to pay the fee each time you use it.  But be careful, London may have a lower violent crime rate than most US cities, but there are still a number of thieves.  Also, you should let your bank know you are going to travel, otherwise they may shut your card down if they see transactions in London.  My credit union did that when I went to Italy.  Fortunately, we had some cash reserves that lasted until I could call them.    

Its very easy to get around once you figure out the metro/subway (and all the various trains if you leave London).  If you use the bus or subway (tube) hold on to your stamped ticket until you get out of the subway station. I nearly got in trouble in Paris because I lost my stamped ticket after I got on the Metro.  They thought i had jumped the turnstile, and I had to pay a 50 Euro fine on the spot. 

 

[Squirrel]

Deac has alot I was going to suggest. 

Notify bank

Make sure to lockup your passport and other valuables in the hotel safe. Take a copy of your passport with you. 

 

Use the Tube

 

For credit cards if you have one that waives foreign exchange fees use it.

 

As far as currency I like to have some already before I arrive in case there is a line at the airport exchange center.  Also heard you get the worst return at airports. 

 

Be courteous that goes along way to get help when needed. Try to read up on local customs and stuff that is common here but can cause issues in foreign places. 

 

[PhillyB]

ATMs are huge ripoffs in London. Everywhere takes card though, I'd bring cash to exchange for emergencies but use your card the whole time. Make sure you notify your bank of your travel plans and register your credit and debit cards for England and all layovers.

Buy the oyster pass for the tube system, you'll save a small fortune on transport.

[PhillyB]

and don't order michelob ultras 

[Brooklyn 3.0]

Go to one of the many football grounds pub wearing the rival's scarf and sing one of the rival's terrace songs. Report back on results.

[Dex]

58 minutes ago, Squirrel said:

Deac has alot I was going to suggest. 

Notify bank

Make sure to lockup your passport and other valuables in the hotel safe. Take a copy of your passport with you. 

 

Use the Tube

 

For credit cards if you have one that waives foreign exchange fees use it.

 

As far as currency I like to have some already before I arrive in case there is a line at the airport exchange center.  Also heard you get the worst return at airports. 

 

Be courteous that goes along way to get help when needed. Try to read up on local customs and stuff that is common here but can cause issues in foreign places. 

 

Take a copy of my passport with me? Might I ask why?

[Squirrel]

4 hours ago, Dex said:

Take a copy of my passport with me? Might I ask why?

Some countries require you have either a copy or your passport on you.  Also if something did happen to your passport you have a copy for the US Embassy.  

[Shocker]

My wife has a friend that went over there and had 2 of their bags stolen right on the street.  Keep a close eye out for thieves over there.

[cardiackat88.]

On 12/25/2019 at 3:29 AM, Dex said:

I leave for London the day after Christmas. I've already packed up pretty much everything. Passport is good to go. Are there any last minute things I should think of or should pack? Any travel tips specific or not specific to London?

 

How do you deal with currency exchange? Do you do it here or over there? I'm assuming you get a better rate here at your own bank.

It is not a bad idea to call your bank before you leave and inform them you will be making purchases in London. I had my card frozen after a few purchases in Germany.

A lot of your potential problems have been wiped away, as you are going to an English speaking country.

Do you have a lot of flight experience, or have negotiated going through a lot of different terminals? The "Heathrow" in London is huge, with tiny hallways and tons of shuffling people. It is very easy to miss one of the (unadvertised) buses making 20 minute trips to the terminal you need to get to. There are other aspects of Heathrow that really suck, but I will spare further torturous details.

[Davidson Deac II]

2 hours ago, cardiackat88. said:

It is not a bad idea to call your bank before you leave and inform them you will be making purchases in London. I had my card frozen after a few purchases in Germany.

A lot of your potential problems have been wiped away, as you are going to an English speaking country.

Do you have a lot of flight experience, or have negotiated going through a lot of different terminals? The "Heathrow" in London is huge, with tiny hallways and tons of shuffling people. It is very easy to miss one of the (unadvertised) buses making 20 minute trips to the terminal you need to get to. There are other aspects of Heathrow that really suck, but I will spare further torturous details.

I flew to Rome from Charlotte back in 2015, and we had a layover at Heathrow.  We had to take a bus from one terminal to the other, and it was the longest terminal to terminal trip I have ever taken.  Seemed like we went thru downtown London.  Thankfully our layover was 4 hours, but even so, we only made it with an hour to spare.  

[Brooklyn 3.0]

Make sure to dress like an American so you get eye rolls and looks of disgust.

[thefuzz]

Little late, but London was my favorite "big city" that I have ever been to.  Loved it over there, didn't hurt to see the Panthers play while I was there.

 

Two things that jumped out at me...the food was really good, and the women were beautiful.

[Arroz con Panther]

Make sure to say “cheers” to the bartender after ordering a beer.

Not only do they drive on the opposite side but they walk on the opposite side as well. When walking up a stairwell walk on the left, not the right.