Travel

Historic City Of London

London Travel Tips:

1.Tube Tips:
Before you arrive, or as soon as you arrive, get hold of a tube map. Most hotel and attraction directions list the name of the closest tube station. Reading a tube map is usually as easy as a game of join the dots. Travelling on the tube is a London experience in itself. By undertaking this journey, the people of London cordially request that you follow a number of unwritten laws. These include:
While purchasing tickets speed is of the essence. The faster you buy, the less the people have to wait behind you. Try and have your change ready as well.
B.While riding the escalator, stand on the right side, to avoid the rush.
C.Once you board the train, silence and decorum are expected.
D.Smiling should not occur. It is generally viewed that there is no valid reason for any positive emotion to be expressed while using this means of public transport.

2.Pub Ettiquette:
A.There is no waiter service in a British pub
B.It is customary for one or two people, not the whole group, to go up to the bar to buy drinks. This is called buying a round.
C.Wait to be served quietly. Don’t attempt to get the attention of the bar staff by waving your arms or flashing notes. This will delay your drinks order until such time as the bartender feels you have learnt not to be such a prat.
D.If you wish to pay for your drinks individually, then order individually.
E.It is not customary to tip the publican or bar staff. Instead, if you really want to, the common practice is to buy them a drink. This is a genuinely personal and friendly gesture.

3.Queues:
However, at sometime during your trip, you will be faced with a queue. It may be waiting for the shop doors to burst open on the end of year sales, standing in line for public transport, taking in one of your favourite sights, or dying of thirst on your way to the bar on a Friday night. Here are a few tips to ensure you do it proper like:
A.Have the right change ready before your turn comes up.
B.Don’t get engaged in a phone call, when its your turn to pay.
C.Jumping the line is the cardinal sin of the great British queue. No-one enjoys queuing, but Londoners have learnt to grin and bear it in true 'stiff upper lip' fashion.

4.Stay Safe:
Like many big cities, London has a variety of social problems, especially begging, drug abuse, theft (mobile phones are a favourite), etc. London, however, manages to make do with a police force that doesn't need to carry guns, and is generally a safe place for the tourist to visit and walk around. In an emergency, telephone "999" (or "112" from a mobile phone).
A.If you're planning to go out late at night and are worried about safety, frequent crowded areas such as the West End. There are always plenty of people on the street, even at 4am.
B.Generally, outside central London, South and East suburban areas are considered more dangerous, notably Brixton and Hackney, although some parts of North-West London around Willesden and Northern Camden are also known trouble spots.
C.Even busy nighttime Soho presents a particular danger; the "clip joint". The usual targets of these establishments are male tourists.
D.Use common sense, at night in particular, but be alert at all times: Don't let anyone near your phone, wallet or valuables; don't give change to strangers; avoid unfamiliar areas at night. Don't carry your wallet in your back pocket - while London's legendary pickpockets may not be as numerous as in days gone by, they are still equally skilled.
E.It can be a good idea to keep your credit card receipts in a safe place rather than throwing them away; and to be generally wary of "skimming" devices that may be attached to ATMs in an attempt to steal card details. Some of these are very sophisticated, so if in any doubt do not use that ATM. Ones inside shops or banks are safer. Be sure, when using ATM that there are no objects in the card slot nor any micro cameras above the keypad. If you suspect an ATM has been tampered with, you should inform the bank staff indoors or call the police.
F.In London there are two different kinds of cabs. The most famous are the black cabs and the others are minicabs. Mini cabs are just people with cars that work through an agency. The attraction of a minicab is that they can be cheaper. However, they are not required to be licensed, unlike black cabs, and are not required to pass 'the knowledge' which proves they know their way around the city. If you do take a minicab make sure you get the price to your destination before you get into the cab. Black cabs run on a meter but there should be a a clearly visible fare structure in the cab. Minicabs are not allowed to solicit business.
G.Last but not the least, don’t look like a tourist, you might attract the attention of thieves and pickpockets.

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