From passports to visas and even accents, it’s safe to say that the UK is a very unique destination. It’s famous for a lot of things too, from Buckingham Palace to the Royal Family and even James Bond, it’s safe to say that there is never a shortage of things to do. Tourists flock to the UK in the millions, in fact, it is the eighth-biggest destination for tourists in the world. If you want to make sure that your trip goes to plan, or if you want to ensure that you make the most out of every second that you spend in the country, then all you have to do is take a look below.
Check your Visa and Passport
If you are from a country that speaks English then there is a high chance that you do not need a visa when you make the decision to travel to the UK. This is especially the case if you are visiting for tourism purposes. You can also stay up to six months in the UK without a visa as well but it is always a good idea for you to check your visa requirements beforehand. The government website has a tool you can use so it has never been easier for you to find out what you need to know. Generally, you have to ensure that you have a passport that is valid for your entire stay, but this can vary depending on your country and the address where you are going to be travelling to.
Make Sure you Have Your Money Exchanged
In the UK, the currency is the pound sterling. With any trip, it is wise for you to have some cash in your hand when you arrive. ATMs may be plentiful but it is not a bad idea for you to carry some cash with you as well. Paying with your card is very common in the UK and you will usually use chip and pin. You can also use contactless payments, and to do this you’ll hold your card up to the reader and pay without having to worry about entering your pin code. Unlike the US, where there is an unwritten rule to tip 15% for a service, this doesn’t apply in the UK. Tipping is completely discretionary. A lot of people will tip around 15% in a restaurant if they feel as though they have had a good service, but that being said, it is wise to check so you can find out if the service charge has been added first.
Know your Transport
If you know you are travelling to London then public transport truly is your best friend. The capital is full of historic sights and bustling streets, and although this is great, you have to remember that there are also congestion charges if you drive. If you can, it is wise for you to try and avoid this if possible. If you can, you will need to make sure that you take public transport as much as possible. London is home to a huge network of buses, trains and even tubes. It is also very comprehensive as well. If you are going outside of London then you should know that the trains and coaches are plentiful and there is always a way for you to get around. If you want to make the most out of your vacation and you want to avoid the hustle and bustle of London, then it is a good idea for you to research holidays in Derbyshire as this is a brilliant way for you to see the UK without spending a small fortune.
Get Savvy
On the topic of transport, there is also the topic of tube etiquette. The underground is a very historic institution and it actually opened up in 1863. This makes it the oldest underground network in the world. If you are travelling to the UK, then this is something you will want to tick off. During rush hour, you may notice that there are a few peculiarities. On the road, you have to drive on the left but with the tube, you will want to stand on the right. The main reason for this is because the left-hand side is reserved for those who are walking up. If you don’t, then you may be asked to move. Another thing to take note of is that the tube experiences up to five million passengers a day, and Londoners usually want to get to where it is they are going relatively quickly. If you are not a big fan of crowds, then it is wise for you to travel out of peak times. Remember to mind the gap too. A lot of the stations in London are quite old so you need to make sure that you step all the way off or you may end up risking getting your foot stuck.
When you look at the payment options, you can use paper tickets, but the most convenient option would be for you to try and grab an Oyster Card. You can then use this to top up your money. The great thing about an Oyster Card is that you can cap your travel fees and you only ever have to pay the daily limit. You just have to remember to tap on and off as you make your way through the barriers. You can also use your card on buses too, just make sure that you remember to tap. If you can make sure that this is the case, then you won’t have an issue at all.
So, travelling to the UK is very easy and you would be surprised at how easy it is for you to get the travel experience you want and at a price you can afford. Just make sure that you always try to take into account the etiquette rules, and you will be well on your way to travelling around London like a seasoned commuter.