Language
English, with a London dialect (nothing like Dick Van Dyke in Mary Poppins!), but also with many other accents. And with such a rich mix of cultures, you’re just as likely to hear Urdu, Polish or Cantonese on the street.
Currency And Tipping
The British have held out against introducing the Euro – the currency that’s been embraced by most of their European Union colleagues; they’re sticking with the pound (£), made up of 100 pence. Tipping is widespread and expected. Many restaurants have service included, so it’s as well to check the bill or ask the waiter. Sometimes the credit card slip will include a space for a tip: ten per cent is the norm. The generous Londoners also dig deep to make sure they keep a smile on the face of their porter, cabbie, hairdresser and concierge.
Dress Code
The weather in London can be unpredictable. 2006 was a long, warm summer, but it might be advisable to bring something suitable for all four seasons! It rains – although not all the time – so a light raincoat and umbrella are essentials. Very few restaurants insist on formal attire these days. Smart casual is mostly the norm.
Safety
Like any other large city in the western world, London has its share of pickpockets and chancers. Keep your belongings close to you and zipped up on the Tube and on the street, particularly at night. Beggars can be seen in shop doorways in the West End of London – ignore pleas for cash. Buskers, however, are licensed to ply their trade in many London subway stations, so feel free to donate if you dig the music.
Travel
London has the oldest underground system in the world – ‘the Tube,’ as city-dwellers dub it. Despite the age of most of the lines, it’s safe, efficient and by far the best way to get around. The colour-coded tube map is a masterpiece of design: study it well before you leave the safety of your hotel room. You’ll still get lost, but that’s part of the fun, and Londoners will be happy to help with directions.
Travel Tip # 1 The London Sightseeing Pass is a 1- 2-3 or 6-day discount pass which offers over 625 Euros worth of free admission to some of the best sights and museums in the city and is available with or without public transportation. The cost of a pass varies from 42 Euros to 158 Euros for adults and 26 Euros to 98 Euros for. Details at www.europeancitycards.com.
