LONDON

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A couple visits Buckingham Palace; credit VisitBritain

LONDON FACTS and TRAVEL TIPS

 
LONDON FACTS

Official Language: English
Currency: British Pound Sterling
Time Zone: 5 Hours ahead of EST
Population: 7 Million

GENERAL TRAVEL TIPS

London is a wonderful city to visit, since there are so many things to do. If cold weather is an issue for you, then visit London during the spring and summer. If you want to save money and see fewer tourists, then visit London during the winter and fall.

Currency is the British Pound Sterling with major credit cards accepted by most establishments. Time in London is five hours ahead of New York City. English is the official language, but Americans may not understand every word. Hotels have the most expensive rates on phone calls, so purchase a phone card for your international calls. The post offices are located throughout the city. Post office hours are 9am-5:30pm (Monday-Friday) and 9am-noon (Saturday).

Banks are open from 9am-5pm (Monday-Friday). ATMs are plentiful and the most convenient way to get British Pounds. The ATMs only accept PIN numbers with 4 digits. Passports are necessary for U.S. citizens. Most large stores are open 9am-7pm (Monday-Friday) and 9am-5pm (Saturday and Sunday).

Electricity is different than the U.S., so bring an adapter in cse your btteries run out.

The major Holidays in London are New Year's Day, Good Friday, Easter, Easter Monday, May Day, Christmas, and Boxing Day. For specific dates, go to the Visit London website.

London is a major metropolitan city, so visitors should use common sense when out and about. For more travel tips, go to Advice and Observations.