Local Knowledge
Telephone
Dialing Codes
Country code for the United Kingdom: +44 Area code for London: 020 (drop the zero when calling from abroad)
Emergency Numbers
Police: 999 Ambulance: 999 Fire: 999
Tipping
Tip 10-15% at restaurants, unless the bill already includes a gratuity.
VAT & Taxes
Posted prices in London include the 17.5% VAT.
Getting Around
Taxis
Hail a black cab on the street or order a licensed minicab. The meter calculates
the fare in a black cab. Minicab drivers usually set the price before the trip
begins. Minicabs don't cruise for fares. If you call to order one, make
sure the service is legitimate. Unlicensed cabs are common and can be dangerous.
Tube (Subway)
London's Underground, or "Tube", covers the central city and the
suburbs. Buy an Oyster Card from the ticket booth to pay half-price. Traveling
during rush hour can be more expensive and extremely crowded, so avoid it if you
can.
Buses
Gone are the days of the ubiquitous Routemaster buses that allowed passengers to
jump on and off the back. Now there are red “bendy buses” and double-deckers.
The top floor of a double-decker offers great views of the city. The Oyster Card
you bought for the Tube is also good on buses. Many night buses run until dawn.
Public Holidays
New Year's Day
January 1
Good Friday
March-April
Easter Monday
March-April
Early May Bank Holiday
First Monday in May
Spring Bank Holiday
Last Monday in May
Summer Bank Holiday
Last Monday in August
Christmas Day
December 25
Boxing Day
December 26
| 
