City Guide: London (skyteam.com)

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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.