Travel essentials

This guide will give you the basics you need to know before diving into the city of Big Ben, five o'clock tea, and... well, rain!

• Requirements to avoid getting stuck at the airport
• Pounds, how to speak "British" (or at least try), and staying connected
• And many more tips to survive in style!

This is just the appetizer. If you want to master the Tube or find out where to get the best curry, keep reading our guides! 👉 Let's go!

🛂 Entry Requirements:

London, the capital of the United Kingdom, is NOT part of the Schengen Area. Heads up! The rules are different here. Entry requirements depend on your nationality:

• EU Citizens: A valid passport is required (an ID card is not enough).
• From the US, Canada, Australia, and others: You'll need a valid passport and, depending on your country, you might need a tourist visa. Check the official UK Government website (gov.uk) to verify EXACTLY what you need.

🏥 Travel Insurance: Better Safe Than Sorry (and Broke)!

A doctor's visit in London can cost you more than a night in a luxury hotel 💸. It's much better to be insured!

• Do you have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)? It will give you access to necessary medical care through the NHS (National Health Service). But BEWARE: it doesn't cover everything (like repatriation, specific treatments, etc.). Supplemental insurance is HIGHLY recommended.
• Do you live outside of Europe? Travel insurance is a MUST! It's your safety net for medical emergencies, cancellations, lost luggage, and those "just in case" moments that nobody wants but sometimes happen.

🗣️ Language:

The official language is English… at least in theory. In London, the accents are so varied that it can sometimes feel like a different language. Not even the British can always understand each other! But don't worry, you'll survive.

Brits are famous for their (sometimes excessive) politeness. Use these magic words and you'll win them over:

• “Please” (use it for EVERYTHING!)
• “Thank you”
• "Cheers" = thanks / to your health / goodbye (very versatile!)

And if you don't understand something, a "Sorry, could you repeat that, please?" with a lost tourist face usually works. 😉

💶 Currency and Money: Welcome to the Pound Sterling!

Forget about Euros, the Pound Sterling (£ / GBP) is king here.

• Card payment is KING. Contactless is extremely common for almost everything. Carry some cash for small purchases or markets.
• Avoid changing money at the airport or tourist exchange bureaus. They usually have the worst rates and hidden fees.
• The best option: withdraw pounds directly from ATMs upon arrival. Look for those belonging to well-known banks (Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds...).
• Cards like Wise or Revolut are great for traveling: they give you good exchange rates and low fees. Ideal for paying and withdrawing cash.

📱 Internet and Connectivity:

Internet will be vital for your trip, whether for Google Maps, finding that hidden pub, checking if you need an umbrella (spoiler: you will), or uploading photos to make everyone jealous. Here are your options:

• Roaming from the EU? Be careful! After Brexit, many companies have started charging for roaming in the UK again. Check your provider's terms BEFORE you travel.
• The easy option: eSIM. Buy it online before you go, activate it upon landing, and you're all set! Connected from minute one. Companies like Holafly or Airalo are popular.
• Free WiFi: You'll find it in many cafes, pubs, museums, and some tube stations.

🔌 Electricity and Plugs: The Weird 3-Prong Plug!

In the UK, they use type G plugs with a voltage of 230V.

If you're not from a country that uses this type (which is most of you!), you'll need a travel adapter. It's easy to find a universal one before you travel or buy one there (though it will be more expensive).

And this is just the beginning of your London adventure!

🌍 You now have the basics to avoid looking like a completely lost tourist in London. You're ready to explore!

Want more? Soon we'll tell you where to sleep without going broke, what to eat beyond fish and chips, and the best free things to do. Stay tuned!