Facts for Visitors
The following general information may be helpful for visitors to the UK.
The UK has a temperate but variable climate being subject to changeable weather. Extremes of temperature are rare but rain showers do occur at short notice.
Average September Conditions:
Temperature - from a low of 12°C (54°F) - to a high of 18°C (64°F).
Sunshine - 5-6 hours
Rainfall - 2 inches (50mm)
Humidity - 70-75%
Suitable for mild to cool weather is advised and rain wear.
The National Health Service provides free first aid/emergency treatment for all visitors, after which charges are made unless the visitor's country has a reciprocal health agreement with the UK. These agreements vary - full details are available from the Department of Health.
Telephone 999 (free call) for fire, ambulance or police assistance.
During 2001 the UK will operate on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) at all times except for the period 25 March - 27 October when it will change to British Summer time (BST) Greenwich Mean Time + 1 hour.
MasterCard, American Express, Diners Club and VISA are all widely accepted. Check with your credit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other services that may be required.
Normal opening hours are Monday to Friday 0930 hours -1600 hours. Some branches may open on Saturday mornings.
Insurance:
Travel insurance should only be bought at the point of origin.
If you need a visa to visit the UK it is VERY IMPORTANT that you apply early otherwise your visa application may not be processed in time. Visit the web site of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office of the British Government for information
You will not need to pay an airport departure tax on leaving the UK. Any taxes are paid at the time of purchasing the airline ticket or incorporated into the ticket price.
Shop hours:
0900-1730 Monday-Saturday. In London's West End and other large shopping centres shops may stay open until 2000 hrs on certain days. Many local shops stay open until 1900 hrs or 2000 hrs and some even later; many of these are open on Sunday mornings or even all day. Larger shops will open 1000-1600 hrs on Sundays. Some towns and areas of cities may have early closing one day a week - usually Wednesday or Thursday.
The main shopping areas in London are the West End - covering Oxford Street, Regent Street and Bond Street - Covent Garden. There are many local markets, especially at weekends and a visit to Harrods in Knightsbridge is a must!
All prices in the UK include VAT at 17.5%. Visitors from outside the European Union may not need to pay VAT on all purchases. Some stores offer a service to cater for this - ask a store assistant.
Travellers Cheques:
These are widely accepted. For ease of planning and to avoid additional exchange rate charges, visitors are advised to bring travellers cheques in Pounds Sterling
240 volts AC, 50Hz. Square 3-pin plugs are standard
Eating:
You will be advised on hotel meal times. Generally evening meals are served from 1800 hours onwards. Restaurants in busy tourist areas will usually take last orders at about 2230 hours.
Licensing hours are more extensive than in previous years - typically in cities, from
1100 hours to 2300 hours.
Hotels:
Information about hotels can be obtained from our travel organiser, .
Religious services:
For details contact your hotel porter/concierge or the local newspaper.
Telephone/letters/faxes/Internet:
Telephone, secretarial, faxes, and Internet facilities will be available at the Congress Centre.
Public telephone kiosks facilitate overseas calls and they usually accept personal credit cards, telephone credit cards (these can be purchased at post offices, newsagents etc) and coins - although some may not accept coins. The country code for the United Kingdom is 44. London's area code is 020 followed by an 8 digit number commencing with either 7 or 8. If calling from overseas drop the first '0'.
Most hotels have facsimile facilities.
Most of the larger and modern hotels will have Internet facilities by 2001.
Postage stamps can be purchased from post offices, newsagents, and usually hotels.
Entertainment:
If you are seeking entertainment in London, 'What's On in London' is available at most newsagents and newspapers also carry listings. To get a preview of what might be on offer click here.
Click here for our Tourism Page where there is more valuable information, otherwise contact Frances Jackson of who has responsibility for travel, accommodation, tourism etc; and will be happy to help you.
It is usual to tip if you have received good service. Many restaurants will automatically add a 10% to 15% service charge to your bill - in this case there is no need to give a further tip. Taxis expect 10% -15%, as do hairdressers.
Transportation:
The best way to move around London is by Tube (that's what we call the underground rail system) or bus. For information about transport click here.
The big comfortable London taxicabs are great for getting around but expensive. Taxis can be hailed from the street when the 'TAXI' sign is lit up. Hotels and restaurants will call one for you. Credit cards are accepted by few. Fares are metered unless travelling long distance with any extras e.g. additional passengers, is clearly shown. It is also possible to use a Mini Cab for longer distances but these can only be booked by telephone. Your hotel or restaurant will recommend a reputable company.
We do not recommend hiring a car if you visit only London. If you intend to extend your stay and travel outside of the immediate area then we will have rates available to cover your specific needs. For assistance contact
The unit of British money is the Pound Sterling (£) made up of 100 pence (p). There are £50, £20, £10 and £5 notes plus £2, £1, 50p, 20p, 10p, 5p, 2p and 1p coins.
A Word of Caution
Like all large cities we do have certain problems but with a little common sense these can be overcome. Take care where you walk late at night and don't be too obvious with expensive jewellery, watches and cameras. Leave your passports and other valuables locked in your hotel safe. Beware of pickpockets on the streets and tubes - especially in crowds. Please avoid giving money to people begging in the streets - they are rarely what they seem. Most have a place to live and do not need assistance.
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| Last checked on 31st January 2001 |
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