I know this question sounds silly, but here goes.
I will be in London this July of 2017, and will need to use the tube. I was in London back in 2010 and got an Oyster card which I was not able to return. I still have it. If I brought that Oyster card with me to London this year, would I still be able to load pounds onto it and use for travel? Or is it too old for that?
I'm still using the Oyster card I got back in 2006. You should be good.
Excellent ! That saves me 5 pounds. Thank you both.
As you know, the 5 pound deposit becomes part of the value of the card; so you don't need to maintain it as a balance...you just add value to it via the ticket machine. I have two cards from a previous trip in 2015. I'll take them with me to test the theory, though I was previously told they should be purchased fresh each trip. If you arrive via Gatwick, the airport does not service, fill, or sell Blue Oysters, only Visitor Oysters. However, you can get the Blue cards filled at Victoria Station or hundreds of other places. You have time still to purchase online a Visitor Card, and the deposit is $3 - but if you intend registering the card (in case of loss), you have to buy the Blue instead.
I am still using the Oyster I bought in 2007 every time I go to London. The balance remains on it between trips (usually only a few p), I just add what I think I will need as I go. I guess eventually it might wear out and stop working, but so far all is good.
Still use the special edition Royal Wedding Oyster on each visit.
Last fall I brought back two from our 2008 trip, had them consolidated into one, and added money. Brought it home again with less money on it and I'll take it back next time.
