There have been a number of questions about Oyster Cards and the answers are great for my upcoming trip. But I need clarification about purchasing the card. I'll be arriving from the continent at London City Airport and using the tube to get to Knightsbridge. I'm assuming I can use a credit card to fund an Oyster card and they're dispensed by machines at the tube station. Will the machines accept US cards (with a magnetic stripe only) or do they need Chip and PIN cards???
Thanks.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
33513 posts
First, David, it is not clear when your journey will be. Take care when trying to use Underground or DLR - Docklands Light Railway on weekends or public holidays. That's usually when TfL (Transport for London) undertakes engineering and improvement works. London City Airport is not served by the Underground. It is served by the DLR. You can check for DLR engineering works at http://www.dlrlondon.co.uk/planned-engineering-works/ All the facilities at the station are listed at http://www.tfl.gov.uk/gettingaround/transportaccessibility/dlr/3250.aspx It shows:
London City Airport This station is elevated and fully enclosed. There are two entrances and the platforms are connected by escalators and lifts to an intermediate level with a direct link into the airport building. Main access to the station for local passengers and mobility impaired customers is by a lower level subway connecting directly with Drew Road. A DLR Information Point and Ticket Stop is located on the concourse, open 07:00-21:00 Monday to Friday, 07:00-12:00 Saturday and 11:00-21:00 Sunday. Will you be arriving at the times noted?
Posted by
OP
Silver Spring, MD
62 posts
My arrival is scheduled for a Tuesday at 18:30. It's an international arrival (Spain), so I guess I take the DLR into the city and then change to the Underground to get to my South Kensington station. The question remains as to the purchase of the Oyster Card when I get to the transfer station. Are credit cards accepted (or must they be debit) and are Chip & Pin cards the only ones that can be used?
Posted by
Bromley, Kent,, UK
1829 posts
The Transport for London site should be able to answer your questions. http://www.tfl.gov.uk/
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
33513 posts
I've spoken to a contact at TfL. If you arrive when the Ticket Stop is open you will be able to buy over the counter and could use your magnetic strip card. To use the self service machines you require chip and pin. It can be either debit or credit card. I expect you will be obtaining British Pounds from an ATM when you land. Many of the machines also take notes and coins. Best idea might be to order by post, which you can do from the links Linda and I have given you above.
Posted by
OP
Silver Spring, MD
62 posts
Thanks for the answers - they clearly tell me what options I have.
David
Posted by
Tipton, Iowa
332 posts
I advise against the Visitor Oyster Card unless money is no object. The Visitor Oyster Card holds pay as you go amounts only, a 7 day or longer Travelcard cannot be loaded on to it. Instead of a £5 refundable deposit, the Visitor Card has a £3 activation fee. The $13 delivery fee makes the Visitor Oyster Card ridiculously overpriced. Buy a regular Oyster Card on arrival in London.
Posted by
OP
Silver Spring, MD
62 posts
I appreciate the advice to buy it in London. According to the web site, I can get it as the London City Airport DLR station. Thanks to all.