It's been about a month since I returned from England (boo hoo, I miss it) and I just thought I'd share a few things I learned in case thy might help anyone out there.
RE: The Oyster Card. 15.60 got me to and from Heathrow on the tube as well as at least 6 (one-way) trips. For those wondering how much to load on to their card in the beginning, 10 or 15 pounds should be fine. I flew United, who are in Terminal 1, but I just followed the signs to the underground station there, where they had clerks at several windows and I was able to use my credit card fortunately didn't need my PIN.
If you have a Chase credit card and need to change your PIN, be sure to call well in advanced, because they use the antiquated method of mailing you your PIN, then you can call them and change it. I did not know this and called them the day before I left, so I was PINless. Fortunately, everywhere I went, (Tube, museums, restaurants) I was able to sign a receipt.
My debit card charges $5 per use plus the 3% fee, so if yours does the same, that might be a consideration when you decide how much money to bring with you as opposed to getting it from an ATM there.
Another plug for the Luna Simone Hotel. Can't think of anything bad about it,except for maybe the stairs, but I lost 2 pounds during my trip, so maybe it was a good thing.
This time I took a small rolling backpack as a carry on and didn't check any bags. I had plenty of room (I had another small bag that I used for my toiletries) and didn't have any trouble with the airlines as far as them not letting me take both bags on.
Leonidas chocolates are the best thing I have ever eaten. Shop on Victoria street. Expensive, but yummy.
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9363 posts
Thanks for the tips, Marcie. Sounds like you had a good time. Your debit card charges might make you think about shopping around for a better deal in debit cards before you travel again. Mine, from a small local credit union, charges nothing for foreign transactions, not $5, not 3%.
Posted by
Boulder, CO, USA
780 posts
I always bring cash with me. At least 300 pounds in my bra. lol. When I get to England. I already have pound notes I got from my bank so I dont have to worry about card fees.