Fast Facts on Visiting London

London: Fast Facts

Basics

Currency: British pounds
LOOK LEFT! Remember to always look left when crossing a crosswalk as vehicles drive on the left
London's city center is referred to as "central London"
Many museums are free, but ask for a donation
Travel guide books provide a nice summary of neighborhood attractions and underground stops
Set price menus at restaurants can help save money

Etiquette

Tipping

Gratuity is often included with the price of the meal, but check your receipt (VAT, cover charge, service charge)
If gratuity is not included, tip 10-12%
Bars, pubs and cafes: tipping is optional
Taxis: some round up the fare to the nearest £ or some tip 10%

Passes and Discounts
2-4-1 Deals

One of the BEST ways to save money in London!
Two adults with Travel Cards issued from a National Rail station can go to participating London attractions and pay one admission for two entries.
National Rail travelers can take advantage of this deal as well! Gatwick and Stansted Express train tickets are eligible, but not Heathrow Express. Remember to hold onto your ticket!
Present your travel card or national rail ticket and a 2-4-1 voucher to participating attractions.
2-4-1 vouchers can be found at National Rail stations or may be printed off at home (stations do run out!).
Some attractions do not offer 2-4-1 deals during the summer months or have expiration dates.
You can visit as many attractions as you want using the same travel card or National Rail ticket on its day of validity.
There are some restrictions as to where you can buy "eligible" travel cards to use with 2-4-1 deals. Weekly travel cards purchased at an overground station are not eligible, since they are put on an Oyster card. However, you can buy eligible one day travel cards at an overground station. Travel cards purchased online, at airports, or underground stations are not eligible either.
National Rail Stations: Paddington, Euston, St. Pancras, Kings Cross, Liverpool Street, London Bridge, Charing Cross, Waterloo, and Victoria.

A zone 1-4 travel card will be the least expensive and get you to most of London's major attractions.
For more about travel cards see: Transportation

Food & Beverages