Going to London. - Things to see/do? Things I need to bring?

[SephYuyX]

One of the things im thinking I will need is a converter/adaptor for my Cell/DS/PSP, correct? Any good suggestions with those or addition info? Im brining my laptop too, but the built in converter handles that.

Is there any other sort of electrical stuff I will need to bring, or anything of that nature?

I know weve a few Londoners here, any suggestions on what to see and do? Good resturants, sights, activities etc. Theres a few things worked out already, but more suggestions are always welcome.

Any tips in general from the people who live there or have visited?

Thanks.

[Olo401]

Hedge trimmers, in case you pick up a chick at the bar?

[Wintermute]

Chav Repellent.

[Blabj]

Chav Repellent.

This.

More on topic, erm... EU>US power adapter?

[Akucaen]

Converters for sure, lots of cash or travelers checks unless your debit/credit card company does not charge per non USD transaction (my debit was like $1 and my credit was $3, that would've added up quickly).

[Avanarius]

This.

More on topic, erm... EU>US power adapter?

I believe UK is different then the rest of EU power.

[Wintermute]

Actually on-topic you should pick up an A to Z of London map for sightseeing/navigation and a map of the Underground so you can get around as quick as possible, these should be easy to find once you get there from Tourist information spots and such.

UK uses the same voltage etc as the rest of the EU. They like their Two-Prong plugs more than the rest of us though.

[Blabj]

You mean the EU is different to the UK power.

Things to see: many many gallerys, museums, good night life and shopping. Really you'd be best of picking up a travel guide beforehand and seeing what interests you, there is a fantastic amount to see and do in London.

[SephYuyX]

Well, I will be staying with someone who lives in London, so getting around and such shouldnt be too much of an issue. I know she has lots of ideas of stuff to do, just wanted to dbl check and see if anyone had any other suggestions.

I asked my Cell provider about what I should be looking for, but didnt think about CCs and Debit Cards, ill call my bank and ask about that. Sucks that ill basically be paying double for things there though.

Do most places only accept the pound? Or do they take dollar as well?

Thanks.

[Azkarin2]

Also before you go make sure you let your CC and debit card company know you will be going abroad. Sometimes they will flag your account and suspend it when all of a sudden its being used in a different country. Also check to see if you cell phone will even work over there in another country. Good luck and have fun. When I went two years ago the pound was even worse than it is now so pubs got expensive quick.

[SephYuyX]

Yup, I just called them, I had no idea you had to allow CC/DC use in foriegn countries. Theres a 3% rate on them too, so looks like travlers checks are the way to go. Cell Phone wise im taken care of.

[Draggy]

Yeah remember to get a UK adapter not the EU one

And at least it isnt as bad now as it would have been a year ago when it really was about $2 to £1, pound is doing so crap right now D:

Cant go wrong with the touristy stuff either, is a lot of different stuff do see and do and travel is easy. i <3 London

[Wintermute]

Well, I will be staying with someone who lives in London, so getting around and such shouldnt be too much of an issue. I know she has lots of ideas of stuff to do, just wanted to dbl check and see if anyone had any other suggestions.

I asked my Cell provider about what I should be looking for, but didnt think about CCs and Debit Cards, ill call my bank and ask about that. Sucks that ill basically be paying double for things there though.

Do most places only accept the pound? Or do they take dollar as well?

Thanks.

Some places might take Dollars, however, since they're not required to by law likelyhood is you'll get shafted by the Exchange Rate they use.

[Akucaen]

Actually, just get an inverter like I did. Much, MUCH more simple. Also, no. Dollars are useless unless you're going to backalley places probably. No place I went to took anything but pounds (even displaying signs that euros weren't welcome, heh.)

[SephYuyX]

Oh wow, I havent checked recently, but not to long ago the pound was double to the dollar, now it's 1.5, crazy.

[The Stig]

A few things:

1. The London Eye, that big ass ferris wheel, also next to the Big Ben
2. Madame Thaussads (can't spell it) - that wax gallery
3. London Bridge ... take photos?
4. See Buckingham Palace
5. Shopping? (Expensive though) -- Oxford Circus, Piccadilly Circus. Piccadilly Circus also houses what was once "Sega World", now renamed to "Fun Land" since ownership changed ages ago.
6. The Millenium Dome, now called the "O2". I'm going there this weekend (first time) since they've put shit inside it (it's like one big entertainment complex, I hear? I'll post back here on that)

For getting around, if you're purely in London (plenty enough already)

1. Get an oyster card, first priority. Or face paying "tourist" fares. Top it up with like £30 and that should last you 5 days. You can buy them nearly anywhere. You're capped on how much you can spend on the card, when you get the cap (£6 I think) it won't charge you anymore. 1 tube ride to any stop is £2 so it's possible to hit the cap fast. Bus is £0.90 i believe, I haven't looked at prices recently. If you don't want to risk putting money in a card you might not spend all the cash in with, just make sure you buy a "one day travelcard" each time you go out and about.
2. Avoid travel between 7am-9am and 5pm-7pm if at all possible
3. Stand on the right/keep to the right in the tube system

Can't think of much else right now, other misc things you might want to do:

1. Hook up with me, buy me dinner, buy me gifts. I'll bring a camera.

err, yeh. Feel free to ask questions.

[0ni0n]

Don't forget to turn off roaming if you have a smart phone because it could automatically check email and rack up a hefty phone bill.

[Draggy]

(come back and post what the dome is like after youve been, i havent been there since it was the millenium dome)

and i agree on the Oyster card if you are going to be travelling aorund daily.

[SephYuyX]

The card is for both bus and train then?

As far as the converter/adaptor goes, im looking at this to step down the voltage Amazon.com: SIMRAN 200 WATTS STEP DOWN CONVERTER MODEL SMF-200 FOR TRAVELLING OVERSEAS: Electronics
And 2 of Amazon.com: All in 1 Universal Travel Power Adapter for US, UK, EU, AU: Everything Else to adapt the plugs.
Those look good? I know they use the 3 bars there, but not sure if it's 220 or 240, but with that converter I guess it doesnt matter.

[The Stig]

Card is for everything in London.

If you don't want to get the card, just make sure you buy an "All Day Travelcard" each day you go out and about and it's all you need to get around London. The Oyster Card is only to save money on single journeys.

And yes, I will get back after I go in there. Not doing very much but seeing a film, apparently, and eating there, but I'll get the general idea.

EDIT: Except Taxis!!!! (Anything public)