1) Don't think you can afford to take the Tube (similar to the MRT in Singapore) all the time
Before I went, I identified certain place I wanted to visit during the free time. I identified the nearest Tube station, printed the maps from this link (there are several options, like black-and-white vs colour, A4 vs A3) and thought I was set. Just two or three trips on the Tube should not cost very much, right?
Boy, was I wrong! Compare to the Tube fares, our ez-link card fares seem like peanuts. This is partly due to the unfavourable exchange rate. When I was there, 1 British sterling pound = 2 Singapore dollars. If you did not have an Oyster card (similar to our ez-link card), then each single trip would cost £8. That is the equivalent of 16 Singapore dollars which could last me a week in Singapore! I so regretted not borrowing the Oyster card from my colleague before going. You could buy an Oyster card while you were there by paying a £5 deposit that is refundable but I did not because not every station sold Oyster cards (the one I went to, Vauxhall, did not) and I did not have time to locate one that did without wasting too much precious time.
whynotearlier says: Time and money mean you may not be able to take the Tube as and when you wish. Be prepared to walk. A LOT. Get a map of Central London. I got one from the hotel I stayed at.
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| The bewildering Tube map. You can identify a Tube station by looking out for the logo of a red circle with a broad blue line in the centre. |
2) Don't Overestimate the Number of Places to Visit in a Day
Besides the cost, I had also overestimated my ability to visit a certain number of places in half a day. Although I planned to visit the places that were within near each other, I had overlooked on the waiting time needed at certain attractions and the impromptu events that can happen. For example, I wanted to witness the changing of the Guard at the Buckingham Palace but I was so (un)lucky that my first visit coincided with the celebration of Queen Elizabeth's 90th birthday! Not only were many roads closed, the ceremony also did not happen. I had to go again the next day and even though it starts at 11.30 a.m., it is best to go earlier. I was there around 10 a.m. but only got a spot around 10.30 a.m. and by then there were no good spots left! I would say reserve 2 hours for the Buckingham Palace if you intend to watch the changing of the Guard, from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. Even after the ceremony ends and you wish to leave quickly, there are barriers all around the area and you have to make detours even if you were just crossing the road.
whynotearlier says: Factor in time for waiting and improptu events that may happen.
3) Don't Assume Entry to Toilets is Free
In Singapore, it is so easy to find a non-paying toilet but not so in London. Public Toilets = Paying Toilets so make sure you have coins ready. The one at St James Park is payable. My suggestion is to visit the toilets before and after a meal so that you can use the toilets at the establishment and identify some shopping centres beforehand. Although it does not cost very much (we paid 20p at St James) but I have taken free toilet access for granted and it definitely adds up if you multiply it by the number of persons and the number of days!
whynotearlier says: Identify some places where you can answer nature's call beforehand.
4) Don't Assume You'll Get a Shopping Bag
In most places, you'll get asked if you want a plastic bag. Why? Cos there is a charge for it. 5p to be exact. If you need a bag but don't want to pay for it, some places offer paper bags and you will usually be given one if you ask for it.
whynotearlier says: Bring some plastic bags along! Like NTUC Fairprice, Cold Storage. Don't bring transparent ones e.g. Giant. Don't attract unwanted attention.
5) Don't Take Safety for Granted
The busier a place is, the more dangerous it is. Why? Because then, more crime happens. Leave your Coach, Gucci and LV leather bags in Singapore and bring something more ordinary. Be low-key and don't attract unwanted attention. I have heard and read many stories where people encountered pickpockets near Buckingham Palace and Picaddily Circus.
Find out what time the sky turns dark during the time you are there and plan to get back to your hostel or hotel by then. Generally, days are longer in summer and shorter in winter. Shopping centres usually close around 6 p.m. (actual time depends on day of the week), with restaurants closing later.
If the area feels unsafe, it probably is. Stay on the main roads as much as you can. If you have to go on to a side road, stay alert and look out for exit paths.
whynotearlier says: Take care of your belongings and don't be a statistic. Going and coming back safely and happily is my travelling mantra.
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