Practical A–Z

Since Brexit: New Rules!

Since October 1, 2021, as an EU citizen, you need a valid passport to enter the United Kingdom — an identity card is no longer sufficient. No visa is required for stays up to 6 months (tourism).

Border Controls

Upon arrival at a British airport, you must go through Border Control. E-Gates (automated passport control) are available for EU citizens with biometric passports — usually faster than the queue at the counter. When entering via Eurostar, British passport control takes place in Brussels/Paris (before departure).

Currency

The United Kingdom has never adopted the Euro — the currency is the British Pound Sterling (£). The best way to exchange money is by credit card (contactless payment works everywhere, even in pubs!) or at an ATM. Currency exchange offices at the airport and on Oxford Street have the worst rates — avoid them!

Tip: A fee-free travel credit card (e.g., DKB, ING, or Revolut) is worth its weight in gold in London — no foreign transaction fees, fair exchange rates, and accepted everywhere.

London is a safe city — violent crime against tourists is very rare. The main risks:

Pickpockets

The biggest risk — especially on the Tube (Piccadilly Line, Central Line during rush hour), at markets (Camden, Borough, Portobello), at Oxford Circus, Leicester Square, and tourist hotspots. Standard precautions: carry valuables in front, keep your backpack in sight, keep your handbag closed.

Scams

Fake Charity Collector: People in vests supposedly collecting for charities — often not legitimate. Shell Game: At Westminster Bridge and South Bank — you never win. Fake Ticket Touts: At Leicester Square — buy tickets only at TKTS or official theater box offices.

Traffic

London's left-hand traffic is dangerous for continental Europeans: You automatically look in the wrong direction before crossing the street. At many pedestrian crossings, "LOOK RIGHT" or "LOOK LEFT" is written on the ground — follow them! Especially at intersections where buses come from unexpected directions.

Emergency number: 999 (or 112, also works). Non-emergency: 101 (police).

What to Pack

• Passport: Mandatory since Brexit — an identity card is not enough!
• UK plug adapter (Type G): British sockets have three rectangular pins — you need an adapter! Available at any Poundland (1-pound store), but better to get one beforehand.
• Rain jacket: Compact and always in your backpack. No need for a heavy umbrella — the London drizzle is mild.
• Comfortable shoes: London is a walking city — you'll be doing 15,000–25,000 steps a day. Comfortable sneakers are a must.
• Layers: The weather changes quickly, and the Tube is often unexpectedly warm.
• Credit card with contactless payment: In London, you can pay for almost everything contactlessly — pub, market, Tube, bus. You almost never need cash.
• Oyster Card or contactless card: For transportation (see chapter Transport).

Mobile Internet & Roaming

Since Brexit, there is no more EU roaming in the United Kingdom! Many German mobile providers charge roaming fees for UK usage. Check your tariff in advance! Alternatives:

• International tariffs: Some providers (e.g., Telekom Magenta, o2) still include the UK in their roaming package — check!
• eSIM / Prepaid SIM: Buy a British prepaid SIM (e.g., Three, giffgaff, from £10 for 10 GB) at the airport or online. Or: Airalo/Holafly eSIM in advance.
• Wi-Fi: Most hotels, cafes, museums, and even Tube stations (not in the tunnels!) have free Wi-Fi.

Language

English — no language barrier! However, London English can be fast, slangy, and spoken with various accents (Cockney, Multicultural London English, RP). A few vocabulary words:

• Cheers — Thanks (informal), Cheers
• Sorry — Said 50 times a day, even if the other person should apologize
• Queue — Standing in line (sacred in the UK!)
• Loo — Toilet
• Tube — Subway
• Quid — Pound (informal, like "buck" for dollar)