Packing List & Communication
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)
