Essential London Information

Electricity

The standard voltage throughout the UK is 230/240V AC, 50Hz.
Plugs have three square pins. Adaptors for European, Australasian and American electrical items are available at any electrical store.

Money

The UK has kept the pound sterling as its unit of currency.  One pound sterling is made up of 100 pence (pronounced pee, colloquially). Notes come in denominations of 5, 10, 20 and 50, while coins are 1p, 2p, 5p, 10p, 20p, 50p, 1 and 2. ATMs (cash points) are a way of life in London and there is now area in the capital that is not served by them. They accept cards from any bank in the world that is tied into the Visa, MasterCard, Cirrus or Maestro systems, as well as some other more obscure ones. You can change money in most high-street banks and some travel agent chains, as well as at the numerous bureaux de change throughout the city. Credit and debit cards are accepted almost universally in London, from restaurants and bars to shops and even some taxis. American Express and Diners Club are less widely used than Visa and MasterCard, while most Londoners simply live off their Switch debit cards that can also be used to get cash back from supermarkets, which saves making a trip to an ATM if you are low on cash.

Staying Safe

Here are a few tips to make your Spring Break the best ever.
If you hail a cab on the street, choose black cabs rather than mini cabs.

Black cabs are easily spotted as they are big, black cars with a yellow light on the top of the hood, signalling that the cab is empty and it's yours if you want it. Many London pubs and bars have clips under the tables. Use these to secure your handbag or coat. If they don't keep your bag, wallet and coat under the table.

When using an ATM, check that no one is looking over your shoulder and that the ATM hasn't been tampered with. If you notice something odd, report it to the bank or police. If your card is not returned by the cash machine, report it to your card issuer. Be quick and do not hang around the ATM when you have completed your transactions.

Tipping

Many restaurants add a discretionary service charge to your bill, but in places that don't you are expected to leave a 10% to 15% tip unless the service was unsatisfactory. Waiting staff are often paid low wages on the assumption that the money will be supplemented by tips. Its legal for restaurants to include a service charge in the bill but this should be clearly advertised. You do not need to tip to have your pint pulled in a pub.