Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
• New Zealand
Passports Office,
Department of Internal Affairs, P.O. Box 1658, Wellington,
6140 (
&
0800/225050
in New Zealand or 04/474-8100; www.passports.govt.nz).
• United States
To find your regional passport office, check the U.S. State Department
website (travel.state.gov/passport) or call the
National Passport Information Center
(
&
877/487-2778
) for automated information.
Petrol
Please see “Car Rental” earlier in this chapter.
Police
Losses, thefts, and other criminal matters should be reported at the nearest
police station immediately. You will be given a crime number, which your travel insurer
will request if you make a claim. Dial
&
999
or 112 if the matter is serious.
Safety
Britain has its share of crime, but in general it is one of the safest countries in
the world for visitors. Pickpockets are a concern in London and the major cities, but vio-
lent crime is relatively rare. If you are in any doubt, ask the bar or restaurant you're leav-
ing to phone you a minicab—never get into an unlicensed minicab, especially if you are
female. Conceal your wallet or else hold on to your purse, and don't flaunt jewelry or
cash. Personal electronic devices like smartphones and iPods are another obvious target.
In short, it's the same advice you'd follow in your hometown.
Senior Travel
Britain offers many discounts to senior visitors. Many of the attractions
recommended in this topic list a separate, reduced entrance fee for seniors. However,
even if discounts aren't posted, ask if they're available. Make sure you carry identification
that shows your date of birth. Also, mention you're a senior when you make hotel reser-
vations. Some offer discounts—but if you don't ask, they probably won't offer.
BritRail
offers overseas seniors discounted rates on some rail passes around Britain.
See
www.britrail.com
.
If you're heading to Britain from the U.S., members of
AARP,
601 E St. NW, Washing-
ton, DC 20049 (
&
888/687-2277;
www.aarp.org), can secure discounts on hotels, air-
fares, and car rentals. Anyone 50 or older can join.
Smoking
Smoking is banned in all indoor public places such as pubs, restaurants, and
clubs across England and Wales. The regulations are almost universally observed and
strictly enforced. If you wish to smoke, you will usually find temporary companions hud-
dled close to the entrance door. Smoking is allowed in beer gardens and on terraces in
bars, and the seats outside coffee shops, which generally means that the nice outdoor
areas are effectively off-limits to non-smokers.
Student Travel
Never leave home without your student I.D. card. Visitors from over-
seas should arm themselves with an
International Student Identity Card (ISIC),
which
offers local savings on rail passes, plane tickets, entrance fees, and much more. Each
country's card offers slightly different benefits (in the U.S., for example, it provides you
with basic health and life insurance and a 24-hour helpline). Apply before departing in
your country of origin. In the U.S. or Canada, at
www.myisic.com
; in Australia, see
www.
isiccard.com.au
; in New Zealand, visit
www.isiccard.co.nz
. U.K. students should carry
their NUS card. If you're no longer a student but are still younger than 26, you can get an
International Youth Travel Card (IYTC),
which entitles you to a more limited range of
discounts.
Taxes
All prices in the U.K. must be quoted inclusive of any taxes. Since January 1,
2011, the national value-added tax
(VAT)
has been 20%. This is included in all hotel and
restaurant bills, and in the price of most items you purchase.
If you're permanently resident outside the E.U., VAT on goods can be refunded if you
shop at stores that participate in the
Retail Export Scheme
—look for the window sticker
or ask the staff. You need to fill out form VAT 407 in store, which the retailer will supply,
and show your passport when you make the purchase. Show your receipt and form 407
to customs officials when you leave the U.K. (or at your point of departure from the E.U.)
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