Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
breviated “TI” in this topic. TIs are good places to get a city map, advice on public trans-
portation (including bus and train schedules), walking-tour information, tips on special
events, and recommendations for nightlife. For all the help TIs offer, steer clear of their
room-finding services (bloated prices, booking fee up to
£
4, no opinions, and they take a
10 percent cut from your B&B host).
Websites:
Start with the TI's official website,
www.visitlondon.com
.
Other helpful
sites are
www.timeout.com/london
and
www.londontown.com
. For information on Lon-
don and beyond, try
www.visitbritain.com
.
Emergency and Medical Help:
In Britain, dial 999 for police help or a medical emer-
gency. If you get sick, do as the Brits do and go to a pharmacist for advice. Or ask at your
hotel for help—they know of the nearest medical and emergency services. St. Thomas'
Hospital, across the river from Big Ben, has a fine reputation.
Theft or Loss:
To replace a passport, you'll need to go in person to a US embassy
Control for Lost Cards” on
here
). File a police report, either on the spot or within a day or
two; you'll need it to submit an insurance claim for lost or stolen rail passes or travel gear,
and it can help with replacing your passport or credit and debit cards. For more inform-
ation, see
www.ricksteves.com/help
.
Precautionary measures can minimize the effects of
loss—back up your digital photos and other files frequently.
Time Zones:
Britain, which is one hour earlier than most of continental Europe, is
five/eight hours ahead of the East/West Coasts of the US. The exceptions are the be-
ginning and end of Daylight Saving Time: Britain and Europe “spring forward” the last
Sunday in March (two weeks after most of North America), and “fall back” the last
Sunday in October (one week before North America). For a handy online time converter,
Business Hours:
Most stores are open Monday through Saturday (roughly
10:00-17:00), with a late night on Wednesday or Thursday (until 19:00 or 20:00), depend-
ing on the neighborhood. On Sunday, when some stores are closed, many street markets
are lively with shoppers.
Watt's Up?
Britain's electrical system is 220 volts, instead of North America's 110
volts. Most newer electronics (such as laptops, battery chargers, and hair dryers) convert
automatically, so you won't need a converter, but you will need an adapter plug with three
square prongs, sold inexpensively at travel stores in the US. Avoid bringing older appli-
ances that don't automatically convert voltage; instead, buy a cheap replacement in Bri-
