If you are a carer travelling to London, either to go to a client or to set up a UK base, then you may find the following information useful:

LONDON TRANSPORT:

Taxis:
London’s famous black cabs can either be booked in advance, hailed on the street or hailed from designated taxi ranks. Here are some numbers for taxi’s operating in London. All fares will start at a minimum of £2.20 (July 2008).
Call-a-cab – 020 8901 4444
Dial-a-cab – 020 7253 5000
Radio Taxis – 020 7272 0272
Taxi One-Number bookings – 0871 871 8710

Buses:
Buses travel all over London at all different times of day. Make sure you check for fares and routes before you go. Be aware of pickpockets, as the buses can get very crowded.

Trains:
You can get the train direct to London Paddington Station, which is London’s main train station. From there, you can either hail a taxi outside or get a ‘fast ticket’ and hop on the underground tube to reach your destination.

Oyster Cards:
Oyster is London’s ticketing and revenue system. At its heart is the oyster card, which makes buying and using the tickets easier. An oyster card can store up to £90 of cash which can be used to pay as you go. It can be used on the tube, trains, buses, DLR, London over-ground and some National Rail services in London. You can use auto top up. It aims to ensure that you get the lowest fare, and where you don’t they refund the difference. To purchase an Oyster Card click the following link: www.oyster.tfl.gov.uk

Don’t forget about congestion charges which operate throughout some parts of London on weekdays. For more information click the link: www.tfl.gov.uk

London Underground:
Tubes run anywhere between 4am to 1am depending on which line you are getting on. Please make sure that you check in the underground station for running times or any delays. The tube is the quickest, easiest way to travel around London. For tube maps click the link: www.tfl.gov.uk/gettingaround/1108.aspx

The roads in London are very busy at all times of day and you must use the pedestrian crossings.

ACCOMODATION IN LONDON:

For a list of cheap places to stay in London, click the link: www.travelstay.com

www.stuckinlondon.com is a website designed to help newcomers in London. It has tips on living in London and accommodation, a photo guide, a London price guide, getting around, opening a bank account and what to expect from England’s capital.

There are plenty of maps and tourist information spots around London and it is well sign-posted. It’s very easy to get around.

EMERGENCY NUMBER FOR THE UK: 999 FOR POLICE/AMBULANCE/FIRE

Don’t forget about the smoking ban that is on in England at the moment. It means you won’t be able to smoke indoors in any public places; that includes pubs, restaurants, shops, hotels, bus shelters etc. You will face an on the spot charge of £50 and there may be other consequences.

Tourism:
Go to www.visitlondon.com to look at the guide to London’s top events. Discover London and plan your visit.

www.londontourist.org is the London Tourism Guide, which is the only comprehensive free and unbiased guidebook for tourists and visitors on the Internet.