Do's & Don'ts While in London

Like any other major city, London has it's own informal set of rules and values. It can be quite surprising how many things Londoners do that are different from people across the globe and many of them can be quite confusing. As I've lived in London for 20 years, I've learnt the hard way what the Do's and Don'ts are while in London - it would be wise to read up on what to expect and what to do as well as simple things that you should avoid while in London.

General

• DO - Make sure you bring an umbrella with you as the weather in London can sometimes be utterly unpredictable. One minute it can be the best weather you've ever experienced and the next minute you can be caught in a heavy thunderstorm with it raining cats and dogs. 
• DON'T - Wear uncomfortable clothing or shoes just because they're "fashionable". If you fall on a cobbled street then don't look at me after I've warned you - you really will want to wear comfortable shoes in London as there's so much to see and do. Wearing trainers would be your best bet for an enjoyable stay while in London rather than running, or should I say hobbling, to the nearest pharmacy to get some plasters for your blistered ankles. 
• DO - Hide your valuables and make sure you have a place where your valuables will be out of sight for potential scammers and thieves. If you don't have the money to purchase an anti-theft backpack then simply turn your bag towards you to avoid anyone slipping their hand in and stealing your valuables. 
• DON'T - Be late! When Londoners say be here at 5pm - they want you to be there at 5pm. Not five minutes later or ten minutes later - we really do mean spot on the time we said. This isn't just for Londoners, people around England like to be punctual and favour those who aren't late. For example, as I'm currently being interviewed for jobs, even though the interview may be at 1pm, I arrive around 10-15 minutes before instead of being on time or arriving late. 
• DO - Be polite! A please and a thank you will take you a long way - or at least save the cashier or person serving you giving you a menacing look. Manners cost absolutely nothing and it's common courtesy in London to be polite - when I travelled to Australia I was told that English people were too polite! 
• DON'T - Play your music on full volume whether it be from your phone or from your earphones - no one wants to hear songs from your Spotify playlist you've spent hours creating. Even if you're on the Tube then you don't need to shout! We don't all want to hear your conversations and certainly want to enjoy the commute to work or to our homes in peace. 

Transport

• DO - Stand on the right hand side of the escalator - allowing others to walk up on the left hand side. This isn't just an unwritten rule throughout London, it's clearly stated when you step onto the escalator. Don't be surprised when you might be pushed or barged into as busy Londoners try and make their way to work. 

• DON'T - Stand on the escalator with large prams or large items of luggage if there's a lift avaliable - it's there for a reason! It doesn't only put your safety at risk but puts others on the escalator as well as your child's if they're in the pram. If there isn't a lift avaliable - people are always happy to help throughout London, fold up your pram and hold your child until you get to the top of the escalator. 
• DO - Plan your journey before you get onto the London Underground - there's nothing worse than being confused in the middle of Oxford Street Station - contemplating what direction to go in while people narrowly try and avoid bumping into you. There are a range of free apps avaliable to those travelling through London using the London Underground and buses. 
• DON'T - Plan your journey on the London Underground during peak times, which includes early in the morning and late in the afternoon as it will be unlikely you'll even have space to get onto the Tube. Additionally, it will delay your journey even further and if you do manage to get onto a Tube - then be prepared to have no personal space at all and be face to face with a stranger for your journey. Trust me, you wouldn't have a chance getting a pram or suitcases onto the Tube during peak times. 
• DO - Use an Oyster Card - they're widely avaliable in thousands of newsagents and train stations across London as well as being avaliable for purchase online. Not only will this be considerably cheaper compared to purchasing tickets but in turn will save you a lot of time compared to queuing up at a ticket machine each time you travel. 
• DON'T - Fumble for your Oyster Card or tickets at the barrier - not only does this delay the queue of people trying to get out of the station but Londoners WILL push past you as they have their cards ready. It might even make you even more confused as to where your Oyster Card or ticket is - be prepared before going to the barrier. 
• DO - Take advantage of the various methods of public transport readily avaliable in London - they're as cheap as £1.50 per journey! Walking would be advisable for those trying to save money - with an app such as Google Maps, you can't go wrong. If you prefer to get a taxi while in London, apps such as Uber and Addison Lee are considerably cheaper than taxis you'll find at taxi ranks/stands. 
• DON'T - Drive on the wrong side of the road. In England we drive on the left hand side to which the majority of countries around the globe drive on the right hand side. It's shocking, I know. Either way for your safety, those on the road and the public - make sure you brush up on your driving skills and knowledge before taking to the busy streets of London.

Sightseeing

• DO - Make the most of the free attractions that London has to offer as well as the discounted admission for certain age groups in specific museums and activities. There are hundreds of free activities around London as well as being able to enjoy the spectacular sights of London without the hefty price tag that comes along with them. 
• DON'T - Stay inside all day! What did you come to London to do? You should spend your time outside and exploring London - there's simply too much to see and do to be spending time tucked away in your hotel room. There are so many places that are considered hidden gems that even some Londoners don't know about. 
• DO - Visit places such as Chinatown, Soho or Covent Garden where you can find inexpensive restuarants with large portions as well as incredible food. Places such as Leicester Square should be avoided at all costs unless you're going to a film premiere or buying theatre tickets - it's expensive, overpriced and you won't get as much out of it. 
• DON'T - Push in. Oh no. Whatever you do, don't push in. You won't only get the attention of everyone in the queue but everyone will be tutting and muttering things under their breath. It's the one golden rule you cannot break - us Londoners queue up for absolutely everything. It's polite and common nature to queue for Londoners as it simply shows respect for each other and simply following the rules of who was there first. 
• DO - Take a free walking tour - even though they aren't technically free - it's a little bit confusing. Lots of companies around London offer free walking tours for specific areas of London such as Jack the Ripper Tours, WWII in London and General London Sightseeing Tours which run on a pay-as-you-wish-basis. These tour guides have an incredible job and rely solely on donations - make sure you pay what you think is fair!
• DON'T - Get Tower Bridge and London Bridge confused - they may look the same and the name even sounds similar with the word bridge in them but they are entirely different. London Bridge is the name for several bridges across London whereas Tower Bridge is a lone standing bridge that connects Southwark to Central London. There is also a place called London Bridge - which stands as a train station, an Underground Station as well as an actual area. 
• DO - Plan in advance what your plan is for each day and if possible purchase tickets for attractions and activities beforehand to save both money and time. Purchasing tickets beforehand may give you the option to skip the queue and allow you to have more time seeing the sights of London. 
• DON'T - Plan every second of every day. Unexpected events may occur such as the weather taking a turn for the worst or an activity overrunning. It would be advisable to make a rough plan of what you want to see and some tickets may have the option to visit on a certain day but just make sure you give yourself time. If you're too bogged down with time constraints then you may not enjoy your trip and enjoy what London has to offer.

Money

• DO - Get your currency before coming to London - to avoid being ripped off from extortionate exchange rates and the chance you may be given fake notes. Each country has different brands that are recognised and reputable so I would advise buying your money before travelling to London. If you're unsure of how much to bring then read this blog post: How Much Will A Trip To London Cost? before travelling. 
• DON'T - Get your money from the travel agents and branches across Central London that advertise the best rates in London. You will probably get one of the worst rates avaliable and be charged commission for your purchase - which will leave you at even more at a loss. 
• DO - Tip! People in London receive a range of wages based on their job role as well as if the company provides them with the "London Living Wage". For people working in restuarants and cafes, they will most likely be on the minimum wage or just above so make sure you give an extra 10-20% on your bill to give gratitude to your servers. 
• DON'T - Take all of your money on a card or with cash - some places will only accept cash whereas others will only accept card - it's a confusing place. I'd advise getting the majority of your currency in cash whereas leaving around 10% on your card. Some hotels will also charge you a fee that they will hold throughout your stay that they will return upon your departure. If you're using a credit or debit card from another country then you may incur a foreign transaction fee.