If you need to change your currency for English Pounds, beware that rip-offs abound. Most currency changing places and banks either charge large commissions or a “handling” charge, in addition to giving you a lousy exchange rate too. I cashed a traveler’s check for US$100 and ended up paying a 7½% fee for the exchange, in addition to an exchange rate that was about 4% over the interbank rate. I ended up with £57 for that $100. That’s at least £5 less than I would’ve got using an ATM.

If you plan on using cash, which is inevitable in certain situations, I suggest you withdraw funds from your home bank at ATM machines. You won’t be charged an extra fee, just what your bank usually charges. Although now it seems you won’t get the best exchange rate like you used to get. Credit cards likewise are a good deal since you’ll only lose 1-2% on the exchange.

Euros are being accepted in more and more places, but again, be careful because you’re still likely to pay more than using pounds. Until the UK decides to embrace the Euro (they’re pretty split on it right now), you’ll still have to pay to play the currency exchange game.

Also you need to learn the coinage in the UK, since the size of the various denominations isn’t in keeping with most countries’ standards. That is some coins are larger than you would expect, like the 10 pence, which is very large for its value. So examine the coins carefully to become familiar with them, so they don’t slow you down when you’re in a hurry.

London’s famed Underground, the oldest subway in the world, opened in 1863. Also referred to as “The Tube”, the Underground is one of the best ways to get around London quickly and cheaply. If you’re planning to visit a number of attractions in one day, the best way to go is to get a Travelcard for the day which allows unlimited travel through all four city zones for only £5, for the day.

It’s also valid on buses, trams and the rail service to the suburbs. This can be a good bargain if your travel takes you to the outskirts of the city where it can cost £1.90 for a one-way. It also saves you from having to queue up for tickets over and over.

There are maps at every station and in every subway car. The biggest hassle with using the big Underground maps is locating your present position, as this never seems to be clearly marked. A good street map is also essential to find the best route to your destinations.

The Underground now handles over one billion trips each year. That’s over three million journeys each day stopping at 275 stations stretched over 408km. Yet despite its size, it runs fairly smoothly, and isn’t full of grafitti and trash like other subways.

The Underground has no air conditioning, so it can be sweltering on warm summer days, especially during rush hour, when little air seems to circuluate in the packed cars. Improvements to the fan systems on the older lines are slow in coming.

Always watch your belongings and valuables in public transport. While theft is not as bad as in other cities (like the Paris Metro), you should still be careful in crowds.

Don’t forget to “Mind the Gap!”. That simply means watch your step getting on and off public transport as the gap between the doorway and the platform can be larger that expected.

For maps and more info check out the Underground’s website: https://tfl.gov.uk/