Practical information
Before you live
Although low cost airlines charge the traveller with cheaper fares, especially if you get the ticket in reasonable advance, national airline companies, such as Alitalia and British Airways are cutting their prices to remain competitive. So, check both options, before buying your ticket. If you are a student, remember to check out cheap student fares.
Bring with you clothes you feel comfortable with, as you need them when travelling. In particular, choose clothes that you can layer. A sleeping bag is essential if you're going to be travelling around or staying with friends. Coats are a necessity in winter. Don't forget to bring with you an alarm clock. change of underwear, toiletries to freshen up with such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant.
Ensure that your luggage is labelled inside and out. Lock every zipper and perhaps tie a ribbon or sticker on to your bag to personalise it. Choose luggage that is compact and try not to load yourself with too many bags.
Don't wear clothes that advertise where you're from and always be aware of your surroundings. Thieves are everywhere and even the most innocent looking person may not be as honest as you could think. Keep your valuables such as our passport and wallet locked in your hand luggage.
Finally, never accept a parcel from a stranger to hold or transport for them, never leave your luggage unattended and always be on the alert.
We have prepared a simple check-list which summarise some items you should not forget to bring with you:
- Passport/Identity card;
- Travel insurance: check that your insurance policy covers you for travel and work, along with your stuff;
- International driving licence: as car insurance is quite expensive in the UK, you'd better get a "no claims letter" from your car insurance company before you leave home, which entitles you to receive a discount on the insurance fare;
- References from previous landlords: they will help you sign a tenancy agreement;
- ISIC card: if you are a student, this cards entitles you to get discounts. You will need to have a proof that you are a student such as your ID card;
- Passport photos: take a few extra passport photos, as they will come in handy when you need to obtain membership cards (for youth hostels, transport, cinemas etc). Some photo machines are available at most underground stations in London;
- Photocopies of all documentation: make sure that you take copies of all documentation, and put copies in different places where they can be easily accessed in any emergency;
- Banking credit reference letter: to make it easier for you to open an account in the UK, bring with you a reference letter from your bank at home, which must state your physical home address;
- Up to date Curriculum Vitae (CV);
- Credit/Debit cards;
- Medicines.
Safety
London is very big, but is not more dangerous than other big cities. Anyway, stay safe by following these rules:
- you don't need to carry identification in the UK, so you can leave your passport or identity card (ID) at home or in your hotel or with your homestay family; we'd suggest that you use a photocopy of them;
- always carry your identication card issued by schools and universities where you're studying;
- if you feel lost in London or environs (or anywhere in the UK), ask a policeman or policewoman for help: they are trained to help you!;
- Carry your valuables (money, camera, mobile, etc.) out of sight. In particular, never carry your wallet or purse in your back pocket, and when travelling on crowded means of transport (especially the Tube), make sure no-one steals them or takes your things;
- Don't walk alone late at night. If you are in an unknown area or if it's unsafe, take a taxi!;
- When you cross the road, never forget that you are in the UK: look right first!!!;
Emergencies
Some addresses and telephone numbers could help you if a problem troubles you:
Burocracy:
- Italian Embassy: 14 Three King's Yard, W1 Ph. 0207 3122200;
- Italian Consulate: 38 Eaton Place SW1X - Ph. 0207 2359371;
- Police, ambulance and fire brigade: 999, 112;
- Rape Crisis 020 7837 1600
Health:
- NHS Direct 0845 46 47;
- 24 hours Hospital: Central Middlesex Hospital, Acton lane, NW10 (Ph. 0208-965 5733).
- Chelsea & Westminster Hospital WS10 020 8746 8000;
- Kings College Hospital SE5 020 7737 4000;
- Royal Free Hospital NW3 020 7794 0500;
- Soho Walk in Centre 020 7534 6500;
- Charing Cross Hospital W6 020 8846 1234;
- Emergency Accident & Dental Team 020 7485 4626;
- Dental Emergency Care ph. 0208 373646. At night and when medical centres are closed: Ph. 0207 3463894;
- Medical Advisory - Service Healthline (0208-994 9874);
- Pregnancy Helpline 020 7580 4847
Utilities:
- British Telecom enquiries 0800 800 152;
- Gas enquiries 08456 091 122;
- Thames Water enquiries 08459 200 888;
- Royal Mail general enquiries 08457 740 740
Lost & found
Should you lose your personal belongings, some addresses and telephone numbers can help you solve the problem:
- London Transport : enquire at Lost Property Office, 200 Baker Street, NW1, open Mon-Fri 0930-1400. Recorded ph. (020) 7486 2496, Fax. (020) 7918 102;
- Rail: enquire at station of arrival or phone 020 7928 5151;
- National Express: enquire at Victoria Coach Station;
- Taxis: contact Metropolitan Police Lost Property Office, 15 Penton Street, London N1 9PU, or ph. (020) 78330996. Open Monday-Friday 9:00-16:00. Black cabs ph. 020 7918 2000;
- Transport for London (tubes & buses) 020 7486 2496;
- Gatwick Airport ph. 020 8745 7727;
- Heathrow Airport ph. 020 8745 7727;
- London City Airport ph. 020 7646 0000;
- Luton Airport ph. 01582 395 219.
Change
Banks are normally open from 9:00 to 16:30 or later, Monday to Friday. Some branches may open on Saturdays.
Bureaux de Change are open longer hours than ordinary banks. Many are near railway stations and in shopping areas. We'd suggest using only those displaying the official Tourist Board symbol and code of conduct. Check both rates and commission.
Taxation
Any country has a particular system of taxation which derives from historical events and specific tradition, so you could not really get the meaning of some taxes you should have to pay. We'd suggest consulting a local tax office or a tax agency before starting any activity or accepting a job, so as to avoid "surprises":
National Insurance Number (NIN)
To work in the UK you must apply for a National Insurance Number. To get it, contact the Department of Social Security (DSS) - Benefits Agency Office, as soon as you get to London. Once your number has been attained, you can submit it to your employer. Tax and NIN will then deducted on your behalf on a Pay As You Earn basis. Your payslip will show the deductions made for both. At the end of the year, should your total earnings be lower than expected, you may be eligible for a tax refund. Of course, a full rebate will be awarded to those earning less than the annual Personal Allowance. The tax year is from April to April.
Council tax
Council taxes is levied on homeowners for services such as street cleaners, rubbish collection, public library, etc. They tend to pass this charge onto the tenants. Council tax is not usually included in your rent, so make sure you check with your landlord about this. This tax has to be paid monthly and there are serious consequences if it's not paid. The amount varies from area to area.
Self-employment & Limited Companies
There are some advantages to work on your own, such as offsetting business expenses against tax and claiming back the expenses incurred while doing your job. We'd suggest keeping all your receipts for reference and proof.
Tax on savings
Banks and building societies deduct a basic rate income tax from interest earned before it is paid. A rebate is claimable if the income is less than the individual's tax allowance, or if tax has been deducted unnecessarily.
Tipping
Cab drivers expect to be tipped about 10 per cent of the fare. Restaurants sometimes add a service charge of 10-15 per cent, but this should be shown on the menu.
Tipping of staff such as chambermaids and porters is discretionary but it is usual to tip guides at the end of sightseeing tours.