For ATM's, in general match whatever logo is on your card (cirrus or pulse or mastercard, e.g.) to the same logo on a machine. We try to use ATM's at banks if possible; Lloyds, Santandar,and Barclays have worked well for us.

Aside from getting cash at the airport, I try to use bank ATMs during banking hours.I have not found it necessary to worry about the logo in europe.

I never pay any attention to bank logos. They all work fine, IME. I just make sure I use legitimate banks and not convenience-store-type private ATMs.

Years ago the system logo was an issue - But IME for the last maybe decade, Cash points all seem pretty much universal. And yes, definitely only use bank-affiliated machines (not the 'courtesy' ATMs you often find in convenience stores and such)

Logo-wise...bank ATM's pretty much all accept the same bunch of cards...worst case is you're hit with an extra fee of, perhaps, 2 or 3 pounds.

Good advice sticking to bank ATMs and avoiding store ATMs. I usually use the airport ATM on arrival and have not had any bad surprises in terms of fees or conversion rates, but if you bring some cash, you can wait till you get to your hotel neighborhood bank. You will find bank ATMs everywhere in London.

Story: Once in Venice, the ATM outside a bank would not take my card, but there were ATMs inside the same bank that would...weird!

ssander

<I am getting Oyster loaded with seven day travel card but how do I add extra GBP for any trip outside London?>

You should be able to load extra cash on the Oyster Card at the same place you buy it (5 GBP) and load the 7-day pass onto it...if I recall correctly. (NOTE: We are going to London in a month...let us know if that is still true.)

BON VOYAGE...you're leaving this weekend, right?

ssander

Yes ssander, I am so excited to leave on Saturday evening (tomorrow).Thankyou

Regarding crossing the Thames, there are lots of bridges to walk over - I like the view of Tower Bridge from London Bridge. Or the tube takes you over using Oyster Card or 'touching in / out' with your debit card or there are ferries for about £5 that take you to various points on both sides of the river

...and, remember to mitigate jet lag:

• Hydrate all day today, on the plane, and tomorrow
• Lay off alcohol on the plane
• Adjust your meal times today
• Try to stay up tomorrow during the day...with maybe only a short nap in the afternoon

This usually help for me.
ssander

Everyone is different! If I'm flying to London I have an afternoon nap, at least three hours, and then eat dinner and go to bed on local time. Next morning I'm synced.