Honeymoon in London, questions.
Apr 4th, 2016, 11:22 AM
#21
>>When you say at Bank ATMs, do you mean bank ATMs in London? <<
yes. In London - or in your case probably in the arrivals hall at Heathrow (as mentioned above) so you'll have cash for your Just Airports driver. You insert your card, key in your PIN and request x number of £ -- and just like magic -- our pop £ notes (they aren't called 'bills' like in the States).
UK banks have cash machines just like back home and you can use any of them. BTW -- some machines will ask if you want the amount calculated in US$ . . . no you don't. Just decline that <i>service</i> - it would cost you more.
yes. In London - or in your case probably in the arrivals hall at Heathrow (as mentioned above) so you'll have cash for your Just Airports driver. You insert your card, key in your PIN and request x number of £ -- and just like magic -- our pop £ notes (they aren't called 'bills' like in the States).
UK banks have cash machines just like back home and you can use any of them. BTW -- some machines will ask if you want the amount calculated in US$ . . . no you don't. Just decline that <i>service</i> - it would cost you more.
Apr 4th, 2016, 11:38 AM
#22
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Some more info on getting cash. Yes, use you ATM card in any ATM in/near London that has the same interbank symbol on it. If you put it in a "wrong" ATM, the ATM will simply reject your card - no harm done. Do you know what your bank will charge you for withdrawing money from a foreign ATM? There are two kinds of fees: exchange fees (large banks in the US will charge you 3%) and ATM fees (large banks in the US charge as much as $5 per use). There are banks that don't charge this much, but do ask your bank - and make sure they know that you will be using your card in the UK. You will need cash for some things, but it makes sense to use your credit card as much as possible, especially since it doesn't charge for foreign exchange.
Apr 4th, 2016, 11:39 AM
#23
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<<BTW -- some machines will ask if you want the amount calculated in US$ . . . no you don't. Just decline that service - it would cost you more.>>
This goes for everything - restaurants and especially top tourist stores (F&M, Harrod's, Duty Free) will offer you the option to pay in dollars. Always say no.
<B>ALWAYS INSIST UPON BEING CHARGED IN POUNDS, NOT DOLLARS.</B>
The practice is called "Dynamic Currency Conversion" or DCC and it always hits you for 5-8% more than the actual exchange rate. Don't think these options come without cost.
This goes for everything - restaurants and especially top tourist stores (F&M, Harrod's, Duty Free) will offer you the option to pay in dollars. Always say no.
<B>ALWAYS INSIST UPON BEING CHARGED IN POUNDS, NOT DOLLARS.</B>
The practice is called "Dynamic Currency Conversion" or DCC and it always hits you for 5-8% more than the actual exchange rate. Don't think these options come without cost.
Apr 4th, 2016, 11:45 AM
#24
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Thank you everyone for the tips on currency Exchange/withdrawal. I really appreciate it. I'll be calling my bank today to check the status of everything =)
Question, is it a good idea to post itinerary, as we have went through 5/6 days of what we think we can do? To get critiques/feedback?
Question, is it a good idea to post itinerary, as we have went through 5/6 days of what we think we can do? To get critiques/feedback?
Apr 4th, 2016, 12:09 PM
#25
>>I'll be calling my bank today to check the status of everything <<
Don't expect your bank to know much -- or to give out accurate information. Just not in most US banks DNA. Do call them (and your credit card company(s) just before you leave so they don't put a fraud prevention block on the cards when you try to use them overseas.
>>is it a good idea to post itinerary, as we have went through 5/6 days of what we think we can do? To get critiques/feedback?<<
Might be - yes . . .
Don't expect your bank to know much -- or to give out accurate information. Just not in most US banks DNA. Do call them (and your credit card company(s) just before you leave so they don't put a fraud prevention block on the cards when you try to use them overseas.
>>is it a good idea to post itinerary, as we have went through 5/6 days of what we think we can do? To get critiques/feedback?<<
Might be - yes . . .
Apr 4th, 2016, 12:48 PM
#26
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Why call the bank? You raise points as if you're in my parents' generation (exchanging $, calling the bank), and they know to use the ATM and work online even though they each became Social Security eligible in the '90s.
Banks don't need calls, they need notification. You give notification on their websites - for your money accounts, for your credit card issuers, for any other institution who holds funds that you may tap while in Europe. It's simple, just make sure you warn each one.
And yeah, post the itinerary. Janis will pick over the corpus of it and rearrange (or offer enhancements for) your whole trip for the better within about 20 minutes.
Banks don't need calls, they need notification. You give notification on their websites - for your money accounts, for your credit card issuers, for any other institution who holds funds that you may tap while in Europe. It's simple, just make sure you warn each one.
And yeah, post the itinerary. Janis will pick over the corpus of it and rearrange (or offer enhancements for) your whole trip for the better within about 20 minutes.
Apr 4th, 2016, 01:57 PM
#27
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My bank is a futuristic bank with high tech, I don't know how to let them know much of this information online as there is nothing like this. Why not just call for information? I don't understand, does someone die from calling them?
Apr 4th, 2016, 02:38 PM
#28
>>Why not just call for information? I don't understand, does someone die from calling them?<<
(I bank w/ three banks and one credit union and have traveled to Europe at least 2 or 3 times a year for 3 decades) - The point is that 9 times out of 10 US-based bank customer service staff know nothing, or almost nothing, about foreign currency. Most of the time they will say things like "We can get you £ with no fees" -- not telling you that they'll use a really lousy exchange rate. Or "The banks in London will charge you high fees to get cash" when there are no fees to use ATMs in the UK. They just don't know.
No, you won't die. Just don't rely on anything they say
Just wait til the week before you leave and call you bank and credit card issuer to give them the dates you will be out of the country, and which countries you are visiting. That is all you need to do . . .
(I bank w/ three banks and one credit union and have traveled to Europe at least 2 or 3 times a year for 3 decades) - The point is that 9 times out of 10 US-based bank customer service staff know nothing, or almost nothing, about foreign currency. Most of the time they will say things like "We can get you £ with no fees" -- not telling you that they'll use a really lousy exchange rate. Or "The banks in London will charge you high fees to get cash" when there are no fees to use ATMs in the UK. They just don't know.
No, you won't die. Just don't rely on anything they say
Just wait til the week before you leave and call you bank and credit card issuer to give them the dates you will be out of the country, and which countries you are visiting. That is all you need to do . . .
Apr 4th, 2016, 02:50 PM
#29
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<<My bank is a futuristic bank with high tech, I don't know how to let them know much of this information online as there is nothing like this>>
If it's really high tech, it'll have a place for you to contact it: (1) email or message (my cap one online bank had this); (2) alert setting; (3) travel notification (2-3 of my accounts had this option in their drop down menus).
And I'm going to take my own advice right now for a future trip . . .
If it's really high tech, it'll have a place for you to contact it: (1) email or message (my cap one online bank had this); (2) alert setting; (3) travel notification (2-3 of my accounts had this option in their drop down menus).
And I'm going to take my own advice right now for a future trip . . .
Apr 4th, 2016, 04:25 PM
#30
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Congratulations on your marriage ~ all the best to you-
If you decide on Hampton Court, print out the 2FOR1 voucher:
https://www.daysoutguide.co.uk/hampton-court-palace
If your choice is Windsor, there is a "combined" train + castle ticket which
will save you a few GBP. Just ask at the train ticket window.
http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/times_fares/92346.aspx
If you decide on Hampton Court, print out the 2FOR1 voucher:
https://www.daysoutguide.co.uk/hampton-court-palace
If your choice is Windsor, there is a "combined" train + castle ticket which
will save you a few GBP. Just ask at the train ticket window.
http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/times_fares/92346.aspx
Apr 4th, 2016, 04:42 PM
#31
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BigRuss, I bank with one credit union and one bank, and can easily do almost all transactions online. But one thing I cannot do is a travel notification -
both institutions require a phone call for that.
My credit cards are CapitalOne, (who thankfully charge no foreign transaction fees), and they make it very simple to set up the travel notification on line.
Its a mistake to think one's own experience is universal.
And let's cut this OP some slack - they're in the middle of planning a wedding!
both institutions require a phone call for that.
My credit cards are CapitalOne, (who thankfully charge no foreign transaction fees), and they make it very simple to set up the travel notification on line.
Its a mistake to think one's own experience is universal.
And let's cut this OP some slack - they're in the middle of planning a wedding!
Apr 4th, 2016, 06:38 PM
#32
>>But one thing I cannot do is a travel notification - both institutions require a phone call for that.<<
same here -- 3 of my financial institutions definitely require personal contact -- not on-line. Either face to face w/ a teller or by phone.
Not 100% sure about the others (my other bank account and the three credit cards that aren't affiliated w/ my banks/credit union) -- I just always phone since I have to call the others anyway.
same here -- 3 of my financial institutions definitely require personal contact -- not on-line. Either face to face w/ a teller or by phone.
Not 100% sure about the others (my other bank account and the three credit cards that aren't affiliated w/ my banks/credit union) -- I just always phone since I have to call the others anyway.
Apr 5th, 2016, 04:19 AM
#33
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1. From Heathrow to Hotel, is this the best route?
My experience is the best choice is to see if the shuttle hits your hotel or a hotel within walking distance. But we've thankfully learned to pack lightly, so the walking is easy.
2. It looks like it's raining quite a bit for awhile, guessing it will be quite messy while we are there? Not sure how the rain goes in London, here it's somewhat miserable when it goes for days of raining(North Carolina, USA)
My experience of rain in London is weirdly minimal, though we've had some cold weather on some of our visits. I said weirdly minimal given the times we've visited. My experience is wear some all weather gear with a rain jacket and a flat fold umbrella in your pocket. In a lot of cases it is easier to just flip your hood up and skip the umbrella as you are up and down with it so much.
3. Whats the best way to exchange dollars to pounds, here in the US? Or in London?
Check your bank's website. Most major banks have partnerships with banks in other countries such that your fees will be minimal using the ATM there. I've tried getting cash in advance at my bank and not found it to be any cheaper. Usually it is more expensive than just using the ATMs at the partner in London.
4. What time should we leave our hotel to be at the warner brothers harry potter tour at 11:30AM? The route from http://www.tfl.gov.uk/ mentions its around 2hr trip, although I read it's only like 20km from london??
5. Best Windsor castle day trip tour? Or how would I get there?Any advice on this?
I would just ride the train out and do it as a diy tour. Google London to Windsor and you should find several websites with extensive details as to where to pick up the right train. When we did it, that's what I did. The blog we found had video showing how the signs look and everything. There's a lot to see at the castle + loads more to do in the area.
6. I believe we will definitely be getting the oyster card, still not sure if we should do the travel card. 6 Full Days in London. I'm guessing we can get the oyster card at the picadilly station that's at LHR terminal 3?
A little regret that our hotel will always involve a bus route, but it seems like a very awesome hotel and it was a very good price so, perhaps we shall just see.
A lot of people are probably going to naysay the bus thing but we absolutely LOVED riding the buses. Gave us a chance to eye up the locals and sometimes we were able to ride upstairs, too. I wouldn't bother for short hops during rush hour unless you must but otherwise riding at the top is great fun. Also, it will give you a bit of a feel for how the buses work. Once we figured out how to hop on and off the regular city buses we were able to hopscotch wherever we needed to go around town with ease. Much more convenient in many cases than the tube.
Congrats on your upcoming nuptials and have a great time!
My experience is the best choice is to see if the shuttle hits your hotel or a hotel within walking distance. But we've thankfully learned to pack lightly, so the walking is easy.
2. It looks like it's raining quite a bit for awhile, guessing it will be quite messy while we are there? Not sure how the rain goes in London, here it's somewhat miserable when it goes for days of raining(North Carolina, USA)
My experience of rain in London is weirdly minimal, though we've had some cold weather on some of our visits. I said weirdly minimal given the times we've visited. My experience is wear some all weather gear with a rain jacket and a flat fold umbrella in your pocket. In a lot of cases it is easier to just flip your hood up and skip the umbrella as you are up and down with it so much.
3. Whats the best way to exchange dollars to pounds, here in the US? Or in London?
Check your bank's website. Most major banks have partnerships with banks in other countries such that your fees will be minimal using the ATM there. I've tried getting cash in advance at my bank and not found it to be any cheaper. Usually it is more expensive than just using the ATMs at the partner in London.
4. What time should we leave our hotel to be at the warner brothers harry potter tour at 11:30AM? The route from http://www.tfl.gov.uk/ mentions its around 2hr trip, although I read it's only like 20km from london??
5. Best Windsor castle day trip tour? Or how would I get there?Any advice on this?
I would just ride the train out and do it as a diy tour. Google London to Windsor and you should find several websites with extensive details as to where to pick up the right train. When we did it, that's what I did. The blog we found had video showing how the signs look and everything. There's a lot to see at the castle + loads more to do in the area.
6. I believe we will definitely be getting the oyster card, still not sure if we should do the travel card. 6 Full Days in London. I'm guessing we can get the oyster card at the picadilly station that's at LHR terminal 3?
A little regret that our hotel will always involve a bus route, but it seems like a very awesome hotel and it was a very good price so, perhaps we shall just see.
A lot of people are probably going to naysay the bus thing but we absolutely LOVED riding the buses. Gave us a chance to eye up the locals and sometimes we were able to ride upstairs, too. I wouldn't bother for short hops during rush hour unless you must but otherwise riding at the top is great fun. Also, it will give you a bit of a feel for how the buses work. Once we figured out how to hop on and off the regular city buses we were able to hopscotch wherever we needed to go around town with ease. Much more convenient in many cases than the tube.
Congrats on your upcoming nuptials and have a great time!
Apr 5th, 2016, 05:17 AM
#34
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You will have a great time! It is easy to feel intimidated by all the detail, but you will be fine. Your hotel will also be able to give advice and point you in the right direction.
The following had already been said by janis and others, but I want to make sure you know this is important:
Three or four days before you go, phone your bank/s. Tell them that you will use your cards in England and France. Give them exact dates. If you do not do this, they will block your card after the firrst international transaction, and you will not be able to withdraw money. This happened to me on my very first overseas trip. If at all possible, have more than one or two cards, so that you have a backup if the machine eats your card.
Take a car from Heathrow to the hotel. You may be tired and a bit disoriented after a long flight. I will rather save money in other ways, but struggling with luggage in the rain on an unfamiliar transport system, with the possibility of misunderstanding and getting lost ... NOT a good way to start your adventure.
You have made a good start on the tfl site. Use this to see how easy it is to get to Windsor on your own. Just go early, so that you are there before the tour buses.
You will be busy with your wedding and other things now, but do read a few trip reports. It helped me to visualise and plan.
Happy planning!
The following had already been said by janis and others, but I want to make sure you know this is important:
Three or four days before you go, phone your bank/s. Tell them that you will use your cards in England and France. Give them exact dates. If you do not do this, they will block your card after the firrst international transaction, and you will not be able to withdraw money. This happened to me on my very first overseas trip. If at all possible, have more than one or two cards, so that you have a backup if the machine eats your card.
Take a car from Heathrow to the hotel. You may be tired and a bit disoriented after a long flight. I will rather save money in other ways, but struggling with luggage in the rain on an unfamiliar transport system, with the possibility of misunderstanding and getting lost ... NOT a good way to start your adventure.
You have made a good start on the tfl site. Use this to see how easy it is to get to Windsor on your own. Just go early, so that you are there before the tour buses.
You will be busy with your wedding and other things now, but do read a few trip reports. It helped me to visualise and plan.
Happy planning!
Apr 5th, 2016, 05:24 AM
#35
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This is my TR of my first visit to London. Perhaps you will glean a few ideas that will help with your planning. You will see how incredibly generous and helpful Fodorites were.
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...-in-london.cfm
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...-in-london.cfm
Apr 5th, 2016, 07:36 AM
#36
>>My experience is the best choice is to see if the shuttle hits your hotel or a hotel within walking distance.<<
Not applicable in this situation.
>>Most major banks have partnerships with banks in other countries such that your fees will be minimal using the ATM there.<<
The only US bank that applies to is BofA and Barclays.
Not applicable in this situation.
>>Most major banks have partnerships with banks in other countries such that your fees will be minimal using the ATM there.<<
The only US bank that applies to is BofA and Barclays.
Apr 5th, 2016, 08:15 AM
#37
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Hello Kovsie,
I love trip reports. Thank you for sending me yours. I appreciate it. Excited to read it.
I'm confident with the answers to my questions and the help of the community that I'm in a great place now. I'll probably make a new thread regarding my itinerary, unless Janis you think I should place it here??
I love trip reports. Thank you for sending me yours. I appreciate it. Excited to read it.
I'm confident with the answers to my questions and the help of the community that I'm in a great place now. I'll probably make a new thread regarding my itinerary, unless Janis you think I should place it here??
Apr 5th, 2016, 08:57 AM
#38
Hi,
Yes, maybe start a new thread w/ your daily plans . . . this one is getting long and we've pretty much kicked around the location/transport/$$/££/€€ issues
You could start either one or two new threads: Something like "London & Paris how does this look?" or two similar threads, one for London and a separate one for Paris.
Yes, maybe start a new thread w/ your daily plans . . . this one is getting long and we've pretty much kicked around the location/transport/$$/££/€€ issues
You could start either one or two new threads: Something like "London & Paris how does this look?" or two similar threads, one for London and a separate one for Paris.
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