I have my oyster card here in the USA and plan to use it of course in London this December. I tried to get through to the phone number in England but the service is down right now. My questions: Since I know my card number, 12 digits, am I able to get the amount left on my card via phone? I do not register the card. Question 2: once at terminal 5 tube station, do I tell the agent Please put another 20 British pounds on the card. (the oyster info sight says 20 or 40 pounds to be added). Registering the card could be a problem since I won't have a computer in the flat to get info. And the phone could be a hassle. I guess it is best to have the card loaded until I return to the usa. Then, I believe, I can ask for a refund of the leftove.

I fail to understand your problem - just add the money at the Tube ticket window in heathrow - what is this about having to register your number? Why do it online anyway? the agent will tell you how much you have left, right? (Or wrong?)

There is more info about oyster cards than you know. Go to the site.

No expert on overseas holders.

But can't you register it online now, then top up online? That's what we all do.

Or, failing that, just go to almost any ticket machine with your credit card and top up at the machine. Hell, the machines even let you top up with cash.

Thank you flanneruk. The Oyster site is down today. I will try to register my card on line tomorrow, or... I'm not sure about toppng up online. I'll wait until I register with success first. The basics I know and have no problems with using the card in London. I am just amazed at what I can do online.

Personally, I wouldn't worry about it now and just top up when you get there. Unless I'm missing something, the only advantage to adding credit online is saving you a few minutes when you arrive - but it sounds like you're spending a lot more time than that trying to figure out how to do it from the US.

Oh - and yes, you can either add it with the ticket agent or at the machine, and I'm pretty sure you're not restricted to £20 or £40. You can add whatever you like.

And yes, you can get a refund of whatever remains at the end of your trip.

"the only advantage to adding credit online..."

Of course the reason we all register, is that way topups are automatic. Who wants to have to remember to top their Oyster up?

Amazingly, if you're registered you're (at least we're) even allowed to go into the red. Up to a modest level, the system lets registered cards (or at any rate cards linked to a payment card and authorised for automatic topup) go over their limit for a short while.

The acceptable face of Big Government.

flanner - I definitely see the advantage for people who live in London; auto topup would be very convenient. It sounds like the OP is a visitor, though, and just wants to add credit once, so for Thomas I'm really not sure what the benefit would be (unless he returns quite frequently). I tried to register my UK sim card online in order to add credit beforehand, and failed miserably despite repeated attempts (T-Mobile UK didn't like my American address). When I arrived, it took me three minutes to top up in a WH Smith at Gatwick. Annoying if I had to do it all the time, but not a big deal at all as a one-time thing on vacation. Had I realized how easy it was, I never would have spent all the time and effort on it beforehand.

That is quite intriguing that you're allowed to be in PAYG debt! I hadn't heard that.

>>Of course the reason we all register, is that way topups are automatic<<

But bear in mind that if you only use it occasionally, and don't realise for some time that you've dropped it somewhere, you could end up with someone else getting the benefit (I'm wincing at the memory).

For the OP, there really should be no problem doing it all at the magic card reader in the first tube station you come to. Even if that's Heathrow, the chances are that few other people will want to use the reader, as most will be queueing up to talk to a live person.

Hell, the machines even let you top up with cash.>>>>

And anyone who doesn't needs to be stabbed with a rusty spoon.

CW - commuter.