wait a sec, here we go again with the taxi lights.<BR>Roof light on means it's available for hire, right?<BR>No light, not available, right?

Lisa; Contrary to the earlier advice I can't help but notice how much response you have gotten to your very general heading! <BR><BR>Anyway, they are all correct about the express train but you really have to ask yourself what you are comfortable with. If I were to come in that late--all jet-laged and spacey--I would probably pay the 35pounds(Mel;not 35 dollars)--true, a lot of money for the ride but I'm a firm believer in not being penny wise and pound foolish about security issues. (no pun intended) Take the insurance if you are at all "if-y" about it. Sounds like a great trip and a great location. Good luck.

Uh-oh, Elaine, I think you're right! My brain isn't working well today. Someone will come along and let us know which it is, but I think you're right--lit means available.<BR><BR>Sorry, Lisa!

R is right. I'm sorry to have posted such a poorly titled query. As I mentioned to R earlier, this is my first time posting on a message board anywhere (I'm desperate for info on London). To All: please excuse any unintentional stupidity on my part.<BR><BR>So, <BR>--I should only take black taxis w/lit lights on top; <BR><BR>--tip between 5-10%; <BR><BR>--stay away from Aberdeen eateries; <BR><BR>--take a car service into London when I arrive; <BR><BR><BR>Queries:<BR> <BR>I read that you can't use your own cell phone in London and that you can buy a 'temp' cell at the airport..true? <BR><BR>What is it with the number in () in London phone numbers? I noticed that if I use all the numbers to call the UK, I get no answer but if I leave the number in ()'s off, I get thru!!

And one more very important question: <BR>What does a traveler bring in terms of warmth for a visit to London in the middle of February? Is rain a big issue?

Lisa, I think a London cabbie would be annoyed with a 5% tip from an American. He would be understanding if a fellow Brit tipped little or nothing but would expect an American-sized tip from an American. <BR><BR>You are right about the zero in the phone number; you use it while dialing inside the country, but not from outside. Presumably the zero in the 011 takes its place. <BR><BR>With respect to taxis, you have received mutually exclusive advice. 1. Only take licensed cabs (the ones with meters and lights on their roofs.) 2. Take a car service from the airport, which are unlicensed cabs, commonly called minicabs, without meters and without roof lights. So I guess what people are telling you is to take licensed cabs except to and from airports.<BR><BR>It should be no colder in London in February than it is in Chicago, although perhaps wetter.