Local Insights
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It may be a couple of thousand years old, but London is anything but stale. The British capital is currently gearing up to host the Olympic Games in 2012, and a recent survey revealed that almost a quarter of the population was born outside the city. Cosmopolitan, multi-ethnic, go-ahead and wealthier than any of its European counterparts, London is currently poster boy (and girl!) for the term "World Class City".
Getting There
Five airports-Heathrow, Gatwick, London City, Stansted and Luton - with world-wide connections make the skies around the capital some of the busiest in the world, especially given the rapid rise of low-cost carriers. Rail travellers from Continental Europe can ride directly into the city centre Waterloo Station aboard Eurostar. All visitors require a valid passport. EU citizens do not require a visa; other nationals should check with their local British embassy or consulate.
Weather
January tempeoratures average 7°C, while the thermometer can reach the 30s in summer months; air-conditioning is by no means universal, though most buildings are heated in winter. Whatever the time of year, an umbrella makes a handy travelling companion, as showers are fairly frequent. Spring and autumn can often be clement,when there are slightly fewer visitors around.The weather remains a popular topic of conversation year-round!
Transportation/Getting Around
| Taxi |
Underground |
Bus |
Train | |
| Hotlines | London's Black Cab drivers are experts, and know the city like the back of their hands. www.londonblackcabs. co.uk Minicabs are numerous, though their drivers do not share Black Cabs' expertise. |
"The Tube" (underground railway) covers just about everywhere in Greater London. (44) 020 7222 1234 www.thetube.com |
Both double and single decker buses ply London's streets. (44) 020 7222 1234 www.tfl.gov.uk/buses/ Sightseers should take an open topped double decker. |
London Rail's trains run above ground; the network is closely allied to the underground and bus routes. (44) 020 7222 1234 www.tfl.gov.uk/rail/ |
| Fare range/ destinations |
Black Cab flagfall is ₤2.20. A 10% tip is customary. Minicab rates vary, but are cheaper than Black Cabs. |
Stored value cards (called Oyster) are both handy and provide significant savings. A single journey with Oyster costs from ₤1.50. sales.oystercard.com |
Bus Oyster fares cost from ₤0.80. |
Fares start at ₤3. Oyster is only available on some routes. |
| Operating hours | 24 hours |
5.00 am - 12.30 am depending on the day |
24 hours, though less frequently from midnight to 7.00 am |
24 hours, though less frequently at night |
| Helicopter |
Bike |
Boats | ||
| Hotlines | Flightseeing trips (44) 020 8953 4411 www.cabair.com |
Guided bike tours, with a choice of East or West London. (44) 020 7928 6838 www.londonbicycle.com |
London River Services cover various destinations along the Thames between Putney and Woolwich. www.tfl.gov.uk/river For sightseeing, try City Cruises (44) 20 7740 0400 |
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| Fare range/ destinations |
₤149 per person. |
₤16.95 per person. |
Fares from ₤2.70. |
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| Operating hours | Saturdays and Sundays |
Saturdays and Sundays |
6.30 am - 9.30 pm depending on route |
*Remarks: The local currency is the pound sterling "£"
Local Language
Learn more about local language from below.
| English | Local language |
| A fish-and-chip shop | Chippy |
| Friend | Mate, matey |
| Thanks, or goodbye, or good health (a drinking toast) | Cheers |
| I'm fine, everything is OK | Chuffed |
| Saying goodbye to someone | See ya |
| Boss | Guv |
| Goodness gracious (exclamation) | Blimey |
| Lucky | Jammy |
| Thank you | Ta |
| The local public house, or pub. A very common term nationwide | Local |
| Dessert | Pudding |
| A Pound (currency) | Quid |
| Tease | Wind up |
| cost, as in "what's the damage?" ("how much"¨) |
Damage |
| I don't believe it | Get away |
| Crazy | Potty |
| I understand | Gotcha |
| Very cold | Brass Monkeys |
| Questionable | Dodgy |
| Angry | Stroppy |
| Amazed | Gob-smacked |
Business and Finance
London is Europe's richest city, touting a GDP in excess of £150 billion. It remains the headquarters of Britain's financial and services industries, as well as its creative and media business. Unemployment is relatively low, and a property boom means this is the most expensive place to live in the UK.
The above information is for reference only. They may be provided to HSBC by other persons or compiled by HSBC from information and materials provided by other persons. HSBC does not warrant the truth, reliability, accuracy or adequacy of the above information and HSBC assumes no liability for any reliance on them by you or any other persons. Please contact the relevant merchant, company or organisation for further details.
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