Useful Information
Getting to London from the Airport
London has two main international airports, Heathrow and Gatwick. There are also three smaller airports: Stanstead, Luton, and London City Airport. (London City Airport is the closest to Knowledge Dock Centre). Each airport is served by trains, buses, and private taxis. To learn about all the options for getting to and from London’s five airports go to:
http://www.visitlondon.com/travel/airport/index
Travelling Within London
London is served by one of the world’s best public transportation systems. The centrepiece is the Underground. There are also surface trains and buses, and taxis can be hailed on the street or picked up at a taxi line. For information on all of London’s transportation options, as well as an interactive journey planner go to:
http://www.tfl.gov.uk/
Entertainment, Shopping and Restaurants
London is filled with countless opportunities for entertainment, no matter what your interests. The city boasts 40,000 shops, 6,000 restaurants, 147 registered parks and gardens, 17 national museums, and four World Heritage Sites. For a comprehensive sightseeing and entertainment guide, go to:
http://www.visitlondon.com/events/ or http://www.timeout.com/london.
Weather
In London during October, when the conference is being held, the weather is somewhat unpredictable. Generally, it is partly sunny with occasional rainstorms. Temperatures average around 11°C (51.8°F), but can be significantly higher. For detailed forecasts and weather history go to:
http://www.visitlondon.com/travel/weather or http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/
Money and Currency Exchange
Cash machines/ATMs are available in most banks, hotels, and shopping areas, with cash dispensed in pounds. They accept cards from any bank that is tied into the Visa, MasterCard, Cirrus, or Maestro systems, as well as some others.
Traveller’s cheques and credit cards are accepted at most major retailers and restaurants.
American Express and Diner’s Club are less widely used and accepted than Visa and MasterCard.
You can exchange foreign currency at banks, bureau de change, shops, posts office, etc.
Currently Thomas Cook is offering an exclusive deal on your foreign exchange that's guaranteed to save you money. For more information go to:
http://www.visitlondon.com/offers/currency/
Medical Care
UK citizens are covered for medical care by the National Health Service. Residents of Australia, citizens of New Zealand, and residents and citizens of several other countries are eligible for free emergency medical and dental care through the National Health Service
(NHS; +44 (0)845 4647). EU residents receive free emergency treatment if they present a European Health Insurance Card. To ensure full coverage, all visitors should consider buying travel insurance.
Taxes and Tax Rebates
Value-added tax (VAT) is a 17.5 percent sales tax added onto the price of most goods and services in the UK. (Exceptions include non-restaurant food, books, and children’s clothing.)
It is possible for foreign visitors to claim a refund of VAT paid on goods and/or business expenses, resulting in a considerable saving.