Breakaway Destination Guides (International)

London is a great place and very safe in comparison with some cities around the world. However, even in this day and age there are still some unscrupulous people around who will be only too happy to relieve you of your wallet, jewellery, cash, etc. Very few tourists ever have a problem with personal safety in London. The vast majority go home with nothing other than fond memories of a great city.

London is generally quite a safe city to walk around but if you are out and about in any major city, the rules are the same.

♦ Try to stick to the bright lights at night. - Wandering down a dark alley is asking for trouble.

♦ Don't take too much cash out with you. - You don't really need to take all of your credit cards and your passport out with you either. Put them in the hotel safe and just bring one credit card, Visa or American Express. You only need a little cash for taxis, bus, tube fares, drinks and snacks.

♦ Don't put your wallet in your back pocket.

♦ Hang on to your valuables, - especially in a crowd which is the pick-pocket's friend.

Your chances of being held up in the street are minimal, but if you are it's better to give up your wallet than end up in hospital or worse. If you do need to call the police, find a phone and dial 999. This is also the number for the Fire Brigade and Ambulance.

♦ Avoid ticket touts.

The artful dodger in Dickens's 'Oliver Twist' was a pick-pocket. Every city in the world has them. Pick-pockets still work the streets of London although better lighting and security cameras has made their job very difficult.

Pick-pockets love crowds so be careful in congested places like the Underground during rush hour. However if you take sensible care you are unlikely to have any problems. Bear in mind that pick-pockets are opportunists and as such only steal easily accessed, unguarded money and property. Never leave bags or other property unattended.

Remember the golden rule for using taxis anywhere in the world

ALWAYS AGREE THE FARE ( or at least get a good estimate ) BEFORE YOU GET IN!

There are three types of taxi in London that you should know about.

London's famous black cabs are licensed by the police. Once they have passed their test they are given a badge and can officially ply their cab for hire on London's streets. But beware! Just because they know the shortest route does not necessarily mean they will take you that way. The price you pay is determined by a meter onboard which counts time as well as mileage. The longer the journey, the more the driver makes. Although the vast majority are honest, some of them are bound to try it on.

Anyone can be a mini cab driver. You just need a driving licence. Mini cabs are generally cheaper and sometimes more comfy. They are not allowed to stop for you on the street. You have to ring a book them and they will then collect you. Mini cab company numbers abound in public telephone booths and can also be found in the yellow pages.

Avoid these at all costs. They are completely illegal and bad news. They are found mainly at airports and railway stations, waiting for unsuspecting tourists who they think do not know any better.

Soho has for many years the cityƅs red light district but most of the naughty book shops have been moving out and migrating to the Kings Cross area. Local council, residents and business have been cleaning up Soho's image. There are still many naughty book shops, cinemas and strip joints left. If this is on your itinerary be warned - there are loads of horror stories about people get ripped off.

Hostess' joining you for a drink is bound to order champagne. It's not real champagne, but they are entitled to charge whatever they like for it.

Many unsuspecting tourists are forced to pay bills of hundreds of pounds for a few drinks. This kind of thing can happen anywhere in the world. However most of Soho's naughty establishments are completely above board.

Soho is also known as London's film and TV land. Most of the big film companies have offices here and viewing theatres, dubbing and editing suites abound. You will also find heaps of good restaurants in this part of town.

Help Me Get it Right

  About the Author