aboutbeijing
The Summer Olympics come to London July 27 through August 12, 2012. This is the third time the city has been selected to host the Summer Olympics, 1908 and 1948 were the two previous years. London is the first city in Olympic history to host the Summer Olympics three times.
Red double-decker buses, black cabs and the Tube are internationally recognizable icons of London. Be sure to check out our Ludus London Blog.
About London
• Time zone, o GMT/UTC 0, Noon in Austin, Texas means it’s 6pm in London
• London does observe Daylight Savings
• Country calling code is +44, city code is 207
• Currency, o Great British Pound, also called a sterling pound
• Each pound (£) is made up of 100 pence (p)
• Coins: 1p, 2p, 5p, 10p, 20p, 50p, 1£ and 2£., o Bank notes: 5£, 10£, 20£, and 50£., • No visa is needed for a United States citizen staying up to six months
• ATMs are easily found, MasterCard and Visa are accepted almost everywhere
• Tips are usually added onto restaurant bills but if not, a 10-15% tip is acceptable. You never tip in a pub. Tip taxi drivers up to 10% or round up to the nearest pound. Tour guides and/or drivers appreciate a tip for their commentary.
• Tap water in the city is safe to drink.
• Smoking is banned in all enclosed public places.,
• Drive on the left side of the road; always wear your seat belt.
• Most US cell phones will work in London.
• There are plenty of internet cafes and Wi-Fi hotspots.
• London uses 240 volts.
• English is the official language.,
• Summers have an average high temperature of 73°F and an average low of 57°F.
• Texting the word "toilet" to the number 80097 provides directions to the nearest public restroom.
