London Business City Guide: practical information
London enjoys a relatively mild climate but is subject to changeable weather. Recent years have seen warmer summers although winter can still be quite chilly. As with all major cities, crime exists in London and visitors are advised to take care of personal belongings in busy places. Violent crime is on the wane, however, thanks to tougher policing measures. The British are generally keen to help visitors enjoy London, and police patrolling the streets will happily give directions.

London taxis & rentals

Taxis
Dial-a-Cab
020-7253 5000

A1 Express London
020-7262 7281

Invoshire
020-7880 4900

Rental cars
easyCar
0906-33 33 33 3

Avis
08700-100 287

Europcar
0870-607 5000

Good to know

Business hours
Mon–Sat 9/10am–5/6pm. Many shops open Thu until 8pm and Sun noon–5pm. Banks generally open Mon–Fri 9am–4.30pm.

Money
Credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express) are widely accepted and foreign cards can be used to get cash from most ATMs.

Electricity
Standard European 220-240V, 50-cycle AC voltage. British plugs have three pins; overseas visitors will need an adaptor.

Time
GMT. Daylight saving adds one hour in summer (GMT+1).

Public holidays
Christmas (25 Dec 2003), Boxing Day (26 Dec 2003), New Year's Day (1 Jan 2004), Good Friday (9 Apr 2004), Easter Monday (12 Apr 2004), Early May Bank Holiday (3 May 2004), Spring Bank Holiday (31 May 2004), Summer Bank Holiday (30 Aug 2004).

Further reading
Time Out (listings magazine), www.londontouristboard.com, www.thisislondon.co.uk.