Tourist Traps

This section is very straightforward and our guide is basically recommending you keep your wits about you as you would do in any large city. Despite the below warnings, London is a pretty safe city and as long as you don't leave your bag unzipped on your back, with your wallet falling out, nothing bad should happen to you. However, here are a few annoyances and dangers to be aware of?

Tourist trap:
Like in other countries, tourists are destined to get ripped off, but we can advise you to go to places where the prices are cheaper. A pint of lager and a packet of cigarettes can be extortionate around Leicester Square. Soho in general is pretty expensive also. At the end of the day the tourist places are more expensive for a reason ? they are attractive. You have to weigh up whether you would prefer to miss out on the major attractions so you don?t get sucked into the tourist trap. It?s your choice! In many respects you?re missing out if you do want to avoid the tourist trap ? Londoner?s still love it.

Emergencies only:
Call 999 free from any phone, including payphones in the event of any serious accident. This includes, fire, health or criminal situations. However, don?t block the line if you just want to make a complaint or feel ill, as it will be at the expense of other people?s lives.

The Tube:
There?s rarely a problem on the Tube. However, look out for pickpockets ? sometimes you?ll be amused by watching a sweet child playing an accordion to earn money whilst his partner in crime is sneaking around the back of you and dipping his hand into your bag. Keep your money very close to you in busy periods on the Tube (LINK TO TRANSPORT 'Tube'). Clubbers and drinkers should be careful on the last tube home (around midnight) when there?s a lot of drunk people around ? most of the time it?s a fun time to travel, but occasionally you?ll run into a random drunk and aggressive person.

Rush hour:
Avoid the Tube during rush hour (8am-10am; 5pm-7pm) as it is often unbearable ? many people suffer near panic attacks as the result so don?t go on at these times it if you?re feeling nervy.

Mobile phone theft:
A small crime, but nevertheless annoying. As with your wallet, keep your phone on the front of you, not in some back pocket where it can easily get stolen without you noticing.

Pickpockets:
Although London?s no worse then any other capital city, you still have to be aware of pickpockets, particularly in the tourist areas. Covent Garden, Leicester Square, Tottenham Court Road and Oxford Street (this is generally regarded as the West-End) are all areas to look after your wallet. Women with handbags unzipped are vulnerable because people can slip their hands into the bag from behind. Most of this is common sense, either keep your spare cash in a front pocket or put it in a ruck-sac which you then hang over your front, rather than back. Watch out on the Tube and in busy market places such as Camden. And finally, report lost or stolen cards straight away.
Who do I call?
American Express 01273 696933
Visa/Connect 0800 895082
Diners Club 01252 513500
Mastercard/Eurocard 0800 964 767
Switch 08706 000459

Police:
If you run into any emergency problems such as someone attacking you, call 999. Do not use this if you are just complaining. You can register a written complaint with the Police Complaints Authority.
Where: 10 Great George Street, SW1P 3AE, 020 7273 6450

Strangers:
An absolutely obvious thing, but people always need reminding (especially when drunk), don?t go off with strangers. And if you really want to, make sure a friend or somebody knows exactly where you are going and what time you will be back. However, we strongly advise that you don?t even bother.

The parks:
Men and women, don?t go strolling in any of the parks in pitch black with nobody else around. You?re the perfect target for any mugger or rapist.