Visiting London in Oct, Anything to know so we don't insult Londoners?

iwannbindisnee

DIS Veteran
Joined
Dec 29, 2004
I am busy reading up on how to pay for things, where to go, how to get around, but a thought just hit me. I know I have heard in other countries, that some of our customs & gestures, that we as Americans do habitually or without thinking, are insulting or considered Rude in other countries...
Is there anything while we are in London that would be considered rude, insulting, or uninformed?

Not sure I have any examples, but for instance, asking for ice in our water? Or asking if we can use the restrooms in a store?
Any suggestions/opinions are welcome! We are looking forward to site seeing & want to treat our hosts with respect

Thanks!! Debbie
 
London is so multi-national I doubt you'll have problems, but here are three things that jarred with me when visiting the US for the first time:-

Fanny is a rude word in the UK. (So hearing a young child say "fanny pack" was a bit of a shock!)
Gesturing for the number 2 with a reverse victory sign could get you into trouble.
Not rude, but confusing, if you want the rest room ask for the toilet.
 
The most important thing on the tubes, and basically ANY escalators, STAND ON THE RIGHT. On the tubes there are signs and announcements and you will get pushed out of the way if you stand on the left, as the left side is for those who walk up or down.

Also the sidewalks are narrow, and everyone walks fast. There is nothing worse to London people than slow walking tourists who take up the whole footpath when you are trying to get on with your day.

When using the tubes have your Oyster card in your hand BEFORE you approach the entry barrier, there is nothing worse to London people than tourists who hold up the flow of people.

Chips = french fries
Crisps - chips (Lays, Doritos)
Toilets / Loos = restroom
Queue = in line
 
Agree with the PP about the tubes/London Underground, particularly at rush hour. If you can use the underground at quieter times of the day until you get used to it but if you must travel at rush hour try to have your journey planned so you know which line your are getting and in which direction, have your ticket out and walk with purpose. The trains get VERY crowded at certain times of the day and it can get very hot which makes people more grouchy. It's not so much a cultural difference as I imagine New York and Paris are the same.

If you ask for a glass of (tap) water in a restaurant it will likely come with ice but it shouldn't be a problem to ask for it. Nearly all soft drinks will come filled with ice just as they would in the US. Typically department stores and supermarkets will have toilets for you to use (whether you buy something or not) and these will be either easy to find or signposted but smaller shops may not. Personally if a toilet wasn't signposted in a shop I wouldn't consider asking if they had one available.

Queuing is a very British thing, Brits will often automatically form a line if they have to wait for anything. (Sidenote: When Disney CMs ask us to 'fill all available space' in a line such as Haunted Mansion it goes against everything we know :scared: haha)

In general though I think you'll be fine, there really aren't many things that would be considered insulting etc. here that wouldn't be the same in the USA and while there are some differences in words and pronunciations the majority of Brits will understand what you mean, we all watch a lot of American TV after all!
 


Be conscious of your speaking volume. Europeans, in general, are much quieter than Americans, at least in the countries I have visited (UK, France, Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands). The only conversations around us we could ever clearly hear were by people with American accents.

Definitely stay to the right when riding escalators. I never saw anyone get pushed, but I did see them get asked to step to the right. This really isn't any different than in the States, though.

When using the tube, you will need to scan your card both when entering as well as when leaving, so don't put it too far away when you go through the turnstiles. Look for the green arrow so you know which turnstiles you can use. They are not always right next to one another, so there may be a shorter line to your right or left. If you have a child with you who is traveling without a card, use the Disabled entrance instead of the turnstile. Trying to get more than one person through will jam it up and the people behind you, as well as the station attendant, will get annoyed.

You will need to ask for your check when you dine; it will not be brought to you until you ask. Dining in general is appreciated at a slower pace than in the States, so enjoy not feeling rushed to finish.

My daughter and I just returned from a wonderful two week trip to the UK where we spent a week in London, so please feel free to PM me if you like! :)
 
As others have said big department stores and supermarkets will have toilets you can use no problem. Most little cafes/bars/restaurants will only let you use one if you're a paying customer although some pubs are on public pathways so you can use those without buying a drink. Oh yeah and most big train stations like Waterloo and Euston have toilets you have to pay for. It's usually only 30p but finding that change when you're desperate is not an easy task!

Generally we're not offended by much but prepare yourselves for possible comments about Trump (whether you support him or not). I know our politicians aren't much better but you just never know. London is VERY multi-cultural with over 300 languages. I'm not sure where you're from in the US but you will see people of all different religions, creeds and countries going about their daily lives from women in hijabs to guys wearing capes and top hats. You honestly never know but do try not to stare, make eyes or comments if there is something/one unexpected.

On the Tube (or any form of public transport except buses where you get on at the front) it's considered rude not to wait for everyone to get off first before getting on.

Just some tips:
Not sure if you smoke but all smoking indoors is banned. Some buildings have designated smoking areas outside, some don't but usually there will be signs if that is the case. Drinking age is 18 for everything and especially if the weather is nice you will see lots of people enjoying a tipple or three outside.

Don't ever use one of the rickshaws you will see around Central London. They are a total rip-off and many of them are unlicensed.

Standard tips are 10% here and generally you only tip for a meal where you're sat down and have table service. You don't have to tip for drinks at bars or if you order a meal and pay at a counter.

The Tube map is NOT geographically accurate so I wouldn't use it to help you get around other than to know which line you want and which station you need to change at.

Just found this for you :flower1:

http://londontopia.net/guides/londonism-10-things-not-to-do-in-london-london-travel-etiquette/
 


As others have said big department stores and supermarkets will have toilets you can use no problem. Most little cafes/bars/restaurants will only let you use one if you're a paying customer although some pubs are on public pathways so you can use those without buying a drink. Oh yeah and most big train stations like Waterloo and Euston have toilets you have to pay for. It's usually only 30p but finding that change when you're desperate is not an easy task!

Generally we're not offended by much but prepare yourselves for possible comments about Trump (whether you support him or not). I know our politicians aren't much better but you just never know. London is VERY multi-cultural with over 300 languages. I'm not sure where you're from in the US but you will see people of all different religions, creeds and countries going about their daily lives from women in hijabs to guys wearing capes and top hats. You honestly never know but do try not to stare, make eyes or comments if there is something/one unexpected.

On the Tube (or any form of public transport except buses where you get on at the front) it's considered rude not to wait for everyone to get off first before getting on.

Just some tips:
Not sure if you smoke but all smoking indoors is banned. Some buildings have designated smoking areas outside, some don't but usually there will be signs if that is the case. Drinking age is 18 for everything and especially if the weather is nice you will see lots of people enjoying a tipple or three outside.

Don't ever use one of the rickshaws you will see around Central London. They are a total rip-off and many of them are unlicensed.

Standard tips are 10% here and generally you only tip for a meal where you're sat down and have table service. You don't have to tip for drinks at bars or if you order a meal and pay at a counter.

The Tube map is NOT geographically accurate so I wouldn't use it to help you get around other than to know which line you want and which station you need to change at.

Just found this for you :flower1:

http://londontopia.net/guides/londonism-10-things-not-to-do-in-london-london-travel-etiquette/


Thank you for the link & tips. Exactly what I wanted.
 
Be conscious of your speaking volume. Europeans, in general, are much quieter than Americans, at least in the countries I have visited (UK, France, Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands). The only conversations around us we could ever clearly hear were by people with American accents.

Definitely stay to the right when riding escalators. I never saw anyone get pushed, but I did see them get asked to step to the right. This really isn't any different than in the States, though.

When using the tube, you will need to scan your card both when entering as well as when leaving, so don't put it too far away when you go through the turnstiles. Look for the green arrow so you know which turnstiles you can use. They are not always right next to one another, so there may be a shorter line to your right or left. If you have a child with you who is traveling without a card, use the Disabled entrance instead of the turnstile. Trying to get more than one person through will jam it up and the people behind you, as well as the station attendant, will get annoyed.

You will need to ask for your check when you dine; it will not be brought to you until you ask. Dining in general is appreciated at a slower pace than in the States, so enjoy not feeling rushed to finish.

My daughter and I just returned from a wonderful two week trip to the UK where we spent a week in London, so please feel free to PM me if you like! :)


These are perfect, thanks. I may pm you!!
 
As someone born and brought up in London who has visited the US almost 20 times I'd offer the following advice:

1) London Transport buses don't take cash payments - as others have mentioned, get Oyster cards as soon as you land and load them up with credit.
2) If you go into a pub for a drink (or something to eat) it's normal to order your drink (and more often than not your food) at the bar and then sit down.
3) The tap water is drinkable in London unless there is a notice by the tap (faucet to you, I guess).
4) We Brits despise people (fellow Brits and people from overseas) who jump the line (queue to us).
5) French fries are chips here and they come in a few varieties of thickness.
6) Chips are crisps here and the variety is mind boggling!
7) Theatres are where we go to see plays (stage shows). Cinemas are where we go to see movies.
8) Drinking alcohol outside on the street is not illegal and booze containers/bottles do not have to be concealed or wrapped up.
9) Drinking alcohol is not allowed on the London Underground system but is permitted on surface trains (British Rail or Network Rail as it's called locally).
10) Pizza pies are called pizzas. A pie to us is a pastry shell baked in a pie dish with a sweet or savoury filling and (usually) a pastry lid.
11) Money - 1p is a penny. £1 (one pound) is a quid. £5 is a fiver. £10 is a tenner. I don't think any other coins or notes have slang names for them. You may have trouble fitting British bank notes into a US wallet or purse as our notes are larger in size and get bigger the higher they are in value.
12) ATMs are also called cash machines or cash points.
13) If you're changing US Dollar cash or US Dollar traveler cheques into Pound Sterling you'll get the best rates at Thomas Exchange Global bureau de change shops. They have branches near the major rails stations in London (check online).
14) If you like to use the internet a lot, you may find it better value to buy a mobile hotspot device and a pre paid SIM card for data usage. We don't have as widespread free hotspots in London compared to many US cities. I'd recommend either the Three network or EE for 4G service.
15) A lot of the people who work in the restaurant and hospitality industry in London are from overseas. They may not be native English speakers so keep a close listen on accents (even a typical London accent may sound odd to you, lol!) and be prepared to modify your accent or the speed at which you might speak so that you're better understood.
16) Lemonade here is what you would call Sprite or 7Up (except it's only made with lemons). We don't generally drink still (non-sparkling) lemonade.
17) Iced tea is not that common.
18) Soccer is the national sport and even though the word "soccer" was coined here in England (it's derived from "Association Football") we always call it "football". Most Brits don't follow American sports to any extent, although they may be familiar with team names or certain star players.
19) Cider here is always alcoholic, made from fermented apple juice. Perry is the same but made with pears (increasingly it's just called pear cider). What you call "hard cider". If it's just plain old apple juice then that's what we call it :)
20) If you don't want to take one of the open top tourist bus tours, just go on the No. 11 bus - it goes by many of the major sites of London.
21) Black London taxi cabs are fun but pretty expensive, although the drivers are often very friendly and knowledgable. Uber cabs are available easily enough via their app.
 
Remember that most museums are free to visit so a good place to use the loos even if you don't have time for the exhibits. National Portrait Gallery is usually less busy than the National Gallery next door and is handy if you are in the Leicester Square or Trafalgar Square area.
 
Remember that most museums are free to visit so a good place to use the loos even if you don't have time for the exhibits. National Portrait Gallery is usually less busy than the National Gallery next door and is handy if you are in the Leicester Square or Trafalgar Square area.
Thank you. I would not have thought of this.
 
As someone born and brought up in London who has visited the US almost 20 times I'd offer the following advice:

1) London Transport buses don't take cash payments - as others have mentioned, get Oyster cards as soon as you land and load them up with credit.
2) If you go into a pub for a drink (or something to eat) it's normal to order your drink (and more often than not your food) at the bar and then sit down.
3) The tap water is drinkable in London unless there is a notice by the tap (faucet to you, I guess).
4) We Brits despise people (fellow Brits and people from overseas) who jump the line (queue to us).
5) French fries are chips here and they come in a few varieties of thickness.
6) Chips are crisps here and the variety is mind boggling!
7) Theatres are where we go to see plays (stage shows). Cinemas are where we go to see movies.
8) Drinking alcohol outside on the street is not illegal and booze containers/bottles do not have to be concealed or wrapped up.
9) Drinking alcohol is not allowed on the London Underground system but is permitted on surface trains (British Rail or Network Rail as it's called locally).
10) Pizza pies are called pizzas. A pie to us is a pastry shell baked in a pie dish with a sweet or savoury filling and (usually) a pastry lid.
11) Money - 1p is a penny. £1 (one pound) is a quid. £5 is a fiver. £10 is a tenner. I don't think any other coins or notes have slang names for them. You may have trouble fitting British bank notes into a US wallet or purse as our notes are larger in size and get bigger the higher they are in value.
12) ATMs are also called cash machines or cash points.
13) If you're changing US Dollar cash or US Dollar traveler cheques into Pound Sterling you'll get the best rates at Thomas Exchange Global bureau de change shops. They have branches near the major rails stations in London (check online).
14) If you like to use the internet a lot, you may find it better value to buy a mobile hotspot device and a pre paid SIM card for data usage. We don't have as widespread free hotspots in London compared to many US cities. I'd recommend either the Three network or EE for 4G service.
15) A lot of the people who work in the restaurant and hospitality industry in London are from overseas. They may not be native English speakers so keep a close listen on accents (even a typical London accent may sound odd to you, lol!) and be prepared to modify your accent or the speed at which you might speak so that you're better understood.
16) Lemonade here is what you would call Sprite or 7Up (except it's only made with lemons). We don't generally drink still (non-sparkling) lemonade.
17) Iced tea is not that common.
18) Soccer is the national sport and even though the word "soccer" was coined here in England (it's derived from "Association Football") we always call it "football". Most Brits don't follow American sports to any extent, although they may be familiar with team names or certain star players.
19) Cider here is always alcoholic, made from fermented apple juice. Perry is the same but made with pears (increasingly it's just called pear cider). What you call "hard cider". If it's just plain old apple juice then that's what we call it :)
20) If you don't want to take one of the open top tourist bus tours, just go on the No. 11 bus - it goes by many of the major sites of London.
21) Black London taxi cabs are fun but pretty expensive, although the drivers are often very friendly and knowledgable. Uber cabs are available easily enough via their app.
Wonderful tips.. Thank you. I think I will print these off.
 
We were in London for the first week of June had had a great time!

I agree with all the recommendations that were already provided.

I would also suggest refraining from eating and drinking on the Tube or buses. Americans are used to eating on the run, but it is not really done in other places, including London.
I agree with the quieter tone - everyone uses "indoor voices".
Agree with prior post about tipping. Also, tipping taxis is usually just rounding up to the nearest pound.
Remember to look first to the RIGHT when you cross the street, instead of to the left.
Seats at the theater are called "stalls".
Subways are sidewalks that go under the street. The Underground, or Tube, is the sub-surface transportation system.
If you ask for directions, when someone points and says it is "just there", it means it is "right over there".
 
Stalls - ground floor seats at theatre
Dress Circle - one floor up - usually good seats too
Upper Circle - even higher (known as the gods because you are so close to heaven!) - much cheaper but often an obscured view if you're not at the front
 
I've been doing a little research on my own about the Underground / Tube system. Can someone please confirm that you can use Apple Pay instead of an Oyster card? Have you used it and what is your experience with using Apple Pay on the Underground system. Thanks.
 
Welcome to the UK! I am sure you will have a great time. I would say that British people ( although London is very multi cultural in the summer with vistors ) are more reserved as others have said. So I hope you don't think us too rude that we don't take as much time to stop and chat as I think the American's do.

Also be careful when taking photos that include other people's children then posting them on social media without permission. I believe we have different laws on that.. I might be wrong.

Don't look others directly in the eye on the tube!
 
Welcome to the UK! I am sure you will have a great time. I would say that British people ( although London is very multi cultural in the summer with vistors ) are more reserved as others have said. So I hope you don't think us too rude that we don't take as much time to stop and chat as I think the American's do.

Also be careful when taking photos that include other people's children then posting them on social media without permission. I believe we have different laws on that.. I might be wrong.

Don't look others directly in the eye on the tube!

Thank you, Paula; I appreciate your time in answering.
 
One more thing occurred to me. If you are into Harry Potter, the Warner Bros Harry Potter Studio Tour is essential.
https://www.wbstudiotour.co.uk
Definitely pre-book your ticket well in advance online as they only sell timed tickets to control the numbers going through the tour and to avoid it getting too crowded.
This came into my mind as my daughter had recently got into the films (the first three anyway) so we are taking her there in a month's time and even now some of the better times are booking fast.

Oh and if you want to see the stage show of Disney's Aladdin, you'd best book in advance too as the show is still new and highly popular so the half price tickets booth doesn't get tickets to sell at discount prices.
 
One more thing occurred to me. If you are into Harry Potter, the Warner Bros Harry Potter Studio Tour is essential.
https://www.wbstudiotour.co.uk
Definitely pre-book your ticket well in advance online as they only sell timed tickets to control the numbers going through the tour and to avoid it getting too crowded.
This came into my mind as my daughter had recently got into the films (the first three anyway) so we are taking her there in a month's time and even now some of the better times are booking fast.

Oh and if you want to see the stage show of Disney's Aladdin, you'd best book in advance too as the show is still new and highly popular so the half price tickets booth doesn't get tickets to sell at discount prices.

I was seriously considering the tour.. we won't have a car, so I am looking at the public transportation to it...ALso gotta see if anyone else would like to do this..
 

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