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(Last updated: 29 Feb 2008)
Visas
The requirement for a visa, entry clearance, or work permit depends on the activity planned in the UK and the citizenship of the entrant.
Generally speaking, Australian and New Zealand passport holders do not require a visa to visit the UK, provided they are going as tourists or for business visits of less than six months.
For confirmation on any other visa requirements you might have from Australia to the UK – please visit http://bhc.britaus.net/Visas/visadefault.asp?id=309
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The UK has a maritime climate controlled by Atlantic Ocean weather patterns. The best weather is usually between May and September. Weather forecasts are available on TV and in all newspapers.
For weather details in the UK, please visit the World Meteorological Organization.
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A number of airlines operate domestic flights between cities such as London, Manchester, Belfast, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Plymouth, Bristol, Cardiff and Southampton. These airports also link into the international flight network. The UK also has ferry links to France, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Spain, Ireland and the Netherlands.
The main airports for London are Heathrow and Gatwick, however, Stanstead, Luton and City are also classified as London airports and have completely different travel times into London, so it is best to check your flight details carefully.
Heathrow is closest to London, but the congestion on the roads means that travel times can well over an hour. The quickest way into central London is by the Heathrow Express, which takes 15 minutes and runs every 15 minutes to and from Paddington railway station. The cost is £12 each way.
Gatwick is south of London, and again road transport is not recommended if you are in a hurry. The quickest way into central London is by the Gatwick Express, which takes 30 minutes and runs every 15 minutes to and from Victoria railway station. The cost is £10.50
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Paddington and Victoria are linked into the rail and the underground rail (tube) networks.
There is an extensive London bus network, and London has the oldest underground rail system in the world. Known as the ‘tube’, it covers the entire metropolitan area of London, including many suburbs. Fares are divided into travel zones, and a variety of passes are available.
The UK rail network is deregulated, with many companies operating routes. Railtrack provides central timetable information. Information on train times and fares can also be obtained by telephone from National Rail Enquiries on 0845 748 950. It is advisable to reserve a seat on long journeys, especially those on holiday routes. Check when you buy your ticket.
The bus network is deregulated. National Express runs a nation-wide coach service connecting the main cities and towns. Bus timetables are usually available at bus depots and stations, railway stations, tourist offices and from the local operator. Many cities have integrated transport systems, which can include light rail networks, underground trains and special bus services.
The London black cabs are instantly recognisable. The drivers undertake a lengthy training period and will know how to get to any location in London. Hail any moving cab showing a yellow light, or find one at a cab rank. Black cabs aren’t cheap, but they are reliable and know the shortcuts to get away from London’s traffic. In London, only black cabs can be hailed on the street and Mini cabs (ordinary cars) must be pre-booked. Any non-black cab stopping for your hail will be unregulated. Outside of London local authorities regulate mini cabs. These can be found at stations, on cab ranks or by checking the Yellow Pages, or by asking your hotel.
All of the major car hire companies operate from Britain’s airports and ports and most have a representative in every city and large town. If you plan to drive in the UK you’ll need to know the following:
- The UK has an extensive road network, with motorways (prefixed ‘M’) and ‘A’ roads being the major routes.
- The speed limit on these roads is 70 miles per hour.
- Road signs show distances in miles, not kilometres.
- Parking can be very difficult in major cities, eg. the maximum waiting time on a London parking meter is 20 minutes.
- Petrol and diesel are expensive compared to mainland Europe.
- There are no road tolls, except on some bridges.
On 17th February 2003 London introduced a charging system for vehicles entering the central part of the city. If you are considering driving in central London please be aware that you need to prepay a £5 per day fee or face a heavy fine. Information is widely available in London, or on Transport for London. |
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Hotels
London is a very expensive city, so expect to pay around £150–180 a night for a hotel room in the three-star category. It may be worth staying outside of London and travelling in to meetings by public transport. |
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Language
English is the official language, however, government departments, the media and many companies in Wales use both English and Welsh. |
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No special security measures need to be taken, however be sure not to leave baggage unattended in public places as this can cause a security alert. Take normal business precautions in your dealings with UK companies.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s Smartraveller website provides advice for business travellers and tourists going to the UK. This is regularly updated, and should be checked before planning travel.
Health
There is no specific health advice for travel to the UK. If you are travelling back to a farming region in Australia, you may want to check the foot and mouth disease restrictions. Foot and mouth does not affect humans but can be spread to cloven-hoofed livestock on your clothing. |
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Tip restaurants and taxi drivers at least 10 per cent. |
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Time zones and time differences
United Kingdom is 10 hours behind Australian Eastern Standard Time.
To find out the current time in London, view the World Clock. |
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Dialling codes
United Kingdom's country code is 44.
For calls to United Kingdom from Australia dial: 0011 + 44 + area code + telephone number.
For calls from United Kingdom to Australia dial: 00 + 61 + area code + telephone number.
For further information (eg. area codes) please visit the White Pages - international dialling codes.
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Usual business hours are open between 9.00am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday.
Banks and government offices are open between 9.00am and 5.00pm, Monday to Friday, but this may vary in country areas.
Most shops are open between 9.00am to 5.30pm, Monday to Saturday, and 10.00am to 4.00pm on Sunday.
Many shops stay open longer during the week, with urban supermarkets offering 24-hour shopping. Generally Thursdays are late night shopping. |
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Public holidays
January 1 – New Year's Day
March 21 – Good Friday
March 24 – Easter Monday (except Scotland)
May 5 – Early May Bank Holiday
May 26 – Spring Bank Holiday
August 25 – Summer Bank Holiday (except Scotland)
December 25 – Christmas Day
December 26 – Boxing Day |
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Electricity and water
United Kingdom’s power supply is 220 volts, 50Hz. The 13-amp square-pin plugs are the standard. European round pin adaptors will not work.
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Tourist attractions
The UK is a famous tourist destination and sources of information include:
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