Question for our UK residents or frequent visitors...

[gandley]

as above but some of the small cafes (not the designer ones but the more back street jobs) also do really good food at cheap prices. (normaly good fryups)

[w_tanoto]

Originally Posted by gandley

yeah and remember in the UK you get no free drink refills. you have to pay for your second cup etc.

Wait to you see the price of our fuel, your be gald to be flying home before long.

Londons ok but nothing special.

well, maybe except nando's. they allow refill. but nearly all of them: no refill

[zipbags]

I got the menu from Hard Rock London. A burger & fries is Just under $20 US. But, if I bring my AAA card. I will save 10%.

[aristotles]

Originally Posted by w_tanoto

just remember this. 1GBP = 2USD

Yeah, keep that in mind when you are budgeting for your trip and keep it in mind if you are thinking of buying larger items or accommodation on a credit card but otherwise the exchange rate should not be a constant thought.

People on vacation should not be constantly stressing themselves out over the cost of food by converting to their home currency. People that live in the UK are paid in pounds and they buy their food and clothes in pounds locally. You should take the attitude that you are living like a local within the limits of your budget.

[aristotles]

Originally Posted by zipbags

I got the menu from Hard Rock London. A burger & fries is Just under $20 US. But, if I bring my AAA card. I will save 10%.

Don't use for credit cards on meals unless you want to pay extra for the hell of it.

When I was in London last June as part of my whirlwind tour of Europe, I picked up some GBP cash at the airport when I landed and used cash for my meals, food from Tesco, bus tickets and small trinkets.

[mattym]

diesel is £1.12 per litre.****ing disgusting.

there was 5 of us in the japanese restaurant, one oof them terriaki jobs. most ive ever spent but i enjoyed it fantastically.

[zipbags]

Originally Posted by aristotles

Don't use for credit cards on meals unless you want to pay extra for the hell of it.

Was this just because of the varying exchange rate? Or do they hit you with extra fees?

[aristotles]

Originally Posted by zipbags

Was this just because of the varying exchange rate? Or do they hit you with extra fees?

First they give you a horrible exchange rate (even worse than your local bank) and then some credit cards (depending on the company and grade of card (standard/gold/platinum) may charge additional foreign exchange fees. You should check with your cardholder agreement before leaving.

I know a lot of people say it is dangerous to carry cash but I learned to carry my credit cards in a small holder in one front pocket, the cash I'm planning on spending in another pocket in a money clip and my wallet one of my coat pockets zipped up along with my passport. That way, I was less likely get picked of everything and I'd have a backup to catch a cab back to the hotel. It's also a good idea to take advantage of a safe if you are staying in a hotel with in room safes to keep any Credit cards and cash that you do not plan on spending that particular day while out and about.

PS. Most people get their open inside pocket or back pocket picked so try to avoid keeping your valuables in an unzipped inside pocket or in your back pocket.

[reiella]

Originally Posted by zipbags

I got the menu from Hard Rock London. A burger & fries is Just under $20 US. But, if I bring my AAA card. I will save 10%.

Something wrong about using an AAA card in London.

[aristotles]

Originally Posted by reiella

Something wrong about using an AAA card in London.

I've seen American tourists assume that their AAA card will get them a discount in some European hotels simply because it was the same chain as they have in America giving out discount only to have a rude awakening and embarrassment at the front desk. Besides making you look foolish in front of other guests, it also make you look cheap.

I'd not bother with the coupon/discount cards even if they actually worked in Europe.

[zipbags]

Originally Posted by aristotles

I've seen American tourists assume that their AAA card will get them a discount in some European hotels simply because it was the same chain as they have in America giving out discount only to have a rude awakening and embarrassment at the front desk. Besides making you look foolish in front of other guests, it also make you look cheap.

I'd not bother with the coupon/discount cards even if they actually worked in Europe.

I don't assume anything. Actually, the person from the London Hard Rock said it would give me 10% off. I don't feel cheap using it. I work hard for my money and what the exchange rate is now. Every little bit helps, especially with 3 kids who like to spend my money. LOL