London (Fodor's 2012) - Fodor's [227]
Of goods bought outside the EU you may import the following duty-free: 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250 grams of tobacco; 4 liters of still wine and 16 liters of beer and, in addition, either 1 liter of alcohol over 22% by volume (most spirits), or 2 liters of alcohol under 22% by volume (fortified or sparkling wine or liqueurs).
Of goods bought within the EU, you should not exceed the following (unless you can prove they are for personal use): 3,200 cigarettes, 400 cigarillos, 200 cigars, or 3 kilograms of tobacco, plus 10 liters of spirits, 20 liters of fortified wine such as port or sherry, 90 liters of wine, or 110 liters of beer.
Pets (dogs and cats) can be brought into the United Kingdom from the United States without six months’ quarantine, provided that the animal meets all the PETS (Pet Travel Scheme) requirements, including microchipping and vaccination. Other pets have to undergo a lengthy quarantine, and penalties for breaking this law are severe and strictly enforced.
Fresh meats, vegetables, plants, and dairy products may be imported from within the EU. Controlled drugs, flick knives, obscene material, counterfeit or pirated goods, and self-defense sprays may not be brought into the United Kingdom, although firearms (both real and imitation) and ammunition, as well as souvenirs made from endangered plants or animals, are barred except with relevant permits.
Information HM Revenue and Customs (Crownhill Court,Tailyour Rd., | Plymouth | PL6 5BZ | 0845/010–9000 | www.hmrc.gov.uk). U.S. Customs and Border Protection (www.cbp.gov).
ELECTRICITY
The electrical current in London is 220–240 volts (coming into line with the rest of Europe at 230 volts), 50 cycles alternating current (AC); wall outlets take three-pin plugs, and shaver sockets take two round, oversize prongs. For converters, adapters, and advice, stop in one of the many STA Travel shops around London or at Nomad Travel.
Consider making a small investment in a universal adapter, which has several types of plugs in one lightweight, compact unit. Most laptops and mobile phone chargers are dual voltage (i.e., they operate equally well on 110 and 220 volts), and thus require only an adapter. These days the same is true of small appliances such as hair dryers. Always check labels and manufacturer instructions to be sure. Don’t use 110-volt outlets marked “For Shavers Only” for high-wattage appliances such as hair dryers.
Contacts Nomad Travel (43 Bernard St., Bloomsbury | WC1N 1LJ | 0207/833–4114 | 52 Grosvenor Gardens, Victoria | SW1W 0AG | 0207/823–5823 | www.nomadtravel.co.uk). STA Travel (www.statravel.co.uk). Steve Kropla’s Help for World Travelers (www.kropla.com) has information on electrical and telephone plugs around the world. Walkabout Travel Gear (www.walkabouttravelgear.com) offers some helpful advice on electricity under “Adapters.”
EMERGENCIES
London is a relatively safe city, though crime does happen (even more so than in New York City), especially in areas of built-up social housing or tourist meccas. If you need to report a theft or an attack, head to the nearest police station (listed in the Yellow Pages or the local directory) or dial 999 for police, fire, or ambulance (be prepared to give the telephone number you’re calling from). National Health Service hospitals, several of which are listed below, give free round-the-clock treatment in Accident and Emergency sections, where waits can be an hour or more. As a non-EU foreign visitor, you will be expected to pay for any treatment you receive before you leave the country. Prescriptions are valid only if made out by doctors registered in the United Kingdom. All branches of Boots are dispensing pharmacies, and the one listed is open until midnight.
Doctors and Dentists Dental Emergency Care Service (0207/748–9365 | www.24hour-emergencydentist.co.uk). Medical Express Clinic (117A Harley St. | W1 | 0207/499–1991 | www.medicalexpressclinic.com).