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not all, large stores provide these services, but only if you request them; they will handle the paperwork. For the Retail Export method, you must ask the store for Form VAT 407 when making a purchase (you must have identification—passports are best). Some retailers will refund the amount on the spot, but others will use a refund company or the refund booth at the point when you leave the country. For the latter, have the form stamped like any customs form by U.K. customs officials when you leave the country, or, if you’re visiting several European Union countries, when you leave the EU. After you’re through passport control, take the form to a refund-service counter for an on-the-spot refund (which is usually the quickest and easiest option), or mail it to the address on the form (or the envelope with it) after you arrive home. You receive the total refund stated on the form (the retailer or refund company may deduct a handling fee), but the processing time can be long, especially if you request a credit-card adjustment. This may be preferable to a check, however, as U.S. banks will charge a fee for depositing a check in a foreign currency.

With the Direct Export method, the goods are shipped directly to your home. You must have a Form VAT 407 certified by customs, the police, or a notary public when you get home and then send it back to the store, which will refund your money. For inquiries, contact Her Majesty’s Customs & Excise office.

Global Refund is a worldwide service with 240,000 affiliated stores and more than 200 Refund Offices. Its refund form, called a Tax Free Check, is the most common across the European continent. The service issues refunds in the form of cash, check, or credit-card adjustment. Again, the cost of cashing a foreign currency check may exceed the amount of the refund.

V.A.T. Refunds Global Refund (866/706–6090 in U.S., 800/321–1111 in U.K. | www.globalrefund.com). Her Majesty’s Revenue & Customs(0845/010–9000 within U.K., 292/050–1261 from outside U.K. | www.hmrc.gov.uk/vat).

TIME

London is five hours ahead of New York City. In other words, when it’s 3 pm in New York (or noon in Los Angeles), it’s 8 pm in London. Note that Great Britain and most European countries also move their clocks ahead for the one-hour differential when daylight saving time goes into effect (although they make the changeover several weeks after the United States).

Time Zones Timeanddate.com (www.timeanddate.com/worldclock) can help you figure out the correct time anywhere in the world.

TIPPING

Tipping is done in Britain just as in the United States, but at a lower level. So, although it might make you uncomfortable, tipping less than you would back home in restaurants—and not tipping at all in pubs—is not only accepted, but standard. Tipping more can look like you’re showing off. Do not tip movie or theater ushers, elevator operators, or bar staff in pubs—although you can always offer to buy them a drink.

Tipping Guidelines for London

Bartender

In cocktail bars, on the other hand, if you see a tip plate, it’s fine to leave £1 or £2. For table service, tip 10% of the cost of the bill. However, the gratuity is often included in the check at more expensive bars.

Bellhop

£1 per bag, depending on the level of the hotel.

Hotel Concierge

£5 or more, if a service is performed for you.

Hotel Doorman

£1 for hailing taxis or for carrying bags to check-in desk.

Hotel Maid

It’s extremely rare for hotel maids to be tipped; £1 or £2 would be generous.

Porter at Airport or Train Station

£1 per bag

Skycap at Airport

£1–£3 per bag

Taxi Driver

Optional 10%–12%, perhaps a little more for a short ride.

Tour Guide

Tipping optional; £1 or £2 would be generous.

Waiter

10%–15%, with 15% being the norm at high-end restaurants; nothing additional if a service charge is added to the bill.

Other

Restroom attendants in expensive restaurants expect some small change (50p or so). Tip coat-check personnel £1 unless there is a fee (then nothing). Hairdresser and barbers get 10%–15%.

TOURS

BIKE