As an Indian, What Things Should I Keep in Mind While Visiting London?

 

As an Indian, What Things Should I Keep in Mind While Visiting London?: A Complete Guide

The reason why London is one of the rare cities in the world which takes Indian culture to heart can be attributed to its delicious curries from Brick Lane to the sitarist I once encountered in the South Bank of London. Despite being familiar territory, London is definitely not an Indian city, and it functions on a completely different level. Having visited the city many times and having experienced a variety of misfortunes firsthand, I have put together a thorough guide for all the Indians.

1. The Visa: It’s Now Digital, But Still Essential

Getting down to the brass tacks: As an Indian citizen, you would require a UK Standard Visitor visa for traveling to the UK. There has been a recent change in the UK’s visa process in that the UK now offers visas through an electronic system. This means that you would not get a physical stamp on your passport anymore.

The application procedure remains unchanged: fill in the online application form, pay the application fee (approximately £127 or ₹13,500), and make an appointment at the VFS Global center in India for biometrics. The most important thing is that you do not need to submit your passport anymore – just take it with you to your appointment for verification. It usually takes three weeks to process the visa, so start as soon as possible and update your UKVI profile in case of a new passport.

2. Transport: Mastering the Tube and Airport Logistics

Public transportation in London is very efficient, although it is also quite challenging to learn about how it all works. The best way to travel in London is the Oyster card, which is a pre-pay card used to travel via the Tube, buses, trams, and even some river lines, with fare caps per day. It is available for purchase both at all stations and online prior to departure. You should put at least £20-25 on the card.

When going from Heathrow to London's center, you have different transportation modes to consider: the Heathrow Express is fast (15 minutes), though costly (£25); the Elizabeth Line is an excellent choice for those on a moderate budget (£12.80), and the Tube is cheap (£5.60), although it takes nearly an hour. When traveling to some of the suburbs such as Watford in Hertfordshire, transportation with luggage via public means is quite tiring. Here, you can always rely on the pre-booked Watford Private Hire to get to your destination comfortably and at fixed rates. While coming back, if you happen to travel out of Luton Airport, then organizing a will suit you best.

3. The "Sorry" and "Thank You" Culture

This is one of the biggest cultural changes an Indian can ever experience. The British people are well known for being extremely courteous. You will frequently hear the phrases “sorry” and “thank you” for things like holding doors open, bumping into people, or even asking questions. During my last trip, I came across a notice at the backdoor of the bus that read, “When alighting from the bus please say thank you to the driver.” Not saying “please” while ordering tea or saying “thank you” after being given some change will earn you some obvious glares.

4. Essential Etiquette: Escalators, Queues, and Pavements

We Indians have an inherent knack for queue jumping, but Londoners take queuing quite seriously. Jumping a queue whether it’s for buses, tickets, or even coffees is a grave social sin in London that will surely result in tutting and scathing glares . The British know how to make queues without any effort and as orderly as army drills .

On escalators, you should always follow the cardinal rule of standing on the right and walking on the left . Being obtrusive by blocking the left side of the escalator is the quickest way to offend a Londoner. Likewise, don’t come to a sudden halt on the pavement to check your phones; move to one side first. Lastly, never show the 'V' sign with your palm inwards because it is equal to giving someone the middle finger .

5. Weather: Pack for Four Seasons in One Day

London weather is notoriously changeable. It is not uncommon for me to experience bright sunshine, light rain, and chilly wind in one and the same afternoon. Even in summertime, the temperature is around 15-25°C (59-77°F). You never know when rain will fall; therefore, a reliable umbrella and a raincoat are an absolute must. Dress in layers by taking along a t-shirt, a light sweatshirt, and a raincoat. Besides, London has a relatively dry climate compared to many places in India, so take care of your skin and throat.

6. Money and Payments: Go Cashless but Keep Some Change

London is a city where there is almost no use of cash at all. All stores, restaurants, and even roadside vendors accept contactless payments through credit cards (like Google Pay and Apple Pay). You need to have a Forex card pre-charged or an international debit or credit card . Nonetheless, it is advisable to keep some cash with you (£50 – £100) in case of emergency or if some market stall or small shops do not take cards. Remember to tell your bank about your travel dates so that your card is not blocked.

7. Food: You Are in Curry Heaven

Indian cuisine in London is not just good; it is excellent. Brick Lane in East London provides an energetic atmosphere of British-Bangladeshi curry joints, providing you with tasty kebabs and aromatic biryanis. The area of Southall is known as "Little India" where one can find plenty of authentic restaurants, food markets, and sweet shops. Even Camden market provides Watford to Luton Airport Taxi Indian street food stalls with dosas and samosas. My suggestion would be: do not spend your money in the wrong place by eating poor quality Indian food.

8. A Sensitive Note: Public Spitting is a No-Go

This is not an easy subject to discuss, but I feel that I have to. Chewing of paan and sometimes spitting is very common in India. However, it is considered to be very rude in London. There have been cases where there were complaints from people regarding the paan marks on pavements and tube stations. This incident has created cultural friction. I would appreciate it if you could throw away your paan or chewing gum properly. Let us enjoy our culture without making any red marks on the grey streets of London.

Also read: What Are Some Tips Someone Should Know Before Moving to England from Australia?

9. Noise Levels: Keep It Down in Public

Public spaces in Britain are remarkably quiet. Be quiet on the Tube, the bus, even in many pubs; people like their own space and time for thought. Don’t make loud phone calls, play music without earphones, or have a conversation that echoes through the carriage. In India, there is a certain amount of background noise that we are accustomed to, but in London, you will get tutted at and disapproving looks if you disturb the peace.

10. Budgeting: London is Expensive—Plan Accordingly

London is among the most expensive cities around the world. For example, it costs between £70 and £120 per day for a stay in an average hotel, and a dinner will cost you anything from £15 to £25. To cut on costs, try and use the many free museums that exist there, such as the British Museum and the National Gallery. Also, use supermarket packages for lunch (£3 to £5 for a sandwich and snacks).

Final Thoughts: Embrace the Chaos with a Smile

London may seem confusing, expensive, and at times overwhelming. However, London is also a city where Indians have been absorbed throughout the ages into its fabric, making it unique and welcoming in its own way. Be polite, queue up, and always remember to thank the bus driver. This will ensure that your experience is unforgettable and culturally appropriate. Bon Voyage!