| A little planning will make your trip to the UK hassle free. Visitors to the UK will have a more enjoyable trip with a little planning and by taking note of the laws that affect tourists. Before travelling, here are a few key things that you can do to make your trip run more smoothly. Medical insurance It seems pretty obvious to get medical insurance but many people don't bother. It is important to take out adequate cover before you travel to the UK. Contact your local travel agent who can suggest a suitable policy for your needs. If you do become ill while in Britain, you can get free emergency treatment in the Accident and Emergency (A&E) departments of National Health Service (NHS) hospitals. However, if you live outside the EU and you are admitted to hospital as a patient, you will be charged. If you don't have insurance the bills will certainly add up. For more information about medical insurance and treatment see VisitBritain's medical pages : http://www.visitbritain.com/VB3-en/practicalinformation/planning/medical/index.aspx Prepare for the weather A trip to the UK, even in high summer, can throw up a few surprises. Whatever time of year you choose to visit, bring a waterproof jacket and a jersey. But don't let this put you off — there are few places more pleasant when the sun is shining and the clouds billow. BBC Weather http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/ will give you a head start in predicting what will happen. Get a map It may be a good idea to get a map. That way, you will save time getting lost and be able to negotiate the UK's many notoriously complicated street layouts. It will also give you a greater understanding of where you are going and the distances involved. If you are coming to London get a map which includes the underground train network – known as the Tube. You can search for, and print maps of, all parts of the UK from http://www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/oswebsite/getamap/
Go to http://www.tfl.gov.uk/tube/ to download Tube maps. Getting out and about Once you have your map, it's worth finding out what mode of transport you will be using when in the UK. Whether you decide to travel by public transport – bus, coach, train, underground – drive a car, use a taxi or cycle, it's a good idea to get clued up on the best way to get around, according to your budget and personal needs. The UK, has a number of new laws governing transportation, one being the use of a hand-held mobile phone while driving a car. Offenders will be fined so remember to pack your hands-free mobile device if you plan to use your mobile when driving.
For more information about travelling around Britain see http://www.visitbritain.com/VB3-en/transport/index.aspx Smoking in public places Smokers beware! Throughout 2007 the UK will be making smoking illegal in all indoor public places. If you are caught cigarette in hand you will receive a £50 fine. The ban has been in effect in Scotland since March 2006 and will come into force in Wales on 2 April 2007, Northern Ireland on 30 April 2007 and England on 1 July 2007. Do not despair though, there will be designated smoking places outside. 滴答网在此感谢英国驻广州总领事馆提供稿件 |
