Traveler-compatibility checks for this destination are still pending. Local notes are useful, but phone, payment and signup eligibility are not yet sourced per service.
Uber is the default; Bolt is the price-competitive #2. Since Jan 2026 minicab fares carry 20% VAT, so they cost ~12-15% more than a year ago.
Most coverage and shortest waits; the default. Also does Uber Eats and can unlock Lime bikes.
Strong #2, usually 5-15% cheaper than Uber off-peak. Locals check both and take whichever is cheaper.
The black-cab app (~70% of London's licensed black cabs). Metered, no surge - better value in heavy traffic; pricier than Uber/Bolt otherwise.
Uber Eats and Deliveroo are neck-and-neck in London; check both for the same restaurant as prices/fees differ. Just Eat wins for classic takeaways.
Widest restaurant selection in central London and one of the UK market leaders by delivery volume.
Co-leader in London, often faster and with better deals in Zone 1; strong premium-restaurant lineup.
Best for traditional takeaways and independents - the most-used platform nationally and frequently the cheapest as shops self-deliver.
Most pandemic-era 15-min apps (Getir, Gorillas, Gopuff) shut down in the UK, but Zapp survived and still delivers 24/7 across central London. For a quick corner-shop order, use Zapp or Deliveroo/Uber Eats grocery. For a real weekly shop, the supermarket apps below.
You do NOT need to buy a ticket or Oyster card: just tap a contactless bank card / Apple Pay / Google Pay on the yellow reader in and out. Fares auto-cap daily and weekly. Tap the same card every time.
Official Transport for London app: Tube, bus, Overground, Elizabeth line and DLR - live status, step-free routing, and next departures.
London-born and locals' favourite for real-time multi-modal routing (which carriage, which exit, rain-safe routes).
Buy national rail tickets for trips beyond London; shows live times and split-ticket savings.
The UK is near-cashless: contactless is accepted almost everywhere including buses and the Tube. Carry a little cash only for the odd market stall or cash-only pub. Contactless tap limit is £100 (unlimited via phone/watch).
For a 1-4 week trip an eSIM you activate before landing is easiest. For a longer stay, a local SIM/eSIM is far cheaper (e.g. giffgaff ~£10/35GB, Three ~£17 unlimited). EE has the strongest UK coverage.
Easiest 'install-and-forget' global eSIM for first-timers; solid UK speeds. Can feel slow in packed spots like Shoreditch/Camden.
Often better overall value; taps multiple UK networks so coverage holds up outside central London and on long train rides.
Cheap UK MVNO (on O2) popular with newcomers - order an eSIM before arrival or grab a physical SIM; best value for longer stays.
WhatsApp is the default for personal chats, group plans and lots of small businesses. Plain SMS is still widely used for 2FA codes, delivery and appointment texts - keep it enabled.
Amazon.co.uk dominates for general online shopping; Vinted has exploded for second-hand clothes. Argos is handy for same-day click-and-collect of household goods.
Lime dominates dockless e-bikes and is what you'll see everywhere. Park in marked bays or you'll be charged a penalty. Rental e-scooters are legal only within TfL's trial boroughs (via Lime, Voi, Dott); privately-owned e-scooters remain illegal on public roads/pavements.
The ubiquitous green dockless e-bikes; unlock in-app or via Uber. Pay per minute and end rides only in designated bays.
London's official docked hire scheme ('Boris bikes') - 12,000+ bikes at ~800 docks in central London; cheapest for short one-off trips.
Dockless e-bikes (formerly HumanForest) with a chunk of free riding time daily; central-London coverage.
999 is the free UK emergency number for police, fire and ambulance; 112 (the EU number) also works and connects to the same service. Save what3words - UK emergency services use it to pinpoint your exact location.
Free from any phone, even with no credit or a locked SIM. 112 also works. Text-relay 999 available if registered.
Dial 111 (or use the NHS App / 111 online) for urgent-but-not-life-threatening health advice, 24/7.
Report a crime that isn't in progress or get police advice - keeps 999 free for emergencies.
Six concrete setup decisions for London. No fake personalization—just the local default, the local caveat, and what to do before day one gets expensive.
Mark only what you have actually set up. Progress stays in this browser.
Set up data before you need a ride, ticket, map, or verification code.
Easiest 'install-and-forget' global eSIM for first-timers; solid UK speeds. Can feel slow in packed spots like Shoreditch/Camden. For a 1-4 week trip an eSIM you activate before landing is easiest. For a longer stay, a local SIM/eSIM is far cheaper (e.g. giffgaff ~£10/35GB, Three ~£17 unlimited). EE has the strongest UK coverage.
Know the local default before accepting a taxi quote or opening a global app.
Most coverage and shortest waits; the default. Also does Uber Eats and can unlock Lime bikes. Uber is the default; Bolt is the price-competitive #2. Since Jan 2026 minicab fares carry 20% VAT, so they cost ~12-15% more than a year ago.
Compare the official airport-to-city option before paying for a car.
Official Transport for London app: Tube, bus, Overground, Elizabeth line and DLR - live status, step-free routing, and next departures. You do NOT need to buy a ticket or Oyster card: just tap a contactless bank card / Apple Pay / Google Pay on the yellow reader in and out. Fares auto-cap daily and weekly. Tap the same card every time.
Open the map that works best locally and save your hotel or first stop.
Default for walking, transit and finding places; live bus/Tube times are reliable. Google Maps is the everyday default; Citymapper is the local specialist for Tube/bus. Note phone signal drops on deep Tube lines - screenshot or download routes offline.
Check the local card, cash, and wallet reality before your first purchase.
Contactless is king - tap your phone or card for everything, including all public transport. The UK is near-cashless: contactless is accepted almost everywhere including buses and the Tube. Carry a little cash only for the odd market stall or cash-only pub. Contactless tap limit is £100 (unlimited via phone/watch).
Use the service locals answer—and note any calling or registration restriction.
The default messenger across the UK; calls and video work over WiFi/data with no blocking. WhatsApp is the default for personal chats, group plans and lots of small businesses. Plain SMS is still widely used for 2FA codes, delivery and appointment texts - keep it enabled.
This is an arrival checklist, not an app ranking. Open the full local toolkit below for alternatives, coverage limits, and services you may need later.
Local tender, realistic foreign-currency acceptance, and a daily USD reference before a terminal or exchange desk chooses the rate for you.
Reference only. Your bank, card network, ATM, or exchange counter may add fees or use a different rate.
The normal currency for prices and payment.
Cards and contactless are the default in London. Foreign cash is not a dependable way to pay.
Country payment guidance reviewed Jul 21, 2026