Pre–Arrival Information
Visa information
Delegates from some countries will require a visa to enter the United Kingdom
This website lists those countries needing a visa: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-visa-requirements-list-for-carriers/uk-visa-requirements-for-international-carriers
Should you need a visa please email [email protected] and he will organise the necessary invitation letter.
The Hotel
Sea Containers
Address: 20 Upper Ground, South Bank, London SE1 9PD
Phone: +44 (0) 20 3747 1000
Web: www.seacontainerslondon.com
Transport from Heathrow Airport (LHR) to the hotel by train/tube
The fastest link between Heathrow and central London is Heathrow Express https://www.heathrowexpress.com/#/ . Non-stop trains run to Paddington Station every 15 minutes, and journey time is 15 minutes from Terminals 2 and 3 (a few minutes more from Terminals 4 or 5).
You can then get the London Underground from Paddington to Waterloo Station (10 min walk) or Blackfriars Station (7 min walk)
Transport from Gatwick Airport (LGW) to the hotel by train/tube
The Gatwick Express is the fastest way into Central London. Trains run every 15 minutes between Gatwick Airport's South Terminal and Victoria Station every day from 5am to 00.30am. The journey time is 30 minutes and the service is non-stop to Victoria station.
You can then get the London Underground from Paddington to Waterloo Station (10 min walk) or Blackfriars Station (7 min walk)
Transport from City Airport (LCY) to the hotel by train/tube
The Docklands Light Railway (DLR) is an overground system connecting East London to the London Underground network. The London City Airport DLR station?makes transport from the airport fast and convenient with trains departing every eight to 15 minutes.
Take the DLR to Canning Town Station and transfer to the London Underground to Waterloo Station (10 min walk) or Blackfriars Station (7 min walk).
Taxis:
Licensed taxis can be recognized as black cab taxis or with a specific authorised taxi license plaque on the car. Travellers are advised to avoid unlicensed taxis.
All black cab taxis accept credit cards.
Approximate cost of a taxi to Central London is:
London Heathrow: £70.00 - £90.00 (duration 1 hour)
London Gatwick: £70.00 - £90.00 (duration 1 hour)
London City: £40 - £60 (duration 40 minutes)
Uber:
Has services in London and from the airports and can be organised through the Uber App.
Currency
The currency in United Kingdom is BRITISH POUND (GBP).
Exchange
ATMs are widely available and there is an ATM in the hotel on floor -1.
The hotel will carry out currency exchanges in Euros and Dollars for in house guests with a daily limit of £200.00.
Currency exchange is available at all local banks and post offices.
All major credit cards are accepted in most hotels, shops, taxis and restaurants.
Climate
The average temperatures in London in May is a daytime high of 18 degrees and a night time low of 10 degrees C. on average it rains on 8 days in May so check in advance https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/forecast/gcpvj0v07
Dress Code
Welcome dinner: Business casual
Business Meeting: Casual
Thursday night dinner: Casual
Friday night Gala Dinner: Formal – Jacket and tie, cocktail dress
Saturday day event: Very casual
Saturday night dinner: Business casual.
Accompanying Persons Activities: Casual and comfortable shoes
Time Zone
In May the time zone is British Summer Time [BST] - UTC/GMT +1
Sales Tax
Sales tax and service charge are included in all prices quoted in shops and restaurants.
Tipping
Tipping is customary in United Kingdom. Some venues will automatically add service so check the bill. If not, the amount to tip is a personal choice but is approximately 10 % of the bill.
There is no need to tip taxi drivers
Electric Current
In United Kingdom the power sockets are of type G https://www.worldstandards.eu/electricity/plugs-and-sockets/
USEFUL LINKS:
https://www.timeout.com/london/things-to-do/101-things-to-do-in-london
ESSENTIAL CONTACTS:
999 : Emergency Police, Fire and Ambulance
111 : Non emergency Health Advice