Travel information

Passports/Visas

Residents of some countries require a Visa before entering the UK. Others are permitted to stay as a visitor for a certain period of time without a Visa. Please check with the British Embassy, High Commission or Consulate in your country to determine if you require a Visa before coming to the UK. If you require a Visa, please allow plenty of time for you application to be processed so that you will be able to travel on the date you expect.

Health/Special needs

Serious health problems, like asthma, diabetes, epilepsy, heart conditions, etc, should be reported to Pax Lodge staff immediately before or upon arrival.

Group leaders are expected to look after medications required by their group and should bring an appropriate first aid kit as recommended by their doctor.

Special dietary needs (vegetarians, diabetics, allergy sufferers, etc.) should be identified well in advance of your arrival so we can adjust our menus accordingly.

If guests require wheelchairs, we have a lift and a ramp system as well as a disabled access dormitory and bathroom. The group is expected to look after any special needs for this participant although she will be treated like other group members and expected to join in all activities.

Time

Britain is on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) from the end of October to mid-March, 5 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time (EST) in the USA. From mid-March the clocks go forward one hour to British Summer Time. When here you can visit Greenwich to see where time begins!

Electricity

UK uses 240v AC 50hz, 3 pin plugs/sockets
You will need to have an adaptor or converter for your appliances.
An adaptor changes the plug so that it will fit in the UK sockets. Adaptors must be used with caution for they can damage your equipment and our fuses if not used correctly.
A converter will adjust the voltage from 240v to 120v which is what most North American appliances use. Newer appliances often are able to adjust the current internally, but it is always best to check in advance.

Climate

The climate in Britain is mild.

Summer (June - August) daytime temperatures average 21^oC (70^oF) - although it has almost reached 37^oC (100^oF) in London. It will be warm whether it is dry or wet. Bring a light raincoat and/or umbrella as it does rain in summer but they are usually just intermittent showers. You’ll probably get the chance to put on your shorts or summer dresses but bring something a little warmer for the evenings.

Winter months are December - February but you may still find it cold in March and April. Winter temperatures average around 3-5ºC (30-40ºF).

Money

The currency of the UK is £ (Pound) Sterling. There are 100 pence (p) to one pound.
Notes are in the denominations of £5 (blue), £10 (brown), £20 (purple) and £50 (red).
Coins are in the denominations of 1p, 2p, 5p, 10p, 20p, 50p, £1, £2.
Please note that we can only accept Pounds Sterling (cash or travellers cheques), Visa or Mastercard at Pax Lodge.
- Major credit cards are widely accepted throughout the UK. At least one adult should carry a credit card for emergency purposes. ATM’s and Cash Points are available in many locations.
- Banks are generally open from 9:30-16:30 weekdays, some branches will also be open on Saturdays. Main banks include Lloyds TSB, Barclays, National Westminster and HSBC. Our local Barclays Bank and the Post Office have currency exchange counters.
- If you are planning to use a debit card from home, you will need a four-digit PIN to access your account. You will also want to notify your bank that you will be making a trip out of the country.
You can check online for current exchange rates at http://finance.yahoo.com/currency

Walking

There are many things to see and do in London and the best way to see as much as possible is by foot! Please be prepared to walk everyday between attractions, but also at the various sights, museums, and galleries. London is an old city with lots of cobblestone sidewalks and narrow streets which can be uneven. There are also a lot of steps and stairs around London. Please be sure to pack comfortable shoes.

Insurance

You must have your own health and accident coverage when travelling. Pax Lodge will not be liable for injury, damage, or loss to person or property however caused.

Customs

Find out how much you can bring back into your country duty-free. Keep all receipts and an accurate record of all purchases including how much you paid for them. This may be required if you have to prove the value of items for Customs purposes.

Internet access/Phone usage

Pax Lodge has three computers available for internet access, there is a sign up list and it costs £0.50 per half hour, you can also burn photos onto a CD from these computers.

We have a pay phone in a traditional English red telephone box. The pay phone takes all coins between 5p and £2.00 to make calls. You can also use phone cards which are available at most local shops. Please note that there is a pay phone surcharge of approximately 15-20p for using phonecards (varying for different cards).

Our other public phone is directly connected to the England Phone Card and allows you to make international phone calls. These phone cards are available for purchase from the attached vending machine or Reception for £5.00.

Guest laundry

Washing machines and dryers are token operated and are available until 10:00pm. Tokens and washing powder can be purchased at Reception.

Security

Pax Lodge has 24 hour CCTV cameras around the building. Access to the Centre is through security doors monitored by the Reception staff or through a key pad with the code provided to residents only.

The local police station is a five minute walk from Pax Lodge.

Medical

The nearest hospital is a five minute walk from Pax Lodge located at:

Royal Free Hospital
Pond street, London NW3 2QG
Telephone: +44 (0)20 7830 2468

Appointments can also be made at the local Doctor’s Office for minor medical needs. Reception has a list of phone numbers.

Safety

London, like any other big city, has its share of pickpockets. Your best protection is a thick leather or heavy vinyl shoulder purse with inside compartments for valuables. Take care if buying from street traders and keep your valuables safe. Carry your purse in front of you with both arms. Be careful with your camera and other valuables as well. Do not advertise what you are carrying or flash your money around.

The following tips will help you have a safe visit:

Beware of traffic. Drivers are quite aggressive due to the large population. Be sure you look both ways before entering a roadway. And don’t forget that driving is on the left side of the road in the UK, so look right then left then right again before crossing the road.
Understand emergency systems and escape routes.
Stay in groups and always use the buddy system to track everyone’s whereabouts.
Carry some form of identification. Make sure each member of your group knows the address and phone number where you are staying.
Do not carry travel documents with you. Leave then in a locked suitcase in your locked hotel room.