UK Travel Planning

Navigating London Safely: Essential Tips for Visitors

• Tracy Collins • Episode 148

Share episode

London is generally safe compared to other major global cities. Still, like any busy metropolis, it has its share of tourist scams and petty crime that visitors should be aware of.

• Keep valuables secure in anti-theft bags and hotel safes
• Plan routes before leaving your accommodation to avoid looking lost
• Research neighbourhoods thoroughly before booking accommodation
• Use contactless payments wherever possible instead of carrying cash
• Always cross streets at designated crossings, watching for traffic from the left
• Be especially vigilant in tourist hotspots like Leicester Square and Westminster Bridge
• Watch out for common scams like street gambling and fake charity collectors
• Use only licensed taxis or reputable rideshare services, especially at night
• Keep bags in front of you on public transport and during crowded situations
• Consider a phone lanyard or wrist tether to prevent snatch-and-grab thefts
• Trust your instincts – if something feels wrong, remove yourself from the situation

📝 Show Notes - Episode 148

🎧 Listen to next

Need help planning your trip? Book your personalised itinerary consultation with Tracy and Doug Collins – UK travel planning experts – for tailored advice based on your travel style, interests, and timeframe. Book your consultation here.

Support the show

🎤 Leave us a voice message via SpeakPipe

➡️ Sponsor our show by clicking here
➡️ Leave us a tip by clicking here

Work With Us - Contact info@uktravelplanning.com for brand partnerships and business inquiries.

Thank you ❤️

Disclaimer: Some outbound links financially benefit the podcast through affiliate programs. Using our links is a small way to support the show at no additional cost. I only endorse products, programs, and services I use and would recommend to close friends and family. Thank you for the support!

Speaker 1:

In episode 148 of the UK Travel Planner Podcast, I'm sharing tips to help you stay safe during your trip to London, From avoiding common scams and pickpockets to handling money securely and getting around with confidence. This episode is full of practical advice to help you travel smarter and feel more prepared.

Speaker 2:

Welcome to the UK Travel Planning Podcast. Your host is the founder of the UK Travel Planning website, tracy Collins. In this podcast, tracy shares destination guides, travel tips and itinerary ideas, as well as interviews with a variety of guests who share their knowledge and experience of UK travel to help you plan your perfect UK vacation. Join us as we explore the UK from cosmopolitan cities to quaint villages, from historic castles to beautiful islands and from the picturesque countryside to seaside towns.

Speaker 1:

Hello and welcome to another episode of the UK Travel Planet podcast. Today we're tackling an important topic for anyone visiting London how to stay safe and avoid scams. Now, first of all, I'll say that London is one of the most exciting cities in the world, packed with history, culture and iconic landmarks. We know this, and it's generally a safe place to visit. But London is a major city and, like any major city, it has its fair share of petty crime and tourist targeted scams. So in this episode, I'm going to share my top safety tips for navigating London with confidence, protecting yourself from pickpockets and avoiding some of those most common scams that you may see. So these are the same precautions I take on every visit, and I can confidently say that I've never fallen victim to crime in London. So let's dive in. So first, while crime does exist, london is considered safer than cities you might ordinarily consider safe, such as Malmo in Sweden or Hamilton in New Zealand, and has a rating of 44.8 on the Numbio Crime Index. So there you go. So, with the right precautions, you can enjoy a hassle-free trip to London. So these are my top general safety tips.

Speaker 1:

When you're going out for the day plan your route before leaving your hotel. So because if you're looking lost with a paper map in your hand or you've got your phone out, this can make you a target. So walk with confidence and purpose. If you do need to use online maps, I would recommend nipping into a shop or another building to do so so you don't look too conspicuous. Even me, who knows London really well, I will plan out my trip. So I know exactly if I'm going from A to B, where I'm going, how I'm going to get there, and you know if I'm going to change tube trains, where I'm going to change, and I usually write them on a piece of paper, so I know exactly what I'm doing. So that's how I plan and I usually write them on a piece of paper, so I know exactly what I'm doing. So that's how I plan and I know London really well. So if you're going to be out and about at night, just stick to busy, well-lit areas, so avoid empty streets and shortcuts through unfamiliar places and neighbourhoods. Also, keep an eye on your belongings. Pig pockets operate in tourist hotspots. So always be aware of your surroundings and who is around you, and use common sense. If something feels off, trust your instincts and remove yourself from the situation. So those are kind of my general things to consider.

Speaker 1:

Now let's talk about staying safe at your accommodation. So you've got to think about choosing the right place to stay. That's a big part of staying safe in London. So here's a few key tips for that. Research the area so you can join our Facebook group for recommendations from other travellers. You'll find out what other travellers like about where they've stayed, what they thought about the area. We also have articles on our website that recommend the best areas of London to stay in. We actually have dedicated articles to each of the main areas in central London with accommodation recommendations. So do take a look at that. So research where you're going to stay and, if you're not sure, ask in our Facebook group.

Speaker 1:

Read reviews this is really really important Before you book a hotel, and you can check as well on Google Maps. I go onto Google Maps and check the area around where I'm going to stay what does it look like? But read the reviews as well. I always do this, you know check, read all of the reviews. Like. I generally will never book any accommodation unless it has an eight and above on Bookercom. That's where I use for my bookings and I always check that it's eight or above, and I check how old the reviews are. You know, try and find the reviews written by other travelers that are like you. So, if you're a solo traveler, try to find those mature travelers or visitors with kids so that you can see what they think about the accommodation.

Speaker 1:

Now, one thing we always try to do as well is make sure that there's a hotel safe wherever we go, so that we can keep our valuables locked up in there. Don't leave them lying around. Never, ever, leave your luggage unintended outside your room or in the hotel for you, you know, always have an idea where your things are, and if you are staying somewhere that doesn't have a safe in your room, it's always worth asking a reception if they have a safe and then you can leave your valuables there. I would recommend not leaving them in your room if you're unsure. Just don't leave them lying around. Obviously, keep them with you or keep them secure. Make sure you lock doors and windows. So always double check that your accommodation is secure. So if you're staying in a vrbo, for example, um our apartment, like we are at the moment. Actually, it was in spain, it's in an apartment. But we always make sure that before we go out that the windows are secure, for example, that nobody can climb over the balconies and get in through sliding doors. Make sure that the doors, you know, are unlocked before that you go out and double check those sorts of things.

Speaker 1:

Also, which is really important as well, know the fire exit route. So familiarise yourself with evacuation procedures in case of an emergency. And again I can say Doug and I were staying in Cardiff in September and the fire alarm went off at three it was about 3am and it kept going off. So we got up, got dressed, went out. We kind of had already you know hours check which is the safe way out of the building. What is the exit route in case of fire. So just familiarize yourself with that if that's on the back of the door, so that you know if you need to get out in case of emergency, where you're going.

Speaker 1:

Now, if you get somewhere and we have had this before we've been contacted people who've gone to a hotel and they just didn't feel like somewhere. They wanted to stay and it's just the best thing to do is find alternative accommodation. Really, if something a hotel, airbnb or VLB it doesn't feel safe, just find alternative accommodation, trust your instincts and then contact Bookercom or Airbnb or whoever you booked it through, contact them through and say that you didn't feel safe at that particular accommodation. So that's something that was worth considering and I know, actually, on a podcast episode I did recently on the Global Travel Planning Podcast, where I interviewed, chatted with Shelley, who does a lot of solo travel around the world, and she's had this happen before where she's been dropped off at an Airbnb and did not feel safe. So then she managed to. She just said you trust your instincts and she managed to get an alternative accommodation and I think that sometimes you've got to do that. You just have to trust how you feel and go for it and find somewhere else to stay.

Speaker 1:

Now getting around. Let's talk about moving around London safely. So getting around London is easy. Streets are generally wide, with lots of safe crossings for pedestrians, and there's an extensive public transport network. However, it's really important to be aware of your surroundings. Leave extra time for travel, because if you're rushing around, that can lead to accidents or careless mistakes, because if you're stressed out in a rush, you're not as aware of your surroundings. So leave plenty of time for your journeys so you can travel slowly and without stress.

Speaker 1:

Be mindful when crossing the streets. Remember that Londoners drive on the left, so always check for cyclists before stepping out the road. London roads are busy, so make sure you cross at designated crossing points such as a pedestrian, traffic lights or a zebra crossing. Those are the black and white striped crossings. You make sure that you do that. Be really careful, because if you drive on the other side of the road, you're going to look in the wrong direction. You're going to look in the opposite direction than the one that you need to look at. So I always look both ways and also be really and when I say this about cyclists, I'd be really, really mindful of cyclists in London, because they seem to go at a million miles an hour and if it wasn't for Domi, our hunter photographer, recently, I would have gotten knocked over myself because she pulled me back just as a cyclist whizzed past. I don't know what he was doing far too fast, but you really need to keep your wits about you when you're crossing the streets. I really, really want to stress that Now.

Speaker 1:

Stay alert as well. So pickpockets are looking for those people who are distracted. So be mindful of your surroundings. Don't listen to headphones, don't have your head in a book on your phone. You need to just keep be vigilant about what is happening around with you. Keep in touch with family or friends. So it's a good idea for all travelers, particularly if you're traveling solo. But let someone know what your plans or itineraries for that day. Check in with someone at the end of the day and especially after a night out, so that people know where you are.

Speaker 1:

Now let's talk about staying safe in restaurants and bars Now enjoying London's incredible food scene why wouldn't you? Because it is amazing. Here's how to stay safe while dining out. So choose well-reviewed restaurants. Look for good hygiene ratings and busy locations. If locals are eating there, it's usually a sign that it's good.

Speaker 1:

When you are eating in a restaurant. Make sure you keep your belongings secure. Don't leave your phone or wallet on the table. If you leave them lying around, encourage snatch and grab, so somebody might just try and snatch it away. Also, I will say if you have your phone on your table and this happened to my daughter somebody came in, put a whole load of leaflets on top of her phone, picked up the leaflets and her phone and left Actually, it was her phone. It was a small handbag that she had. They took the phone handbag, everything. She didn't realize for a couple of minutes. She kind of looked around and she realized that they'd picked them up. So really be aware of that.

Speaker 1:

Again, make sure that it's a secure bag. Loop your bag around a chair leg or keep it on your. Also, beware of distractions. If a stranger starts causing a scene, it may be a setup for theft. So protect yourself. So don't drape your bag over the back of your chair. Loop it around the chair or table legs, I've already said or even your legs, so that you're not, you're not getting. They might be distracting, so you look away and then they can grab your bag. So just be careful of that. Don't accept drinks from strangers. It's always best to buy your own drinks. So those are things to consider when you're eating out in London.

Speaker 1:

Now how about handling money safely in London? Cash or card? Here's what you need to know about handling money safely. So I'd say avoid carrying large amounts of cash. To be honest, I have really used contactless a majority of the time. I can't even think the last time I used cash in London, to be honest, probably a few years ago when I bought a scarf at Covent Garden and they wanted cash. So use contactless payment if you can. If you do need to pay in cash, try to hide your wallet or purse and only take out the cash you need to pay with. So if you're flashing a wallet of cash in your wallet or purse, it could potentially make you a target for thieves. Of cash in your wallet or purse could potentially make you a target for thieves.

Speaker 1:

Use an ATMs to get money out. Choose ATMs inside banks rather than on the street Street. Atms are generally okay, but do watch who is around you and hide your PIN and look out for any suspicious additions to the machine, such as a camera. So, generally speaking, it is safe to use an ATM inside a bank for these reasons. That's why we tend to do that Obviously, protect your PIN whether you're paying or withdrawing cash. Cover the keypad when entering your PIN. Now I have an RFID wallet so that protects against digital theft such as card cloning, and I do have a crossbody bag which also has that protection inbuilt. So if you want to know more about handling money in the UK, do check out our previous episode on how to use money in the UK and our cash versus card payment. So we have got a previous podcast episode and we also have articles about cash versus contactless, so I will link to those in the show notes. Articles about cash versus contactless so I will link to those in the show notes.

Speaker 1:

Now, if you use a phone, for any money transactions or any internet browsing, I would strongly recommend using a VPN, so that's a virtual private network. It's used for many things, such as encrypting your internet traffic, but for travelers, it's so useful for shielding your browsing and internet usage when using public Wi-fi. So if you're using public wi-fi in london for you know, accessing maps, checking timetables or whatever um, it's always a good idea to use a vpn. I use one all the time, so all you need to do is download the app to your phone and switch it on before surfing the internet on public wi-fi. We always use vpn when we travel and we use our provider is surf shark, so again, I can link to surf shark in the show notes.

Speaker 1:

Okay, I'm gonna talk about pick pockets. It's it's probably the most common crime affecting tourists in london and the hot spots you've got to be careful around are leicester square, trafalfalgar Square, oxford Circus and any crowded tube stations. So these are some things to do to outsmart the pickpockets is use an anti-theft bag. These have got hidden zippers and locks that make theft more difficult. If your bag looks unattractive to a thief, they're probably more likely to move on to someone else. Now I always travel with an anti-theft bag. I've got loads of them. I also have well usually buy cross-body anti-theft bag. Keep it in front of you, never on your back. So if you're going to use a backpack, carry it on your front in busy locations or on public transport, or use again an anti-theft backpack, which we also have Now.

Speaker 1:

Another thing that I don't travel with anymore is a phone lanyard or you can get a wrist tether. So the reason for this is there's been a lot of phone snatching going on in London. I think it's become pretty much a big problem. It's been in the news and I was reading recently that it's really been endemic, and I have read some cases where people have been on the phone and literally they go past these thieves on electronic bike, electric bikes and just snatch the phone out of your hand. So I use a phone lanyard, but I'm still really careful because the last thing I want is somebody trying to snatch the phone, one with a lanyard and dragging me down. So you just still have to be really careful. So I don't, even though I've got it on a lanyard, I still don't hold it out.

Speaker 1:

Um, it's just that I kind of took it into my pocket and I'm still really careful when I use my phone. So you can you obviously you can also tether it to your. I've got a tether that I can put it, attach it to on top of my jeans as well. So for me, losing my phone would be a complete disaster because I've got absolutely everything on it. But really think about whether you want to use a lanyard or whether you want to use a wrist tether or just clip it onto your clothes or keep it in your bag. Honestly, it's probably the safest. So, you know, consider those things. Um, as I say, I use a kind of cross body lanyard, um, so it's, rather than being around my neck and just hanging around my neck, it actually goes across my shoulder and under my arm. So I think that's probably safer. But I would look into those as a way to just keep your phone a little bit safer.

Speaker 1:

But, as I said, you've got to be really aware of your surroundings and concentrate on what's going on around you. Don't keep valuables in your pockets. Use a secure wallet or pouch instead. Or you know, doug's got a crossbody pickpocket proof bag that he uses. If you're on public transport. Keep your bag in front of you, secured on your body, and stay aware of those around you. So just make sure, like if you're on an overland train leaving from London to somewhere else, make sure that you can see your luggage at all times and pay particular attention at station stops. If you use the overhead rack, keep your luggage slight in front so you can always see it.

Speaker 1:

This isn't about London, actually, but I did have a time when I was in Paris on the Underground In fact, I've seen this a couple of times in Paris and we got on the train, the metro, at Montmartre, I got surrounded by a pickpocket gang. I literally could not move and they opened my backpack. Now, I hadn't secured it, it was a theft-proof one, but it had nothing in it. It had just my clothes, because it was my dirty clothes to be canned. That was all that was left in it. I had my crossbody bag, which I had close to me, but I couldn't move. Look at they didn't get. They couldn't get into the one that was in the front, but they did manage to get into the one at the back. Well, I'll just say I didn't secure it, so my fault. But, as I said, there was nothing in it, but obviously they didn't know that and I couldn't move. So you just have to be careful.

Speaker 1:

That was in Paris and I have heard of other incidents in Paris where that's been a problem. People have lost their passports, phones. Do not keep anything in your back pocket because, honestly, you won't keep it. Now there are some common scams to watch out for as well. So unfortunately, as we all know, tourist hotspots attract scammers. So here are some of the most common scams that you may see in London Street gambling scams. So don't fall for guess which cup the ball is under, which is a scam commonly seen on Westminster Bridge. I've only seen that the last couple of years, but that's been going there. I've also seen it actually in Paris as well, near the Eiffel Tower. So I'll just mention if you plan to pop over to Paris, keep an eye out. So any scam where you bet on the outcome is not left to chance. It's manipulated by the scammer. So if you see someone else winning it, don't trust them. They're usually in on the scam anyway and they're just trying to encroach you to part with your money.

Speaker 1:

The other one to watch out for are fake charity collectors. Always check for official identification before donating anything. Under UK law, charity collectors must be licensed and have a charity collecting permit, so if in doubt, you can ask them to see that. You will see people selling the Big Issue magazine, which is a long established magazine from which all profits go to support the capital's homeless population. But make sure the seller has an official, licensed seller's badge. If not, wait till you see a seller who has. This way, you know your money will go directly to the homeless people who need it, rather than an unscrupulous scammer. Free gifts Be careful. If someone offers you a flower or bracelet, they'll just demand payment afterwards.

Speaker 1:

Ticket scams. Always buy theatre and concert tickets from official sources, not from touts people selling tickets outside the theatres and venues. There are licensed ticket outlets all over London or you can use the official half-price theatre ticket booth which is found in the middle of Leicester Square. So I recommend that Be careful about the unlicensed rickshaws. These colourful music-blaming rickshaws are a fun way to grab a quick ride and most drivers are genuine and trying to learn a living. But these vehicles are unregulated and there have been reports of scams. So always agree on a price before riding to avoid being overcharged and make sure you get dropped off in a busy, well-lit area. And I will also say if you are paying by card, double check the amount that they are charging you absolutely. Be 100% sure what they're going to charge before and also afterwards, and if possible, that would be a time to pay cash, so you know exactly what you're handing over. To be honest, I don't take them. I don't recommend taking them personally because it's I just I don't know. To me it feels like it's too easy to um to be scammed with something like that.

Speaker 1:

Now, staying safe on public transport London's transport system is generally safe, but here are some essential safety tips. Hold on to your belongings, so if you're sitting with your bag in your lap, loop it through your arm or body Again. Have a crossbody bag. Makes it more difficult for somebody to try and snatch and grab. Avoid rush hour, if possible. Trains and buses are very crowded between 7.30 and 9.30 am and from 5 to 7 pm. Stand back from the platform edge right, you'll see. Mind the gap. You'll probably hear that. Mind the gap when waiting for a train or tube and when getting on off the tube. Don't rush to jump on the tube if doors are closing. You could get seriously hurt. So just wait because there'll be another tube coming in a couple of minutes later.

Speaker 1:

Avoid unlicensed minicabs, especially at nights. Only use taxis from well-reviewed companies, ubers or, obviously, the famous black London taxis. Stay alert on night buses and the tube. If you're traveling alone, sit near the driver. The night buses and night tubes are a cost-effective way to get home after a night out, but we do recommend using a pre-booked taxi, especially if you're a solo traveller.

Speaker 1:

We recommend not driving in London, if you can. Roads are busy, congested and you've got the extra challenge of the ULEZ zones, which are restricted, which, of course, are going to charge you more money, restricted parking, parking fees and one-way systems to contend with. So, honestly, I used to drive in London. I would never drive in London ever, ever, ever. It was only because I had to live in central London. I had to. Please don't drive in London. Please don't. If you have to make sure that you have good sat-nav and up-to-date on UK and London-specific driving regulations. So if you're going to do that, we recommend TripBiama's driving guide to help you prepare for driving in the UK. So if you're really going to drive in London, honestly, you must do the TripBiama course 100%. I would highly recommend that you do that really, because you know I'm British, I've driven in London. Would I drive in London today? No, I wouldn't so, but follow the usual driving safety precautions.

Speaker 1:

Don't leave valuables unattended or on display in cars and always lock your doors when driving. That's really important. Now, london's an amazing city and with a bit of preparation, you can explore it safely and with confidence and peace of mind. So let's do a recap Stay away of your surroundings and who is around you. Be vigilant. Keep your belongings secure, whether out and about in your hotel. Never leave bags unattended and report any bags that you see unattended, because, honestly, if you don't, somebody else will, because we're very conscious of bags that aren't unattended, so that will get reported. So do not leave your bag unattended because, honestly, and be very careful in places like train stations.

Speaker 1:

Plan ahead to avoid rushing, confusion and stress. Slow down and just be safe. Use reputable companies for taxis, tours and tickets. For example, book your London airport transfers and beyond with our partner Riz of Expert Cars or tours via our partners. We personally vet all the companies we partner with, so you know you will get the experience you expect. We partner with, so you know you will get the experience you expect. Use anti-theft bags, phone lanyards and card covers the RFID card covers just for extra protection.

Speaker 1:

Now, if you do need to contact any emergency service, the numbers in the UK are 999 or 112. So thanks for Laura, who asked this question in our Facebook group. So, with the right mindset and thorough planning and preparation, you'll have a fantastic, worry-free trip to London. And remember, trust your instincts, and if something is too good to be true, it probably is. Now. If you found this episode helpful, don't forget to subscribe and leave us a review and share it with fellow travellers. We really, really appreciate those of you who do that. It just helps us to continue to produce all this free information for you guys. Now, as you know, for more UK travel tips and advice, check out our website and join our Facebook communities. We've got London Travel Planning, we've got a UK Travel Planning and Doug runs a UK Train Travel Tip Facebook group too.

Speaker 1:

If you have any questions about this episode, please pop over to the show notes and leave us a message via speakpipe and we will get back to you. As long as you leave your email and name, we can reply to you, but that leaves me to say until next episode. Happy UK travel planning. Thank you for tuning in to this week's episode of the UK travel planning podcast. As always, show notes can be found at uktravelplanningcom. If you've enjoyed the show, why not leave us feedback via text or a review on your favourite podcast app? We love to hear from you and you never know. You may receive a shout out in a future episode. But, as always, that just leaves me to say until next week. Happy UK travel planning.