Practical Information
Below far left Pedestrian road crossing, known
as a zebra crossing Below left Emergency
ambulance Below centre Police on horseback, a
common sight at football matches Below right
Busy scene at Barnstaple’s Pannier MarketAbove left European Union passports Above centre An ATM or Cashpoint machine Above right British policemen, on patrol at a train station
DIRECTORYPASSPORTS AND VISAS
American Embassy
24 Grosvenor Square, London W1; 020
7499 9000; http://www.usembassy.org.uk
Australian High Commission
Australia House, The Strand, London
WC2; 020 7379 4334;
http://www.australia.org.uk
British Foreign and
Commonwealth Office
http://www.fco.gov.uk
Canadian High Commission
Macdonald House, 38 Grosvenor
Square, London W1; 020 7258 6600
http://www.international.gc.ca/
Canada-europa/united_kingdom
Irish Embassy
17 Grosvenor Place, London SW1;
020 7235 2171;
http://www.ireland.embassyhomepage.com
HEALTH SERVICES
NHS Direct
0845 4647; http://www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk
EHIC
http://www.nhs.uk/EHIC/Pages/About.aspx
PERSONAL SECURITY
Emergency Services
For Police, Fire or Ambulance dial 999should take the normal precautions
against petty crime as they would
anywhere, especially in large towns.
Areas where there is a high volume
of tourists are frequently targeted by
petty thieves. Leave passports,
jewellery and valuables in the hotel
safe, if possible. Keep an eye on
handbags and wallets, particularly in
crowds and on public transport, and
don’t carry large amounts of cash
around. Never leave bags, cameras or
luggage unattended or visible in
cars, even if locked. If it’s not possible
to take them with you, it’s best to put
them in the car boot before arriving
at an attraction, as car parks are
sometimes watched by thieves.
British police are generally pleasant
and helpful. Street officers wear dark
blue uniforms (and often the famous
domed hat), but do not usually carry
firearms. If unfortunate enough to be
a victim of crime, contact the police
who can provide victim support. To
telephone the Emergency Services –
police, fire, or ambulance – dial 999.13
window advising of the nearest all-
night chemist. Pharmacists are highly
trained, too, and can usually advise
on minor medical matters.
Visitors from Ireland and other EU
countries are covered for medical
treatment in Great Britain under the
EU’s social security regulations, but
they must see an NHS (National
Health Service) doctor. To be eligible,
they will need identification and a
European Health Insurance Card
(EHIC), which has replaced the old
E111 form. Otherwise visitors will be
liable for NHS charges. Obtain the card
at home before travelling to the UK.
Visitors from all other countries are
strongly advised to have private
medical insurance, as they will only be
eligible for free emergency treatment.
Without insurance, they will have to
pay for follow-up care, doctor’s visits,
medication, etc. Check home health
insurance plans for cover when
abroad. But travel insurance with
medical coverage is a simple option
and will give peace of mind.
Personal Security
Great Britain is a relatively safe
country. Alhough most serious crime
takes place in inner-city areas where
visitors are unlikely to go, they