Safety in London: what you need to know

Visiting London is a great adventure, and the safety must be at the heart of your concerns.

Today, I'm giving you a few pointers to help you stay safe on your trip to the English capital.

Safety in London: article summary

Safety in London: taking care on public transport

Public transport in London is very reliable and will take you wherever you want to go! But remember that pickpockets also love to travel on a crowded tube.

Keep your backpack in front of you, make sure it's zipped and that your iPad or laptop doesn't stick out invitingly.

Keeping your phone or wallet in a back pocket of your pants isn't a good idea either, not only because someone might just pick it up, but it might just fall out.

Use only licensed cabs

There may be times when you want to go out in the evening and take a cab instead of underground transport. Use only licensed cabs!

The only type of cab authorized to pick you up without pre-booking is the black cab. All other minicabs must be booked in advance, either via an app, or by calling a cab company directly.

If a stranger waiting outside a bar offers you a lift, systematically refuse, however good the offer may seem.

Safety in London: keep a clear head

Don't get so drunk that you fall asleep on the way home, whether in the busthe train or the cab.

Not only because you could end up on the other side of London, but also because you become an easy target for theft.

You're responsible for yourself, so make sure to be aware of what's happening to you at all times!

Keep an eye on what you eat

The stories about psychotropic drugs being added to evening drinks are real and happen all the time.

A simple way to make sure you never fall victim is to never leave your drink unattended.

Keep it in your hand, and if you need to go to the bathroom or outside for a cigarette, finish your drink first or leave it with a trusted friend who will hold it for you.

Don't accept drinks from people you don't know. do not exchange drinks with others.

If you can, drink from the bottle, as it's harder to dope a bottled drink. Also, don't drink from decanters or bottles that have been left on the bar.

Safety in London: be careful when withdrawing money

Be careful when withdrawing money from an ATM. Look around to see if you can type in your code without prying eyes.

Avoid deserted, unlit and dilapidated areas. These days, you'll pay with your card almost anywhere, even in black cabs.

Always protect your PIN code, whether you're using an ATM or typing it in a store.

Be careful with your phone

Try to minimize the time you spend on your phone in the street. Phone theft by people on bikes or scooters is quite common and happens all over London.

Try to stay away from the edge of the road, especially if you're listening to music through headphones. Do not hear what's happening around you makes you an easier target.

Don't leave your phones or tablets exposed on a table if you're sitting outside sipping a drink.

Instead, keep it in your pocket, in a bag on your lap or between your feet, rather than hanging it on the back of a chair.

By following these London safety tips, you won't have any problems during your stay. You'll be able to enjoy the city's sights and nightlife and have a great vacation.

What to do in London in 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 5 days, a week?

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