A couple of questions about London for my visit?

Question

Do I need a special drivers license?
Are they friendly with Americans?
Can I smoke in restaraunts there?
What is the sales tax rate?

Thank you!

Answer 1

An international drivers license will be fine.

Most of them are friendly with americans.

Smoking is allowed in some eating places. Pubs, bars usually allow it too.

Sales tax as stated is 17% VERY High!

Other tips, don't carry large amounts of money while visiting. Be very kind. I saw on your 360 page, you like cigars. There are a few places that allow it. Cute pics.

Answer 2

A couple of people with otherwise helpful answers have gotten some little details wrong.

Your US driver's license is valid for one year from your date of entry. It's true that most people in London use public transport rather than driving, because the public transport system is (mostly) pretty good, the taxis are excellent (although expensive), traffic congestion is bad and parking charges are high. Driving in central London also incurs a daily charge of nearly $15 (which one answerer misleadingly calls a 'special pass'). See http://www.cclondon.com for more information on that.

Most Londoners are friendly with most visitors. Of course, there are always some exceptions.

You can smoke cigarettes (but often not cigars) in most good-quality restaurants (often anywhere in the restaurant but usually in a designated area) until the ban comes into effect next summer. The precise date for the introduction of the ban has still not been confirmed. Most fast-food restaurants have already banned smoking.

The sales tax rate is 17.5%, and applies to most items. As has been rightly pointed out, the tax is always included in the price shown at the point of sale; it isn't added at the checkout. Some items are untaxed, like books, children's clothing and food (excluding restaurant food). You can claim back the tax you've paid on goods you take home with you, but not on things you've bought and consumed while you were in London.

Have a good visit!

Answer 3

Do I need a special drivers license?. An International Driving Licence is ok for upto one year.
Are they friendly with Americans?. Americans are our greatest allies and friends, we welcome Americans with open arms.
Can I smoke in restaraunts there?. You can smoke in restaurants in special smoking areas, there are a few that do not allow smoking at all. From next year there will be a smoking ban in ALL public places.
Sales tax is 17.5% but as a tourist you can claim all that tax back on return to your own country.

Answer 4

All the answers about International Drivers License are GOOFY!!!
From personal experience - you do NOT need an International Driving License. All you need is your US Driving License. However - be very careful - the English do not know how to drive and there are NO police on the
Roads. The country roads are very narrow and they all drive way
too fast. It is a constant RACE for the English and once they get into a car - they are no longer polite.

Answer 5

You'll need an International Driver's license (there are numerous companies you can find online which will provide you with one).
Generally yes: much friendlier than most European countries are (probably because of the language).
No, not normally: there are a few pubs that still allow it for now.
Sales rate is already included in the items you'll buy.

Enjoy the City!

Answer 6

for the british license i think you need to contact your british consulate in the states and yes the british people are very freindly and laid back with every 1 and most restaurants have smoking area and the sales tax rate is 17.5%

Answer 7

england is the most awesome place you will probly love it. my whole family lives there and the english people are very friendly. in the city you probly won't be driving anywhere though, mostly walking/taxis, because you have to have a special pass to get into london to drive through it.