London: Money & Costs

Currency

Name

Pound Sterling

Symbol

£

• Sample Price Guide

  pint of lager

  £ 2.50

  movie ticket

  £ 9.00

  coffee in the West End

  £ 2.25

  cheapest ride on the Tube

  £ 4.00

  36-exposure colour film

  £ 4.00

  taxi per km

  £ 0.90

  CD

  £ 15.00

  admission to a big-name club on a Friday

  £ 15.00

  Average Room Prices
  Low	Mid	High	Deluxe
  £50-85	£85-150	£150-250	£250+
  Average Meal Prices
  Low	Mid	High	Deluxe
  £5-12	£12-20	£20-35	£35+

• Tipping

  Many restaurants now add a 'discretionary' service charge to your bill, but in places that don't, you are expected to leave a 10% to 15% tip unless the service was unsatisfactory. Waiting staff are often paid derisory wages on the assumption that the money will be supplemented by tips. You never tip to have your pint pulled in a pub.

  If you take a boat trip on the Thames you'll find some guides and/or drivers importuning for a tip in return for their commentary. Whether you pay is up to you. You can tip taxi drivers up to 10% but most people round up to the nearest pound.

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