Money

Frommer's lists exact prices in the local currency. However, rates fluctuate, so before departing consult a currency exchange website such as www.oanda.com/currency/converter to check up-to-the-minute rates.

London is comfortably the most expensive city in Britain, but perceptions of value for overseas visitors are at the mercy of exchange rate fluctuations. After a decade when the city seemed set to become one of the most expensive on the planet -- far more expensive than New York, for example -- a plunging pound made London affordable again. London is not as expensive as Tokyo or Oslo, that's for sure, but even an average hotel room can cost £100 a night or more -- in many cases, much, much more. While certain items might seem extortionate to an experienced European traveler -- such as a cup of coffee, a pizza, or a Tube fare -- everyday clothes cost less than in many Continental capitals. Mobile phone charges will seem inexpensive to a visitor from North America, but the same person will shudder at the price of a pair of branded sneakers or an iPod. But with entrance to state museums and galleries costing nothing at all, London has more high culture for your buck than anywhere in the world.

ATMs are everywhere in London -- at banks, some petrol stations, many supermarkets, and post offices. (Watch out for those inside small shops, however, as they charge users for withdrawing money.) These "cash machines" or "cashpoints" are the easiest way to get cash away from home. The Cirrus (www.mastercard.com) and PLUS (www.visa.com) networks span the globe; look at the back of your bank card to see which network you're on, and then check online for ATM locations at your destination if you want to be ultra-organized. Be sure you know your personal identification number (PIN) and daily withdrawal limit before you depart. Note that UK machines use 4-digit PINs, so if your bank issues a 6-digit number, contact them before you leave home. Credit cards are accepted just about everywhere, bar street markets and tiny independent retailers or street-food vendors. However, North American visitors should note that American Express is accepted far less widely than at home. To be sure of your credit line, bring a Visa or MasterCard as well.

Britain has been among the world's most aggressive countries in the fight against credit card fraud. As a result, almost everywhere in London has moved from the magnetic strip credit card to the new system of Chip and PIN ("smartcards" with chips embedded in them). Most retailers ask for your 4-digit PIN to be entered into a keypad near the cash register. In restaurants, a waiter brings a hand-held device to your table to authorize payment. If you're visiting from a country where Chip and PIN is less prevalent (such as the U.S.), it's possible that some retailers will be reluctant to accept your (to Brits, old-fashioned) swipe cards. Be prepared to argue your case: swipe cards are still legal and the same machines that read the smartcard chips can also read your magnetic strip. However, do carry some cash with you too, just in case.

If you're leaving your home country to visit London, beware of hidden credit- or debit-card fees. Fees can amount to 3% or more of the purchase price. Check with your bank before departing to avoid any surprise charges on your statement.

For help with currency conversions, tip calculations, and more, download Frommer's convenient Travel Tools app for your mobile device. Go to www.frommers.com/go/mobile and click on the Travel Tools icon.

What Things Cost in London (UK£)

Taxi from Heathrow to central London -- 60.00-85.00

Underground from Heathrow to Piccadilly Circus using Oyster Card, off-peak -- 2.70

Double room at Claridge's (very expensive) -- 360.00

Double room at the Sumner (moderate) -- 140.00

Double room at the Hoxton (inexpensive) -- 99.00

Lunch for one at L'Anima (expensive) -- 24.00

Lunch for one at Lemonia (inexpensive) -- 9.75

Dinner for one, without wine, at Alain Ducasse (very expensive) -- 75.00

Dinner for one, without wine, at Baltic (moderate) -- 17.50

Dinner for one, without wine, at Mangal (inexpensive) -- 13.00

Pint of beer -- 3.00-4.00

Cup of coffee -- 1.80-2.50

Admission to state museums -- Free

Movie ticket -- 8.00-12.00

Theatre ticket -- 25.00-85.00