While it’s often referred to as a visa, this registration is actually a type of visa waiver, so those traveling to the U.K. who don’t need a visa will need to have this waiver completed to enter the country.

Although this registration is a new requirement, it can be completed digitally. Just make sure you do so in advance of your trip to avoid any delays.

Need help navigating the process? Here’s everything you need to know about the new U.K. ETA.

How to apply for the U.K. ETA

There are two primary ways to apply for the new ETA. The easiest option is to download the U.K. ETA app, which is available in the Apple App Store and Google Play. According to the U.K. government, applying by the app takes about 10 minutes and leads to quicker processing.

However, if you are unable to download the app, you can also apply online. Application and processing times may take slightly longer using this method.

What you need in order to apply for the U.K. ETA

Before applying, make sure to have your passport and a digital payment, such as a credit card, debit card, or digital wallet, close by. You can apply on behalf of someone else, but that person must be with you when applying, because the application includes taking a photo and, for people over age 9, scanning the face.

To sum all that up, here’s a list of what to have with you before applying:

• Anyone you will be applying for should be with you during the application process
• Valid passport
• Form of payment: credit or debit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay

Cost of a U.K. ETA

Yes, you will have to pay to apply for the ETA. Currently, the U.K. ETA costs £10 (around $13).

U.K. ETA processing time

It’s particularly important to know how long it takes for the ETA to be approved, because you’ll want approval before entering the U.K. If your ETA isn’t completed and processed in time, you will not be allowed out of the passport control area upon arrival.

The U.K. ETA processing may take as little as one day or up to three working days. With this in mind, be sure to apply before it’s time to head out on your trip so you aren’t delayed at the airport waiting for the application to be approved.

How long is a U.K. ETA valid?

Fortunately, if you plan to do multiple trips to the U.K., one ETA is valid for two years or until the passport used during application expires, whichever comes first. The ETA is valid for visits under 6 months in length.

Because the ETA is digitally connected to your passport, if the passport used during the application process expires, you will need to apply for a new ETA. Make sure to check those expiration dates well in advance of your trip to avoid some inconvenient surprises!

Who needs a U.K. ETA?

Every person traveling into the U.K. for less than 6 months, even if it’s a quick pass through the country to another destination, will need the ETA. Each person traveling to the U.K. will require their own ETA, including infants and children. However, one individual can apply for the ETA on behalf of another person, and children ages 9 and under will not have to complete the face-scanning requirement.

The U.K. government website includes a list of countries from which people can apply for their ETAs now, as well as another list of countries from which people can apply for ETAs beginning on March 5, 2025.

What other documentation will I need to travel to the U.K. or Europe?

Travelers from the U.S. will need their passport along with the ETA or a visa (if you plan to work in the country or will visit for longer than 6 months) to travel to the U.K.

Starting later in 2025, anyone from the U.S. (and select other countries) traveling to Europe will also need an ETIAS, another type of visa waiver. You can learn more about the requirements on the official ETIAS website.

More information on the ETA

Be sure to explore the U.K. government website and the U.S. Embassy website for more information on ETA and other travel requirements, then explore our U.K. blog posts for more travel tips!

The post The EuroCheapo guide to getting a U.K. ETA ‘visa’ appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

These oh-so-easy to make errors can add up over the course of a trip and make a serious impact on your wallet — not to mention your enjoyment. To make the most of London like a true Cheapo, be sure to avoid these 10 costly mistakes:

1. Not getting an Oyster card

Just getting around town is expensive in London. And, do you know what’s really cruel? It tends to cost tourists more. That’s because Londoners who regularly take the Tube use Oyster cards. These are like travel credit cards, and they charge a cheaper rate for tickets than just buying them as you go. Sometimes an equivalent journey without an Oyster card can be more than double the price!

Oyster cards are easy to get hold of, you’ll just need to pay a small deposit (which is refundable). Find out more about them here.

2. Taking the Tube for every trip

And while we’re on the subject of travel, don’t think you have to travel everywhere on the London Underground Tube network. It’s easy to get between most central London attractions on foot (not to mention a lot more interesting).

If that’s not an option, London buses are considerably less expensive than the Tube and just as user friendly (the name of the stops are always announced and come up on a screen). They’re better for those traveling with wheelchairs and strollers, too. (Here’s a list of 5 bus routes every tourist should know.)

The Tower of London might be an icon, but it also costs £24.50. However, if you do go, make sure to book ahead. Photo: Craig Nelson

3. Trying to do too much

London is huge! And there’s so much to see. You’ll never see it all in one trip, so don’t make the mistake of trying to cram it all in. Rushing from one expensive attraction to another is a sure-fire way to lose money and lose out on some of the city’s fun.

Plan the essentials and leave the rest to chance. Sunny day? Have a wander around one of the city’s great parks, maybe, or check out a market. Rainy day? Pop into a free museum. London is better when you don’t try and keep up with the city’s frantic pace.

4. Not booking ahead for the big attractions

Having said that, for the really big attractions that you know you don’t want to miss out on, it’s always best (and often cheaper!) to book ahead. Many, including the Tower of London, Madame Tussaud’s, the London Eye and London Zoo, are all cheaper when you book online ahead of your visit.

Related: Top budget hotels in London

Celtic Hotel offers an optimal Bloomsbury location with low rates and free breakfast. Photo: Craig Nelson

5. Staying in a hotel way outside the center

We’ve all been there: deciding to go for accommodation that’s slightly cheaper but not so well located. Honestly, in London that’s a false economy. Staying more centrally doesn’t only save you travel time, it means that you can most likely walk, or at least bus it, to the central locations.

For budget friendly, centrally located accommodations, check out our favorite hotels in the Bloomsbury neighborhood, near Victoria Station, or Bayswater, for starters.

Search London hotels now

Know your travel dates? Find hotels for your budget now through our reservation partner, Booking.com

6. Tipping too much

Britain is not a nation of tippers and applying some of British tipping habits will really help your wallet.

• Eating out? Look at the check to see if a service charge has already been added. If not, a tip of around 10% is normal (and that’s only if you have been happy with the service).

• Getting a taxi? Round it up to the nearest pound.

• In a bar? It’s quite rare to tip, although you may offer to buy the bartender a drink.

Of course if you want to reward exceptional service with a more generous tip, it will always be appreciated. However, in the vast majority of cases, tipping is really seen as a bonus.

Victoria & Albert Museum is not only the world’s biggest destination for design and decorative arts. It’s also free! Photo: mk30

7. Not making the most of the free attractions

Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London may leave you feeling culturally enriched – they’ll also leave you considerably poorer. But famous doesn’t always have to mean pricey.

Many of London’s popular museums are free and it’s definitely worth making the most of them, whether it’s hanging out with the Egyptian mummies and the Rosetta Stone at the British Museum, or marveling at the contemporary art and architecture at Tate Modern. Take a look at the list of 20 free museums here.

8. Being ripped off for food

Microwaved meals and soggy pasta is all-too-often dished up to unsuspecting tourists. Finding well prepared, decently priced food in many of London’s tourist areas can be a huge challenge.

If available options look suspect, head to one of London’s better chains. The following all offer tasty food for around £10-15: Wagamama (noodles), Wahaca (Mexican), Franco Manca (pizza), and Byron Burger (as the name suggests, burgers).

Markets are also a good option for foodies (especially for the free samples). Check out this list of our favorite food markets. As well as Borough and Maltby Street, check out many of the street markets such as KERB, a regular near King’s Cross.

Don’t overlook supermarkets for picking up snacks or even all the fixings for a cheap dinner. Tesco Express is a popular choice. Photo: Ewan Munro

9. Not using the supermarkets

Eating out in London all the time gets expensive quickly, but eating in is relatively cheap. Even if you’re staying in a hotel, it’s always worth popping into a supermarket for a lunch or a snack (check out our guide to supermarkets here). They’ll always have a good range of food to go, at a great price.

10. Overlooking discounts

Having an International Student Identity Card can make a huge difference to your stay and can offer discounts of between 20% to 50% on entrance tickets. If you’re not a student but still under 31, an International Youth Travel Card offers similar reductions. Similarly, seniors should ask about discounted admission to most big attractions and museums.

Your tips?

Have a tip to add to our list of mistakes to avoid when visiting London? Share with us in the comments section below!

The post Visiting London? Avoid these 10 costly mistakes appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Today, many London pubs have been turned into trendy gastropubs, whilst other more modern watering holes have gone to great lengths to achieve an old-fashioned look.

Nonetheless, those pubs that have been carefully preserved for hundreds of years make the perfect spot for any visitor to soak up a bit of traditional English culture and see day-to-day London life in action.

London: 5 classic pubs that we love

Before you head out, read our guide to drinking at a traditional pub in London. Ready to sip a pint? Here are five of the best to kick-start your London pub-crawl:

The Prospect of Whitby

57 Wapping Wall
E1W 3SH

This Docklands pub marks the spot where fishermen, sailors, smugglers and pirates used to stop off right back in 1520. Sadly, all but the flagstone floor was destroyed in a fire and the pub was rebuilt in the 1770s. In the seventeenth century, Samuel Pepys used to frequent this watering hole, hence the aptly named “Pepys Dining Room” upstairs. In more recent years the pub has attracted the likes of Frank Sinatra, Richard Burton and Kirk Douglas.

The Prospect of Whitby is perfectly positioned on the edge of the Thames making it an ideal spot to gaze out at the river and admire the city of London whilst enjoying the comforts of a real local pub.

The George Inn

77 Borough High Street
Southwark, SE1 1NH

Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Borough Market and flanked by some of London’s most iconic modern buildings, the George Inn is a perfectly preserved little chunk of old London. The earliest reference to the inn is on a map dated 1542, however, the George had to be rebuilt after the Southwark fire destroyed the original building in 1676.

Today, the George is famous for its wooden galleries that characterize the front of the building. The simple, wooden interior boasts plenty of cozy corners to escape the cold and enjoy a good ale and in the summer months, the enormous outdoor terrace is popular with city slickers and market traders alike.

The Argyll Arms

18 Argyll Street
Soho, W1F 7TP

Ever popular and ever special, the Argyll Arms is strategically located just off Oxford Street, making it the pub of choice for office workers, theatergoers and West End shoppers. Built in 1742, the Argyll received a makeover in 1897 when “snugs” became fashionable and the bar was split up into several ornately decorated little compartments so that punters could drink privately. Several years later regulators demanded that some of the partitions were removed to prevent “unsavory” goings-on and so the Argyll took the shape it has today.

The beautifully etched glass partitions and mahogany bar and paneling even survived the Blitz and the Argyll remains one of London’s most atmospheric pubs. Lovers of ale are also in for a treat as the Argyll boasts some of the UK’s finest cask-conditioned real ales and the selection is constantly changing, giving punters another reason to keep coming back.

The Holly Bush

22 Holly Mount
Hampstead, NW3 6SG

A real treat hidden away in one of London’s oldest villages, The Holly Bush is one of those rare urban locals that manages to transport you far away to a rural countryside hideout. The pub opened in the early nineteenth century but is housed in a building that dates back to the 1640s and the original fireplaces, wooden booths and oak paneling are all still intact and beautifully preserved.

The warm, inviting ambiance of the pub draws you in, as do the many different dynamics going on as you meander in and out of the rabbit warren of rooms. From romantic whisperings on intimate tables by the fire and walkers refueling after a brisk stroll across Hampstead Heath to family get-togethers on long tables in the back rooms, this is a special place that embodies what a traditional pub should be.

The Dickens Inn

Marble Quay
St Katharines Way, E1W 1UH

A wonderful way to enjoy the calm of St Katharines Dock, the Dickens Inn is actually a relatively new arrival on the London pub trail. However, this inn has an interesting story to tell and is certainly worth a visit! The timber frame that houses the Dickens Inn was built as a spice warehouse in 1775 and was sadly encased in brickwork in the 1820s to fit in with the modernization of the dock.

Almost 150 years later architects discovered what lay beneath and, in order to save the building, they had to transport it 70 meters across the dock to make way for a new housing development. The timber frame was painstakingly restored in the style of an 18th-century balconied inn and was opened by Charles Dickens’ grandson in 1976.

Your favorite pubs in London

If you need even more ideas, check out our list of 10 favorite bars in central London. Do you have a favorite pub you’d suggest adding to our list? Tell us about it in the comments section.

The post 5 Traditional pubs in London worth a visit appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

To help you start navigating your restaurant options in London, take note of the tips below. They should help you save a few pounds of your budget — and point you toward some great new eats.

Related: Top budget hotels in London

10 London dining tips

1. Avoid tourist traps

No one wants to feel like a ripped-off tourist, paying over the odds for an unsatisfactory meal. The first rule here is to avoid going out for meals in tourist hotspots. Look at where Londoners might go to eat — Soho or Shoreditch, for example.

While those areas aren’t necessarily going to be cheap, they’re likely to offer a far better dining experience than, say, one of the high volume eateries on the corner of Leicester Square. Think ahead, as a little planning can save you from a disappointing meal.

2. Do some research

There are loads of budget-friendly options all over London, but another benefit of planning is knowing what you are looking for! Time Out London’s Cheap Eats has loads of recommendations, and you can search by area, or ask at your hotel, and they should be happy to point you in the direction of a popular local.

Here are 10 cheapo restaurant picks, situated all around the city.

3. Don’t skimp on your hotel breakfast

Most London hotels will include breakfast in their room price. (Here are our favorite cheap hotels in Londons.) Filling up on a full English (or even just some tea and toast) is a great way to ensure you aren’t ravenous — and splashing out on snacks — by lunchtime!

We love the breakfast at likes of the Celtic Hotel, Luna & Simone Hotel, and Arosfa Hotel. A substantial breakfast means you can pick up light lunch at a supermarket, one of the reasonably priced sandwich chains such as Pret a Manger, or at a market. Speaking of which…

4. Think vendors, food carts and takeaway

Don’t just associate good eating with starched linen tablecloths. Kerb brings street food vendors to locations all around London.

And don’t forget the joy of a simple takeaway. Enjoying chips doused in salt and vinegar eaten out of their wrapper on a cold evening is a British tradition up there with visiting Buckingham Palace!

5. Don’t forget the pub!

A great visit to a pub can be as much about eating as drinking, as many serve reasonably priced food. It’s fun to stop in a local pub for some lunch and a pint. The tourist trap rule also applies to picking a pub (and —as a general rule of thumb — rule out any place boasting that they serve “London’s best fish and chips”).

They’re also a great place to sample that other British institution: the Sunday Roast. Here are our picks for our favorite pubs to enjoy a roast.

6. Splurge at lunch

If you do want to experience some of London’s more fashionable restaurants, it’s worth heading out at lunchtime when prices can be much cheaper. Look for set lunch deals.

Camden Lock Market has excellent food options for less than £ 10. Photo: Karsten Seiferlin

7. Eat at local markets

London boasts several bountiful markets throughout the city. Borough Market might be one of the most famous, but along with fresh produce, they also have several food vendors to fill you up for cheap. You’ll also find plenty of affordable dining spots at Camden Locks Market, which is open daily.

Here are a few more outdoor markets in London that offer several affordable food options.

Don’t worry about leaving more than a few pounds for your dinner or drinks. Photo: Ed Ivanushkin

8. Don’t go over the top with your tips

Before you tip your server, double-check your check. Often there will be a service charge included automatically, which means that you don’t need to leave any more money on the table. Serving staff are also less reliant on their tips to make up their wage than in the States, so as a general rule, Brits are less generous with tipping than their North American counterparts.

In general, our typical tip is closer to 10% than 15% — higher tips are really a reward for exceptional service. Check out our guide to tipping in London for more information.

9. Order tap water and BYOB

It’s completely fine (and safe) to ask for tap water with your meal, rather than expensive bottled water.

Another way to save on drinks is to look out for restaurants offering “Bring Your Own Bottle/Booze” or BYOB. For a couple of pounds, you’ll be able to bring in the wine or beer of your choice and avoid the high cost of a restaurant mark-up.

10. Save with websites and apps

With lots of money-off vouchers and discount cards online, both for chains and fancier eateries, why pay full price? Sign up for market and restaurant websites for deals, and use apps like Too Good to Go, Karma or Olio to rescue restaurant meals for cheap or Wowcher or DineClub for restaurant vouchers.

Your tips

How do you save when you eat out in London? Tell us in the comments below!

The post London Restaurants: 10 ways to save on dining appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

And despite the oncoming Brexit issue, with the British pound still holding fairly strong against other currencies, we don’t expect prices to be dropping anytime soon.

However, as documented throughout our London guide and our list of the best cheap hotels in Central London, it is possible to live it up in London on a modest budget — with a little planning.

Related: 21 ways we saved on our trip to London

How? Besides the obvious (choosing a budget hotel, knowing how to eat cheaply, and getting around with an Oyster card, you’d be crazy not to take advantage of London’s free museums and attractions. Most of the nationally-run museums and art galleries are publicly financed and don’t cost visitors a pence. There are literally dozens of options from the incredible (and very busy) British Museum to lots of lesser-known gems.

Free is always a beautiful thing, and we’ve put together a list of our 20 favorites:

9 Must-visit free museums in London

British Library
World’s largest library holding an impressive 150 million+ items. Browse hotels near the British Library.

British Museum
A true blockbuster with artifacts from the Rosetta Stone to the Elgin Marbles. Stay close by at these
hotels near the British Museum.

National Gallery
Stunning collection housing works from masters like Cézanne and Van Gogh. Get there early by staying at these hotels near the National Gallery.

Natural History Museum
Earth science hub with hands-on exhibits and millions of specimens.

National Portrait Gallery
See depictions of the most famous Brits in history up close. Find nearby hotels.

Science Museum
Interactive exhibits, historic collections, and an IMAX theater.

Tate Modern
Huge collection of modern art situated in a former power plant along the Thames. Book a hotel close to the Tate Modern.

The Tate Britain
British art, ranging from 16th-century pieces to contemporary works. Nearby hotels.

Victoria and Albert Museum
The world’s biggest destination for design and decorative arts.

The outside of Sir John Soane’s Museum. Photo: Craig Nelson

11 Notable free museums

Bank of England Museum
The story of the country’s main financial institution since 1694.

Imperial War Museum
Framing the British wartime experience from World War I to the present day.

The Geffrey Musem
Focusing on living rooms highlighting furniture, textiles, and decorative arts.

Museum of London
Walk through the entire timeline of the city at this urban history institution.

National Maritime Museum
The world’s biggest collection dedicated to seafaring objects.

Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology
Exhibiting 80,000 ancient artifacts from the Nile Valley.

Royal Airforce Museum London
Displaying over 100 military aircraft from historic to modern.

Sir John Soane’s Museum
Quirky personal art collection and effects in a stately townhouse.

V&A Museum of Childhood
Huge collection of toys, games, and clothes in an airy, historic space.

Wallace Collection
18th-century French painting, an armory, and more in a London townhouse.

Wellcome Collection
A fascinating collection exploring the intersection of medical history and art.

The Geffrye Museum is located in Shoreditch and offers a unique look into living room design. Photo: Heather C.

2 Bonus fun and free attractions

The Changing of the Guard
British pomp and ceremony at its best outside Buckingham Palace. Find the best cheap hotels near Buckingham Palace.

The Ceremony of the Keys
Witness an ancient Tower of London tradition. Book way in advance.

More budget help for London:

• Our article on budget tips for London
• What’s Free in London’s list of no-cost attractions, talks, tours, and festivals
• VisitLondon’s suggestions for free London attractions

The post London: 20 free museums in London appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

So come on Cheapos, it’s time to pull out all the stops and show that special someone you care with a romantic (and budget-friendly) day out in London!

Call your sweetheart, book an affordable hotel in the heart of London, and follow along for a fun-filled adventure.

1. Escape the city on a romantic walk

Many visitors to London go no further than Regent’s and Hyde Park when in search of green spaces, but to really escape the madness of the city, just head north to Hampstead Heath. This wild and rambling area of parkland is the perfect place to get away from it all and whisper sweet nothings.

The view from Hampstead Heath. Photo: Martin Deutsch

Lakes, swimming ponds, rolling hills, and woodland all make for the perfect romantic backdrop. So, if the weather is good, take along a picnic and make a day of it. Don’t miss the climb to the top of Parliament Hill, one of London’s highest points, where you can take in a spectacular view of the city’s major landmarks including The London Eye, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Canary Wharf and the Gherkin, to name but a few.

Hampstead Heath
Highgate Road NW3 7JR
Tube: Hampstead

2. Snuggle up at the movies

Make a trip to the cinema even more romantic and visit the Everyman. In each of the Everyman cinemas, you can choose to reserve a plush sofa for two complete with footrests and “sofa service” so you can sit back and enjoy a more intimate cinema experience. Although a little more pricey than a normal cinema ticket, with sofas priced at £17.50 per person, it certainly adds a touch of romance and is perfect for a special occasion.

Everyman Cinemas (several locations in London)
See website for more information.

3. Splurge on a romantic view of the city

Enjoy the ultimate romantic London experience and head for a sunset drink at the lovely Oxo Tower Bar. Whilst just thinking about dining at the Oxo Tower Restaurant or Brasserie is enough to leave most Cheapo’s out of pocket, sipping on an early evening drink is easier on your wallet and certainly worth the splurge. Located on London’s South Bank, the Oxo Tower is one of the city’s most iconic restaurants and the views across the river are unbeaten.

Oxo Tower Wharf
South Bank SE1 9PH
Tube: Waterloo / Southwark
website

4. Wine and dine by candlelight

There’s no better place to cozy up together and enjoy a great meal than at Gordon’s. Opened in 1890, this atmospheric haunt claims to be London’s oldest wine bar and offers excellent wine, exquisite cheese platters, and tasty traditional English fare at reasonable prices (meals cost between £10-13).

Gordon’s Wine Bar oozes character with low lighting and candlelit tables tucked away in the nooks and crannies of this underground cavern. It is entirely unique and is the ideal setting for that special romantic meal.

Gordon’s Wine Bar
47 Villiers Street WC2N 6NE
Tube: Embankment / Charing Cross
website

The post 4 Cheapo ways to be romantic in London appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

That’s not to say it’s impossible, however! We asked London-based correspondent (and foodie) Alex Robertson Textor to suggest his 10 favorite budget-friendly restaurants in the city.

Bon appetit!

BAO Bar

53 Lexington Street (Soho); also Netil Market E8
http://www.baolondon.com/

The Netil Market location (near Broadway Market) in Hackney is open on Saturdays only, serving delicious Taiwanese baos for £3.50. But if you can’t wait for Saturday, check out BAO Bar’s Soho location for baos and other delicious things.

Herman Ze German

19 Villiers Street
http://www.hermanzegerman.com

Get a proper German sausage (among other varieties: bratwurst, bockwurst, and a veggie wurst option) at this bright little place in the shadow of Charing Cross. Note: Herman Ze German also has two sit-down restaurants, one at 33 Old Compton Street in Soho; the other in Fitzrovia.

Koshari Street

56 St. Martin’s Lane
http://www.kosharistreet.com/

This super carby Egyptian street food is delicious, a vegetarian dish that includes lentils, rice, noodles, chickpeas, tomato sauce, and a dusting of dried caramelized onions. Cap your meal with a fine milk pudding called muhallabieh. You might just want to nap afterwards, but at least you’ll have sweet dreams.

Masters Super Fish

191 Waterloo Road, SE1

In the shadow of Waterloo Station is a simple fish restaurant much loved by cabbies and retired locals. Masters Super Fish defines “old school” – you’ll pay a bit more for grilled as opposed to battered fish, and pickled cucumbers and onions are your essential sides. Some may find service surly, but make no bones about it. This is a true South London institution.

Pret-a-Manger

Located everywhere, really. There are almost 200 Prets in London
http://www.pret.co.uk/en-gb/

Many Londoners might complain about Pret-a-Manger’s ubiquity. Those with poor taste might even claim to like another sandwich chain more. But the fact is that Pret-a-Manger’s food is fresh and quite healthy, especially when viewed in the context of other fast-food restaurants or supermarket chain ready-made lunches.

Sagar Vegetarian Covent Garden

31 Catherine Street
http://www.sagarveg.co.uk

Delicious vegetarian South Indian grub in a heavily-touristed area for cheap? Yes please. Sagar’s dosas are delicious; the lunch special (a heaping thali) costs just £6. The restaurant also lists a vegan menu for those avoiding dairy. Sagar also has branches in Hammersmith and just off Tottenham Court Road.

Silk Road

49 Camberwell Church Street, SE5
No website

Sample the food of China’s Xinjiang Province at this fantastic, informal Camberwell restaurant. Standouts include cumin-dressed lamb kebabs, broth-based chicken with noodles, lamb dumplings, spicy cabbage, and a sharp cucumber salad. Bookings recommended at dinner time: +44 20 7703 4832.

Tasty Vietnamese at Sông Quê Café. Photo: Ewan Munro

Sông Quê Café

134 Kingsland Road, E2
http://www.songque.co.uk

Nobody comes to London for the Vietnamese food, sure, but this fantastic high-volume Shoreditch restaurant, usually crowded with hipsters, tourists, and Vietnamese Londoners, is a treat nonetheless. Beef pho and rice vermicelli dishes are recommended. You should be able to get out of here for less than a tenner.

Tayyab’s

83-89 Fieldgate Street, E1
http://www.tayyabs.co.uk/

The spiciest Punjabi food you can imagine, around the corner from the enormous East London Mosque. The queues here are long. A booking for dinner is more or less essential – don’t expect to be seated immediately even with a booking. (The restaurant appears to operate two queues at peak times, one for those with bookings and one for those without.) The karahi dishes are fantastic, as are the vegetarian items; for a good example of the latter, go for the tinda masala.

Terry’s Café

158 Great Suffolk Street SE1
http://www.terryscafe.co.uk

Terry’s Café is an old-style caff with well-sourced ingredients and a loyal local fan base. Eggs with fixings on toast begin at £2 per slice. Terry’s has even made concessions to the hipsters in the ‘hood. Guests can choose between “old-fashioned” coffee (from 80p) and Monmouth coffee (from £2.)

The post London: Our 10 favorite inexpensive restaurants appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

However, as responsible Cheapos, we must point out that this is also a critical moment to examine the “small print” of your trip. After all, there might be a few tweaks you could make now to save some cash, or some overlooked details that might end up costing you if you don’t address them.

From travel documents to smartphone settings, here are 10 things to do before you leave that will help you avoid any unpleasant surprises later.

1. Is your passport valid. Really?

Let’s start with the basics. As elementary as it sounds, passport issues happen to both newbie and seasoned travelers. Double-check it now. Don’t just make sure that it’s valid when you take off, but throughout the entire course of your trip. Americans, by the way, can spend up to 90 days (within a 180-day period) inside the 26 countries that are part of the Schengen agreement.

Secondly, do you need any special travel visas for your trip? Probably not, if you’re staying within Europe. However, you might need a visa if you try to venture outside the area (for example, taking a boat from Helsinki to St. Petersburg). Here’s a list of visa requirements by country for US citizens.

2. Call your bank and credit card companies.

This one is never fun, but it’s always helpful. Call your bank prior to leaving and let them know that you’ll be abroad. You don’t want your first purchase in Rome to prompt the overzealous Chase fraud team to block your ability to take out cash or pay for something.

But wait, there’s more! While you have them on the phone, ask them:

• How much do they charge for ATM withdrawals? (This could be a flat fee or a percentage of the withdrawal amount.)

• Do they have a partnership with a bank in the country that you’re visiting? (You might find that withdrawing cash from some ATMs are free.)

• How much will they charge you to use your debit card?

Then call your credit card company or companies (if it’s not the same as your bank). Same drill: Tell them your travel dates and countries, and ask about their foreign transaction fees. If you have multiple credit cards, you could find that one is much cheaper to use than the other. You might just be surprised!

Also, if renting a car during your trip, ask if the card automatically provides insurance coverage—and clarify what that coverage is.

For more on this subject, read our guide to questions to ask your bank before leaving.

3. Get smart about your phone.

While you’re having fun with customer service professionals, why not call your mobile telephone carrier? What happens if you don’t call before arriving in Europe? Well, to begin with, you might find that your US or Canadian phone doesn’t work. More drastic, however, you might wind up with all kinds of crazy international data roaming charges.

First, tell them your travel dates and countries. They’ll make sure your phone is set up to work in those countries. Then, they will try to sell you international calling, text and data packages. Offers differ depending on the carriers, but most of the companies offer similar options. I’ve used AT&T below as an example, but you should check prices with your carrier.

• Calling packages usually cost a set monthly amount to lower the per-minute charges for making and receiving calls abroad. This could make sense if you’re planning to make lots of calls, but never makes sense for me. Without a calling package, AT&T charges $1.50 a minute to make or receive a call in Europe. If you buy a $30 calling package, you’ll get 30 minutes of calling (or $1 per minute). This could never be considered a steal (although the per-minute rates do fall if you buy a more expensive package with more minutes).

I typically make phone calls only in last-minute or urgent situations, and these calls are almost always less than a minute long. I’ve resigned myself to paying the regular $1.50 per minute rate for these. However, if you plan to make more calls or do business, it’s worth considering.

• International texting plans, in my opinion, are a great deal, as they make texting in Europe much cheaper. With AT&T, for example, without a plan texts are $.50 to send from abroad, but with a $30 plan you can send 200 texts (or $.15 each). A $10 plan (50 texts) and $60 plan (600 texts) are also available. (See international texting rates on AT&T.)

• And then there’s the data package. If you’re a power user and really know how to efficiently measure your data use, go for it. AT&T, for example, offers a $30 data package that covers 120MB of cellular data. They estimate that this should be enough to send and receive a whopping 1,300 emails, although that certainly doesn’t include using the Web, posting to Facebook or using Yelp. (Here’s a tool to estimate your data needs.)

To sum up my Cheapo strategy, I buy a texting plan, only use my telephone for quick and urgent calls, and turn off my data roaming. I only use my iPhone’s email and browser when I’m connected to free Wi-Fi. And when I do have Wi-Fi, I use my Skype app to call home for free.

For much more on this, check out our guide to using an American smartphone in Europe.

4. What’s your baggage policy?

Take out your flight confirmation and double check your luggage allowance. How many bags are you permitted to check, and how heavy can they be?

These days, most American carriers flying to Europe allow Economy passengers one free checked bag weighing up to 50 lbs (23 kg). Extra checked bags or heavy luggage will almost always cost you dearly—unless you have status with the airline. Check with your carrier before you get to the airport and have to do some frantic unpacking and repacking.

Don’t forget that you’ll probably be putting on weight during your trip — or rather, your suitcase will. You’ll be accumulating souvenirs, clothing, your allotted two bottles of wine, books and other mementos. It’s better to start your trip well under the weight limit.

Also check the size of your carry-on. Your carrier will tell you the exact dimensions allowed for both checked and cabin baggage. Take a tape measure to it if you’re unsure.

5. Pack, downsize, repack.

Now for the grueling part. If you’re like me, you’ve got a suitcase and a carry-on packed with absolutely essential clothing (for every type of weather and situation), four or five pairs of shoes (the trip will be a great time to start jogging again!) and toiletries (including a bottle of Listorine).

Now pause and reflect: You’re going to be rolling, lifting, lugging and man-handling those beasts through airports, through train stations, onto buses and up hotel staircases. You’re going to be inching around them is a tiny hotel room, packing them into laughably small elevators, and searching for places to stick them on a high-speed train.

The time to downsize your luggage is now. Do you have a smaller suitcase available? Make it work—and yes, this will require ditching some extra sweaters, redundant pairs of jeans, shoes-that-would-have-looked-great-with-that-shirt… Out! Hold onto lighter sweaters, shirts and jackets that can be layered.

The same goes for your carry-on. Keep the essentials and give a hard look at the rest. Keep the guidebooks, of course, but consider ditching the novels and other books that you’re bringing along because “you’ll finally have time to read it.” Chances are you won’t. But you will be lugging it with you all over the continent. As for your laptop, if at all possible, leave it at home.

Side note on guidebooks: Yes, I still bring and love guidebooks. You can read them everywhere, on the plane, on trains, and over breakfast. Sure, you can hunt down information on the web once you arrive, but do you really want to? You’ll get distracted by work emails and waste time. What a buzz kill. Grab a Rick Steves’ or a Rough Guide and try to unplug.

6. Don’t waste money getting money.

The cheapest way for North American travelers to get euros is to use their ATM cards to withdraw money from bank ATMs. These ATMs are very easy to find throughout Europe. But what about arriving with some euros in your billfold? It’s really not that necessary, as you’ll find ATM machines in every major European airport as well, and, if the line is too long, you can also use credit cards to purchase items in the airport, like train tickets, food, and other necessities.

If arriving without a euro-cent in your pocket makes you (understandably) uncomfortable, go ahead and exchange some euros at your home bank before leaving. But chances are they’re going to give you a lousy exchange rate, and might even tack on a fee as well. And don’t even get me started about exchanging money once in Europe—especially at the airport! Again, exchange rates will be lousy and you might be charged a fee. Walk straight past them and to the nearest ATM.

It goes without saying that you should also hunt around for old euro coins and bills from previous trips before heading over. Have a friend or family member who’s traveled to Europe recently? Buy their old bills before you leave (at the current exchange rate). Hopefully they won’t charge you a fee…

Get those TGV tickets before you leave. Photo: To Lillqvist

7. Book high speed rail tickets in advance through official railway sites.

European high-speed rail tickets are cheaper the earlier you book. If you’re planning to take a high-speed train during your trip, buy those tickets as far in advance as possible (most are available up to three months in advance). Note that advance purchase is not necessary for slower local and regional trains. This is only for fast trains between major cities.

Important: When you buy these tickets, it’s almost always cheaper to purchase them directly through the official railway websites than through a ticket agency or third-party reseller. The official websites for major European railways are:

• Austria (ÖBB): www.oebb.at
• Czech Republic (CD): www.cd.cz
• Dutch Railways: www.ns.nl
• Finland (VR): www.vr.fi
• France (SNCF): www.voyages-sncf.com
• Germany (Die Bahn): www.bahn.de
• Great Britain (all rail operators): www.nationalrail.co.uk
• Hungary (MAV): www.mav.hu
• Italy (Trenitalia): www.trenitalia.com
• Ireland (Iarnród Éireann): www.irishrail.ie
• Poland (PKP): www.pkp.pl
• Spain (Renfe): www.renfe.com
• Switzerland: www.sbb.ch

Once you purchase your tickets, read the email confirmation closely. Do you need to pick up the tickets at the train station, or can you print your tickets off at home? If they are “e-tickets” that can be printed off at home, be sure to print off the actual ticket, and not just the confirmation email. Most e-tickets include a bar code that will be scanned once aboard by a (snappily dressed) conductor.

A “continental” (France, Italy, Spain, etc.) adapter, left, and a UK adapter (right). Photo: elwillo

8. Adapters, converters, and chargers, oh my!

Take inventory of all of the electronic devices that you’ll be bringing along, and make sure that you’ve packed all of their power cords and connecting wires. Remember that plugs differ between European countries. An outlet in the UK differs from those in France, Italy and elsewhere on the Continent. Buy the right adapters for the countries you’ll be visiting now, rather than later from an overpriced souvenir shop.

I like to pack all of my cables and cords into a Ziploc bag. It keeps them contained and I can usually tell if I’m missing something. (For example, I always seem to forget my camera’s battery charger!)

A few words about the difference between “adapters” and “converters”. Adapters are cheap little devices that literally adapt your plug to fit into a foreign outlet. Most American electronics run on 110 volts, while their European cousins run on 220 volts. Fortunately, this isn’t a big deal for most modern devices (smartphones, laptops, cameras, etc.), as most will run on either current—if they are marked “110-220 volt”. If, however, you’re traveling with a 1950’s retro hairdryer, well, first read the bit above about over packing, and secondly, bring along a converter to convert the 220 voltage down to 110. If not, the surge of electricity will fry your beloved device.

9. Renting a car upon arrival? You might want to rebook it now.

Does your car rental begin upon your arrival in Europe? That makes sense if you’re immediately hitting the road and not spending the night in the city into which you’ve just flown. However, this doesn’t make sense if you’re going to hang out for a day (or more) in your arrival city. You’re going to end up wasting money.

Let’s say you fly into London, Paris or Rome, rent a car, and then drive into London, Paris or Rome for a few days. Now you’re paying for the car, and you have to keep it in an expensive garage. To make matters worse, you might attempt to actually use it to get around the city (leading, inevitably to great frustration, needlessly elevated blood pressures, and silent meals).

If you’re in this situation, look through your rental details and see if you can change your pickup date to the day that you’re leaving town. Many car rental companies are quite flexible about making these changes.

Related: Search and compare car rental quotes on EuroCheapo | Check out the current EuroCheapo package deals for great discounts for US travelers heading to Europe.

And yes, you’re responsible for tickets (and boots) that you pick up along the way. Photo: Pasa

10. Know your coverage.

One last suggestion for those renting a car: Do some pre-trip research to understand your insurance coverage before you get there. Does your rental include insurance? Many European rentals automatically include liability insurance, which covers damage to things outside the car. For damage to the car itself, you’ll need a CDW, or “collision damage waiver”, which might already be included in your rental. If it’s not, you may be able to purchase it online in advance cheaper than you will once at the agency. (Note that these CDWs typically come with a high deductible, which can be lowered if you upgrade to a more expensive CDW. Got that?)

Did you buy travel insurance? Does it cover your car? Know what you’ve already paid for. (For more on this, check out this article on whether you should buy travel insurance.)

Finally, the credit card that you use may also automatically insure your rental, although it may not cover certain types or classes of cars, and may not give you the level of coverage you desire. Ask your credit card company about coverage when you call with your other questions (see #3 above).

When you’re standing at the Hertz or Europcar counter signing your paperwork and trying to shake off the jet lag, you’ll be so excited to hit the road that an insurance add-on will be an easy up-sell. I’m not saying not to take the insurance (I often do). Just know if you’re already covered.

Other check-list items

What other tips do you have for ways to save on your European adventure before you leave home? Share with us in the comments section below, and if we like them, we’ll add them (and you!) to our list.

Now, take a deep breath and relax. You’re headed to Europe!

The post Pre-Trip Checklist: 10 ways to save time and money before you leave for Europe appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Pizza: Stringray Cafe
Locations in north and east London
Website

This friendly pizzeria with branches in east London’s Colombia Road and north London’s Highbury and Tufnell Park is a great option for a tasty meal at an excellent price. The brightly colored walls make Stringray Cafe a cosy and inviting place to stop for a quick lunch or a more leisurely evening meal. The generously sized pizzas are laden with toppings and start from as little as £5.45 each, while a warming bowl of pasta will set you back £6.45.

The two north London branches also have some great offers, such as the three-course £7.45 weekday lunch menu (Highbury) and a pizza and beer for £6.95 (Tufnell Park).

The Stringray cafe is cosy, inviting, and affordable. Photo: Ewan-M

Mediterranean: Fish in a Tie
105 Falcon Road
SW11 2PF
Tube: Clapham Junction
Website

This Mediterranean restaurant has become a bit of a Clapham mainstay for anyone looking for a good deal. Undoubtedly the best value comes from the two-course set menu for £12, so steer away from the a la carte options. Start with treats such as beef carpaccio or smoked duck salad, and follow it up with one of the delicious mains, which include things like salmon steak, pork escalope or chicken milanese.

Go on a Sunday for even better value, when you can get a full roast lunch with beef of lamb for just £5.95!

Mexican: Taqueria
139-143 Westbourne Grove
W11 2RS
Tube: Notting Hill Gate
Website

The burrito revolution has spread across London so quickly that it’s sometimes harder to avoid a Mexican fast food joint than to find one. Nonetheless, this eatery in Notting Hill Gate takes its tacos seriously and is a bit more of a treat than just wolfing down a take away fajita. The tacos are bursting with flavor and start from as little as £4.50 each. What’s more, you can head down between 5-7 pm Monday to Thursday and enjoy half price tacos. Cheers to that!

Turkish: Petek
94-96 Stroud Green Road
N4 3EN
Tube: Finsbury Park
No website

There is no shortage of Turkish restaurants in Finsbury Park, but Petek comes high up on my list of recommendations. Always lively and full of hungry diners looking to eat well without splurging, this bustling eatery is characterised by the hundreds of multi-colored glass lights that hang from the ceiling and make it feel more like a souk than a restaurant.

If you’re looking for a light meal, the set meze alone is more than enough. Priced between £7-9 per person (minimum two people), it fills the table with delicious little tastes, from fresh hummus to herb-filled cous cous salad. The bigger main plates start from £9 each and include simple yet classic dishes, such as lamb kofte grilled to perfection.

Japanese: Okan
Unit 39 Brixton Village Market
SW9 8PS
Tube: Brixton
Website

There are endless good value options in Brixton Village Market, but Okan is a great choice if you fancy trying something a little different. Open for lunch from Wednesday through Sunday and for dinner from Thursday to Saturday, this Osaka street food-inspired eatery champions the traditional Okonomiyaki, a savory pancake loaded with tasty toppings.

The menu is simple and good value, with the pancakes starting from £6.50 each and a small selection of Yaki Soba from £6.75 each. Portions are huge and very filling, so there’s no need to go crazy with the starters either. Make sure you bring cash though, as card payments aren’t accepted.

The post London: 5 tasty and cheap eats worth the trip outside the main tourist zone appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

1. East Street
3-5 Rathbone Place
W1T 1HJ
Metro: Oxford Circus / Tottenham Court Road
Website

This funky pan-Asian restaurant is the perfect stop off point when you tire of shopping along Oxford Street. The menu fuses together classic East Asian recipes, from Japan and Korea, through Thailand, Vietnam and The Philippines, right down to the traditional tastes of Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia.

Mains cost between £7-£12, or opt for the Express Menu from 12-6 pm daily, where you’ll get a main and a side dish for £8.95.

Get skewered at Pix. Photo: benandclare

2. Pix
Bars in Soho, Covent Garden and Angel
Website

This Basque-style pintxo bar is equally suitable for grabbing a tasty bite on the go or enjoying a long, relaxed lunch or dinner. Pintxos are delicious morsels normally presented on a piece of bread or a skewer. The selection at Pix keeps changing throughout the day so there are always new things to try, but expect to find the likes of calamares with alioli, spinach and sweet potato tortilla or salt cod croquetas to name but a few.

As in the tapas bars of San Sebastian and Bilbao, you’re free to go up to the bar as many times as you like to select pintxos and you’ll be billed for however many skewers you have at the end of your meal. Small sticks cost £1.95 each and large ones are £2.95.

3. Pizzeria Malletti
26 Noel Street
W1F 8GY
Tube: Oxford Circus / Tottenham Court Road
Website

Strictly a lunchtime option, the queues at this traditional Italian pizza bar are proof enough that it’s worth trying. A generous portion of beautifully crispy, thin-crust pizza or fresh focaccia and a generous filling will set you back between £3.95 and £4.50. Alternatively, opt for the equally scrumptious pasta or risotto of the day for £5.45 a portion.

Lunch at Rasa Sayang. Photo: su-lin

4. Rasa Sayang
5 Macclesfield Street
W1D 6AY
Tube: Leicester Square / Piccadilly Circus
Website

This no-frills Malaysian restaurant comes as a welcome break from the hoards of Chinese eateries lining the streets of China Town. The menu is fresh and unique, boasting a fantastic range of dishes from both Malaysia and Singapore. If you’re starving hungry then you won’t get a much better value deal than the three-course set menu for £13.30, or you can keep the price down by going straight for a hearty main.

I’d recommend the curry laksa with prawns (£6.90) or nasi lemak (coconut rice and curried chicken) for just £7.50.

5. Koya
49 Frith Street
W1D 4SG
Tube: Tottenham Court Road / Leicester Square
Website

Tables are coveted at this Soho favorite so don’t be put off if you can’t get a table immediately, the perfectly prepared Japanese Udon noodles are more than worth the wait. While Koya became famous for its budget-friendly offering of hot and cold udon noodles with delicious broth or dipping sauces from just £6.90 each, the non-noodle related dishes are also worth a taste, with filling bowls of Donburi and miso soup from £11 each.

Related: Looking for more inspiration? Check out these recommended lunch stops in Soho and our neighourhood hotel and bar guide.

The post 5 cheap and delicious eats in central London appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.