Oyster Card Advice
Advice on Oyster Cards for Our London Trip
Hi everyone! My mom and I are excited about our upcoming week-long trip to London this fall from the USA. We’ll mostly be staying within zones 1-2, but we have a few questions we hope someone can help us with.
1) My mom is interested in getting a 7-day travel card, but I’ve heard that using contactless payment is often the best way to go. However, I’m concerned about potential foreign transaction fees with our US credit cards. Given that we’ll be in zones 1-2, would the 7-day travel card be a better choice?
2) I’ve done some research on Heathrow Airport and it seems a bit tricky to get an Oyster card on arrival. We’ll land at terminal 2, but the Oyster card machine is located at terminal 5. To save some money, we’d like to book tickets for the Heathrow Express/Elizabeth line in advance. Should we wait to get our Oyster cards until we reach central London? I’ve heard there’s a visitor center, but is it conveniently located near the Heathrow/Elizabeth lines? The airport’s website is quite confusing!
3) I’m considering an Oyster card because I’ve heard the Oyster app has restrictions for non-UK residents. Has anyone who is a tourist been able to successfully use the app?
Thanks so much for your assistance!
Sure, here are some responses to your questions about traveling in London with an Oyster Card.
7-Day Travel Card vs. Contactless: If you’re mainly traveling within zones 1-2, using a contactless payment method (like a credit card or debit card) is often more cost-effective than purchasing a 7-day travel card, given that you won’t pay extra for daily travel once you hit the daily cap. It’s worth checking with your bank regarding foreign transaction fees, as some banks have cards that don’t charge fees for international transactions. If your mom prefers a straightforward option and won’t be traveling around too much, a 7-day travel card is definitely a hassle-free choice, but contactless is likely the better choice for savings.
Getting an Oyster Card at Heathrow: You’re correct that getting an Oyster card at Heathrow can be a bit tricky, especially since the terminals are linked but not all have the same facilities. Instead of heading to Terminal 5, it may be easier to purchase Oyster cards at the Heathrow train station or at a kiosk upon arriving in London. You can also buy them at many underground stations in central London, including major hubs where the Elizabeth line connects. Regarding the visitor center, check if it’s near the station you’ll arrive at; ask for directions from airport staff.
Using the Oyster App as a Tourist: The Oyster app is primarily designed for UK residents, and access can be limited for tourists without UK bank accounts. Many travelers find that it’s easier to manage their Oyster cards in person. However, once you get your card, you can easily top up at stations or online through the TFL website. If you want something more tech-savvy, consider getting a contactless card for travel since it speeds up the process and you can track your journeys via the TFL website.
I hope this helps clarify your travel plans! Have a fantastic trip to London!