How to save money in London? Here are some tips and advice for those just starting out
Save money on transport in London
Public transportation is undoubtedly the best way to get around Europe’s most populous city. How can au pairs save on transport without giving up a large part of their pay? You just need to take a few precautions.
Get an Oyster Card
A great option is getting an Oyster Card. This rechargeable travel card lets you use most of London’s transport by paying only for what you use (pay as you go). Basically, you pay a maximum daily amount regardless of how many trips you take. The Oyster Card is ideal for au pairs who enroll in an English school during their stay with a family and want to discover all of London’s attractions in their spare time.
Plan your trips
In London, the cost of public transport depends on the time of day. Naturally, traveling during rush hour costs more. For this reason, it can be better to plan your trips to avoid peak times—which run from 6:30 to 8:30 AM and from 4:30 to 7:00 PM—and take advantage of off-peak rates. Another solution is to visit the city during the weekend when only reduced rates apply to public transport.
Visit London on a budget
Another expense that impacts an au pair’s budget is the cost of attractions in the English capital. Even here, however, there are ways to save on admission tickets to the main museums, public buildings, and churches.
Free entry to museums and art galleries
In one of the most expensive cities in the world, discovering that the main museums and art galleries are free seven days a week is a real surprise. In fact, you can visit the permanent collections of the British Museum, the Natural History Museum, or the National Gallery without spending a penny, entering as many times as you like. You can find a list of all museums and galleries with free admission on the Tourist Board website.
Discover London’s churches during mass:
An unusual and free way to visit London’s churches is to attend a mass. Obviously, you won’t be able to see the whole church as you would on a paid tourist visit, and you won’t be able to take photos. But attending a service will allow you to discover famous religious buildings like Westminster Abbey or St. Paul’s Cathedral in an original way. It’s also a great way for au pairs to improve their understanding of the English accent.
Stay in London in September for the Open House
Open House takes place every September in London. It’s a week-long event that lets you visit numerous London buildings for free. For example, you can enter the Prime Minister’s residence at 10 Downing Street or see the famous 40-story building in the heart of the City’s financial district known as the Gherkin (the cucumber) because of its unusual shape. In short, check the calendar before you go!
