Appropriate clothing

And when I say appropriate, I mean appropriate. Depending on the time of year you plan on visiting London, the weather and temperature can vary a lot. It is always on the cooler side if you're coming from a warmer part of the world, so be sure to check weather forecasts for the duration of your stay. You would hate to get caught out in the cold !

Londoner's have a reputation for being well dressed and smartly polished, so if you're working in London then smart business casual is ideal. Typically, the rule is that it's always better to overdress than underdress.

In the summer months, between June – August, expect sunny and warm days with an occasional rainfall. Average temperatures during the day sit between 17-22°C, so light jackets, pants, dresses and enclosed shoes are an appropriate choice.

In the winter months, between December – February, average daily temperatures are around 4-5°C. You can expect snowfall, wind and/or rain most days so be sure to bring thick jackets, thermal clothing, boots and gloves for this period.

Bring your appetite !

London has one of the largest varieties of food on offer in the world – try your hand at finishing an entire traditionally cooked English breakfast, before stopping off to eat a quick kebab on your way to afternoon tea. Don't forget to try a few delicious French pastries before having dinner at a top Italian restaurant. If you are decidedly still peckish after dinner be sure to grab an Indian curry before heading out to the local pub for a few pints. Whatever your tastes, London has the food for you.

Maps

London is a huge city with a little over 8.5 million inhabitants ! It has an extensive metro and public transport system so it is beneficial to research the area you will be staying in before arriving. Find out where your accommodation is in relation to where you'll be working, the closest bus stop, train station, supermarket, bank and (of course) the local pub! That way you won't feel like such a stranger during your first few days and you'll be able to make the most of your time in the city.

Before arriving be sure to check out any local tourist and entertainment attractions you might want to visit while you're there. There is so much to do and see – the list really is endless! So be sure to find out where attractions are located, what their opening times are, what costs are involved and what is the easiest way to get there.

Metro Card

One of the most efficient and affordable ways of getting around London is by public transport; you can travel anywhere in the city on the vast array of buses and trains available. So before you leave, ensure you have organised a pre-paid Visitor Oyster Card which allows you access to any of the services on the Tube, tram, DLR, London Overground, TfL Rail, River Bus and most National Rail services.

Understanding Cultural Differences

The Brits are an interesting bunch! While most of the time they are very polite and welcoming, don't be offended or surprised if help is hard to find sometimes, especially if you're asking for directions in downtown London. Londoner's are notoriously known for ignoring tourists and avoiding eye contact or small talk – it's nothing personal, it is just a part of London culture.