Expert: David Stewart White - 8/22/2009

Question
my sister and i want to go to England for my spring break in April.We're trying to figure out everything we would need so we can start getting ready financially.However the websites I'm finding aren't very clear about what we need.Were both US citizens.I know we need passports and such.But what is the currency exchange there from US dollars?and would we need anything else to enter England?Such as shots,my sister claims we need them.Also,if we wanted to drive ourselves is there a place to rent a car?

Answer
Hi,

If you are U.S. citizens all you need is a passport (it is good to have a passport that is not close to expiration--i.e. valid for at least 6 months after your trip dates).  No visas are required and no shots.

Right now the British pound is worth about US$1.65.  That will vary and I know of no way to predict whether the pound will go up or down versus the dollar.  The best way to get and spend money in Britain is to use an ATM card and draw money from your US checking account.  Next best way is to us a credit card, but try to find a card that does not charge 3-4% fee for overseas use.  

Car rental?  There are some age limits on rentals, often for people under 24-26, but Hertz has recently lowered its age to 19.  It's often best to book your car rental before you go.  Autoeurope.com may be a place to start looking.  There is an adjustment to driving on the left--suggest you rent an automatic, not manual, to make things a bit easier.  Trains are a good alternative to car rental in the UK too.

I hope this helps as you start planning your trip.  There's more info that may be helpful on my websites:

www.KidsToLondon.com
www.OnOurOwnInLondon.com
www.LondonTravelNews.blogspot.com

Or send a follow up question to me via AllExperts or to:

mail@KidsToLondon.com

Have a good trip,

Dave White