londonpenguin
The Voice of Reason
- Joined
- Apr 23, 2002
- Messages
- 415
I'm going to London in May ... haven't been for four looooooooong years (though I did manage to get to WDW during that time!), so I've been boning up. I'm nearly sure that the last several times I've been, I was able to buy 3- or 4-day Travelcards for the Tube. Looking at the official site for the Underground, all I can find are 1-day cards and 7-day cards. I don't want to have to buy a new card everyday (esp. as it can't be used till after 9:30 a.m., apparently), but I don't need a 7-day card either.
So then I notice this Oyster Card thingy. Are any of you Londoners out there using one of these? It sounds kind of like the Validine I used in the dorm cafeteria when I was in college ... a debit card, in other words. I gather you just go to the ticket window, pony up some dough, then they hand you a card which you then scan every time you ride. Is that right?
Unfortunately, the website is desperately unappealing, so I tend to fall asleep while reading it. Which means I haven't figured out (1) if I can buy it at any station (specifically, Paddington); (2) if there's a minimum that must be put on the card to start; (3) if it can be bought with a credit card or if it's a cash only deal; and (4) is it good forever and ever, amen (so if there's still a positive balance on it when I leave London, I can just save the card and use it the next time I'm in London). Also, can I cash in the card if I'm left with a huge balance?
Any hints or tips about this Oyster thing would be most welcome!
So then I notice this Oyster Card thingy. Are any of you Londoners out there using one of these? It sounds kind of like the Validine I used in the dorm cafeteria when I was in college ... a debit card, in other words. I gather you just go to the ticket window, pony up some dough, then they hand you a card which you then scan every time you ride. Is that right?
Unfortunately, the website is desperately unappealing, so I tend to fall asleep while reading it. Which means I haven't figured out (1) if I can buy it at any station (specifically, Paddington); (2) if there's a minimum that must be put on the card to start; (3) if it can be bought with a credit card or if it's a cash only deal; and (4) is it good forever and ever, amen (so if there's still a positive balance on it when I leave London, I can just save the card and use it the next time I'm in London). Also, can I cash in the card if I'm left with a huge balance?
Any hints or tips about this Oyster thing would be most welcome!
