Travel Alone in UK First Time : Do I need a phone card/ internet plan immediately ? & How to Use Public Bus in UK with Google Maps

This post aims to share my personal experiences.

Ans: No. 

Most of the places in the UK have free Wi-Fi.

You can access to wifi when you are at the airport. 

I managed to use "google maps" and GPS, with the public bus traveling to my booked accommodation from Heathrow airport. 

However, you need to be very careful, not to adjust or close off the "google map" if you are doing the same way as me. 

A safer way is getting a phone plan or doing international roaming. However, it is not necessary. You can always decide later on. 

My friend helps me to get Lebara (cost 5£/ month,  with 3GB data, unlimited SMS, 1000mins UK to UK call, 100min UK to International call, unlimited Lebara to Lebara call).

Personally, I think it is good to have a cheap phone plan on hand although it may not be essential for everyone. I met people who attend PLAB2 without a UK phone plan. 

You can use it to order food online, order groceries online, order for Uber, and open an online UK bank account. 

If you are planning to travel to the UK for the exam, you can read about my travel experience for PLAB2 journey. https://helenngjourney.blogspot.com/2022/02/expenses-and-saving-tips-for-plab2-to.html

I hope this helps with your trip preparation. Safe trip.  

How to Use Public Bus in the UK with Google Maps?

The picture below shows how to use google maps to travel. ( you may need to enlarge to picture by double click the images)

Step 1: Select the location that you want to go. I put Heathrow airport to Travelodge London Heathrow as an example. Next, you have a few options. Either you can use bus 111, bus 482, or bus 105. Google Maps shows those options with the different walking distances that you need to have. 

Step 2: I selected bus 111. 

Tips: If there is a Stop (eg Nortifield Road, Stop E) in the station. Read it carefully. As sometimes there are different stations. The label helps you to identify the station better. 

Step 2: I need to be aware that I have to ride 15stops and it could take around 18mins. I need to stop at Bus Stations " Northfield Road (Stop E)". 

Step3: I am going to press the bell in the bus to alert the driver, after station " Harlech Garden (Stop D)"  and just before Northfield Road. Please be beware that the bus will not stop if there is no bell for the station. 

Step 4: You can have an overview of your journey. 

Step 5: If you don't like to follow it using the above method. Another option will be looking at the 'blue dot" in google maps. It will be represented where you are right now. 

Step 6: You have to know whether you are in the correct direction or not. The way to know is by looking at the direction of the blue light in google maps. It should be always shown to the front. 

Some additional settings for Google Maps

Step 7: Go to the options. You can select the option of "bus only". 

Tips: Travel by bus will be cheaper than other transportation in London. 

How much does the bus cost in London?

Bus fare is £1.55, and a day of bus-only travel will cost a maximum of £4.65. That is why I always go by bus. 

  

Additional reading regarding the bus cost in London: Link.

Remember that bus in London, go with cashless. Personally, I prefer Monzo. 

You can read about it at this link. 

I hope you enjoy this sharing. 

Please share with me your travel tips for traveling in London/ UK in the comments too. 

Please share in the comments if you got a cheaper phone plan. 

Here is the table of contents for other topics: https://helenngjourney.blogspot.com/2022/02/table-of-contents.html