Up and 'App'em' ...
London runs on tech. They experiment; they roll out new pieces quick; and (most surprising) they often work!
CityMapper
If you are planning to leave you hotel room while here, download this app. It just works. More practical details than GoogleMaps and pretty accurate travel-time estimates. And it's free.
Google Maps
If you haven't taken the advice above, then woe is you. But at least make sure you have Maps downloaded. It's easy to download the offline maps (see THE rules for why this is important). Street view is great if you're lost or looking for a specific building.
Contactless Payments
Once upon a time, there were Oyster card's...
Fast-forward to 2020, it's all contactless. Make sure you have at least one working contactless payment card. It makes life just speedier. All transport in London can use contactless; most shops/bars will accept it; even the Buskers can!
Fast-forward to 2020, it's all contactless. Make sure you have at least one working contactless payment card. It makes life just speedier. All transport in London can use contactless; most shops/bars will accept it; even the Buskers can!
ApplePay/AndroidPay
As above...
Apple Wallet/Android equivalent
This is great to use for different pre-booked events (flights, train tickets, cinema tickets, theatre, you name it!)
Trainline
Super app for any trips outside London. It does charge an admin fee, but the vast majority of tickets are available to download straight to the phone.
Uber
Ethics aside...they do offer a great service, at a decent price.
Revolut/Online Bank Apps
If you're converting money, which you will be if coming from anywhere further afield than Scotland, this is magic app. It's an online bank (one of many, many, many options), but is super easy to use, easy to control your spend, and has great conversion rate.