Banks

Most banks are open from 09.00 - 16.00 Monday to Friday; some banks are open on Saturday from 09.30 - 12.30 although you may not be able to make cash transactions.

The nearest banks to Holland Park are in Shepherds Bush and at Notting Hill Gate.

The nearest bank to Westcroft Square is very close. It is an HSBC bank on the corner of Chiswick High Road and Goldhawk Road - half way to the Underground station at Stamford Brook.

If you need to visit a branch of your own bank you have come to the right city - there are branches of very many foreign banks in London. Non-UK banks will probably be in the City of London (about 20 minutes on the tube). They will almost certainly not be open on Saturdays. It is advisable to telephone first to check their opening hours.

ATMs (we call them Cash Point machines)

It is easy to withdraw cash from cash machines in London, using your credit card. You will find them outside almost every bank, and often inside supermarkets and in other shopping areas. Please take reasonable care when using an ATM, as you would in any big city, and consider taking a friend or fellow-student with you as a precaution.

Opening a Bank Account

Money laundering regulations have made it more difficult to open a bank account in the UK. It is probably only worth doing this if you are going to be in the country for some time.

Because different banks interpret the rules differently at different times, it is very hard to predict whether you will be successful. It seems to vary from bank to bank and month to month.

The thing which causes the most problems is proof of address. Sometimes a bank will accept a letter from us stating where you are living, but at other times they may insist on evidence which it may be difficult or impossible for you to provide - an electricity bill in your name, for example.

We will do everything we can to help you, including telling you which banks are currently being more helpful.

Whether you are studying at Holland Park or at Westcroft Square, get a certificate from Reception stating that you are studying at the school and a letter confirming your address before you came to the UK. We will suggest which bank you should approach. For your appointment, take the school letters and your passport. During your appointment you will have to complete several detailed application forms.

Paying for things

Credit cards and travellers cheques are widely accepted for ordinary shopping in London, in addition to cash. If you need to exchange foreign currency we recommend that you do this at the school or in a proper bank. 'Exchange' shops that stay open all day and at the weekends tend to be much more expensive.

Tipping

Tipping is not as common in England as it is in some countries. If you want to give someone a tip, this is normally 10%. You may want to leave a tip for:

  • A waitress or waiter in a restaurant - but check that service is not already included in the bill; it's not necessary to tip if it is.
  • A taxi driver if she or he has been very helpful.
  • You do not need to leave a tip in an English pub.