What to do if you have no mobile data after arriving ❓

 How to take the Tube ❓

 How much cash should you bring ❓

 ……

Many parents travelling with kids to a UK summer camp for the first time get stuck with these questions.

This trip to drop my child off at camp gave me a big insight: the international dynamic within UK summer camps has changed drastically‼ There used to be plenty of Chinese children joining summer camps, yet today most participants are European students, primarily children from Italy, Spain and France. Chinese students have become a minority.

Once children enter classes, all classmates and team members are international peers, so they have to communicate in English daily ✅ If you want your child to experience a fully immersive English environment, avoid large Chinese-speaking groups and encourage them to speak up confidently, UK summer camps are an excellent choice.

I’ve put together practical first-hand tips for first-time visiting parents, all tested personally.

Practical Tips & Pitfall Avoidance

SIM Cards

You can purchase SIM cards in advance on Taobao, but they usually come with data caps. After landing, head to local retail stores to sign up for EE or Voxi’s purple monthly plan. It costs £25 each month, includes unlimited data, and supports roaming across Europe.

Payment Guide

There is no need to carry large amounts of cash! Credit cards are accepted for 99% of daily transactions. Visa or Mastercard is essential; UnionPay cards are rarely accepted. You can tap your credit card directly to board the Tube, buses and trains.

Customs Preparation

Prepare your summer camp acceptance letter, accommodation address and return flight tickets. Border officers will ask how long you plan to stay, where you will reside, and the name of your child’s summer camp.

Baggage Allowance

European domestic flights generally do not include checked luggage; passengers are only allowed one cabin bag (40×20×25cm). If you have connecting flights within Europe, remember to purchase checked baggage allowance in advance.

☀ Sun Protection Tips

The vast majority of historic buildings have no air conditioning — this applies to the British Museum, private apartments and trains! Indoor temperatures can hit 33°C during heatwaves, while a jacket will be necessary once temperatures drop. Expect persistent winds paired with strong UV rays. Pack full sun protection gear plus a windproof jacket. Portable fans often sell out locally, and you may pay £35 for a low-quality flimsy fan.

Medical Guide

I recommend packing a portable fan, complete sun care supplies, children’s common cold medicine and a thick windproof jacket from home. Prices are high in the UK, and fans sell out rapidly during heatwaves, making last-minute purchases expensive and difficult.

There are two main options if your child feels unwell: 

✅ GP surgeries: Doctors can issue prescription medication free of charge 

✅ Hospitals: Free treatment, yet waiting times can be lengthy 

✅ Boots pharmacies: Affordable over-the-counter children’s medication available directly

⚠️ It is strongly recommended to buy travel insurance in advance to claim eligible medical expenses.

Transport Advice

✔ Elizabeth line: New route, air-conditioned and clean ✖ Older Tube lines: Outdated infrastructure without platform edge doors, no air conditioning, and poor signal along some sections.

Always check digital departure boards on Tube platforms — trains heading for different destinations may arrive at the same platform at different times. Be extra careful with national rail services! Some trains split into two sections heading to separate destinations upon arrival, so double-check which carriage you board.

Regional Differences

London barely changes over the years, and its infrastructure cannot compare with that of China. What’s more, there are striking contrasts between different neighbourhoods. I stayed in Whitechapel on this trip. As soon as I stepped out of the tube station, street art could be seen everywhere alongside a messy environment, home to a large Middle Eastern community. It felt like being transported to the Middle East, even though this is Zone 1 London. In contrast, Bond Street, Mayfair and Chelsea are clean, orderly and sophisticated — matching the polished, quintessentially British scene most people picture in their minds. The cost of living is comparable to New York. Dining out starts at £20 per person, while monthly rent for a Zone 1 studio flat stands at roughly 28,000 RMB