Can non-UK residents get an Oyster card?

What is the difference between Oyster and Visitor Oyster cards? Non-UK residents can buy Visitor Oyster cards* before arriving in London, and they are ready to use immediately, so you save time. Standard Oyster cards cost £5 (refundable) and can be purchased on arrival and loaded with credit.



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*Oyster ID Cards There is a Travel Centre at Heathrow Airport as well as in Central London. If you are resident in the UK but live outside London you can again order online but the Oyster ID Card is sent to your home address. Note you need to apply (online) at least 4 weeks prior to arrival.

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Visitor Oyster cards are plastic smartcards you can use instead of the classic paper-based Travelcards. It is the cheapest way to pay for single journeys on bus, Tube, tram, DLR, London Overground, Elizabeth line, and most National Rail services in London.

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No, you do not need to provide a passport photo. Is a Visitor Oyster card valid on Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted Express services? to central London or from central London to Gatwick, costs £19.80 with your Visitor Oyster card. Your Visitor Oyster card is valid on the Tube and most bus services from and to Heathrow.

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If you don't have a current passport or driving license you can use your birth certificate as proof of your age for eligibility. Proof of address. A valid debit or credit card (registered at your current address), to pay a £20 admin fee and verify your address.

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How to travel cheap in London
  • Get an Oyster card. ...
  • Go contactless. ...
  • Know where you're travelling to. ...
  • Avoid travelling during peak hours. ...
  • Take the bus for long distances. ...
  • Take advantage of the Hopper fare. ...
  • Rent a bike when it's sunny. ...
  • Walk wherever possible.


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There is no price difference between the Oyster card and contactless card. What is this? Every time you travel on London's public transport, your contactless payment card is charged the same fare as your Oyster, including cap prices (the maximum amount you'll pay daily and weekly to travel throughout London).

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As a general rule a Travelcard is more expensive than an Oyster card or Contactless payment card. The exception is if you make 3 or more journeys for 6 days or more within a 7 day period. In this case a 7 day Travelcard works out cheaper than an Oyster or Contactless payment card.

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If you only have pay as you go credit on your Oyster card, you can lend it to someone else. Two people can't use the same contactless or Oyster card for a journey. If you have a Travelcard, Bus & Tram Pass or discount added to your Oyster card, you can't lend it to someone else.

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A Visitor Oyster card costs £5 (plus postage) and is pre-loaded with pay as you go credit for you to spend on travel. You can choose how much credit to add to your card: £10, £15, £20, £25, £30, £35, £40 or £50.

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You can buy a Visitor Oyster card online before you arrive in London, or an Oyster card at TfL Visitor Centres, stations and Oyster ticket shops.

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Cons: A £7 cost applies when you get a standard or visitor card. You'll need to top it up in advance of travel. You can't use an Oyster card at any station between Reading and Iver.

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  • A £7 cost applies when you get a standard or visitor card.
  • You'll need to top it up in advance of travel.
  • You can't use an Oyster card at any station between Reading and Iver.
  • Some funds are likely to remain unused.
  • Taxis don't accept Oyster Cards.


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Pay as you go fares are cheaper than buying a paper single ticket or Day Travelcard. Your Visitor Oyster card offers daily capping. This means you can travel as much as you like in a single day and the amount you pay for your travel is limited (or capped).

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