The Oyster Card is a smart card used to pay for public transport in London, including the Underground, buses, trams, trains, and some river routes. Introduced in 2003, it remains a popular payment method among both locals and tourists.

Types of Oyster Cards

1. Standard Oyster Card: A regular card that can be loaded with a certain amount of money. Suitable for most passengers.
2. Visitor Oyster Card: A special card for tourists that can be ordered in advance and delivered by mail.
3. Oyster Photocard: A photo card for children, students, seniors, and other preferential categories of passengers, providing discounts and free travel.
4. Contactless Payment Cards: Contactless bank cards are also accepted on transport, working similarly to the Oyster Card.

How to Get an Oyster Card

1. Standard Oyster Card:
   • Purchase at Underground stations, ticket offices, or ticket machines.
   • Buy online on the Transport for London (TfL) website.
2. Visitor Oyster Card:
   • Order online on the TfL website or authorized retailers and receive it by mail before you arrive in London.
   • Can also be bought at airports and major tourist centers in London.
3. Oyster Photocard:
   • Apply through the TfL online portal, providing the required documents and photograph.

Advantages and Disadvantages of the Oyster Card

Advantages:

• Convenience: Easy to top up online or at stations.
• Discounts: Travelling with a card is cheaper than buying paper tickets.
• Daily Cap: There is a maximum amount you can spend a day on travel, after which further travel becomes free.
• Wildly Used: Accepted on all types of transport in London.
• Registration and Protection: You can register the card to protect your balance in case of loss.

Disadvantages:

• Original Cost: The card costs £7 (this cost is non-refundable).
• Need for Regular Replenishment: You need to monitor the balance and top up the card as needed.

How to Use the Oyster Card

1. Replenishment of Card:
   • In the machines at the stations.
   • At Underground ticket offices.
   • Online via the TfL website or mobile app.
2. Using the Card:
   • Tap the card on yellow readers (validators) when entering and exiting the Underground, trams, or trains.
   • When boarding a bus or river transport, apply the card only at the entrance.
3. Checking the Balance:
   • At the machines in the stations.
   • Through your online TfL account.
   • On the TfL mobile app.

Tips for Tourists

1. Order your Visitor Oyster Card in Advance: This will allow you to skip queues and start using your card straight away when you arrive in London.
2. Use Contactless Cards: If you have a contactless bank card, it can be a convenient alternative to the Oyster Card. Tariffs and restrictions are the same.
3. Plan Your Journeys: Use the TfL app to plan routes and get real-time transport information.
4. Keep Your Balance: Don’t forget to check and top up your card balance to avoid problems with paying for travel.
5. Take Advantage of Discounts: If you are travelling with children or seniors, look into getting an Oyster Photocard for discounts. Oyster card is not required if you have a kid 10 years old and below. Use the family gate to enter.

The Oyster Card is a convenient and cost-effective way to get around London, especially for tourists. It saves time and money by avoiding the need to purchase individual tickets for each type of transport. With all the benefits and ease of use, the Oyster Card is a must-have for your trip to London.