If you're an international student who just moved to London, one of the first things you should get is an Oyster Card — the city’s contactless smart card that makes getting around cheaper, easier, and faster. In this guide, we’ll break down what it is, how to use it, what it costs, and the best way to save money while navigating the city.

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What’s an Oyster Card?

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The Oyster Card is a rechargeable travel card used on nearly all public transportation in London: the Underground (Tube), buses, Overground, DLR (light rail), trams, and some suburban trains.

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Why is it helpful for students?

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Because it offers lower fares than buying paper tickets, automatically caps your daily and weekly spending (so you never overspend), and gives access to student discounts if you're enrolled full-time in a London university.

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Where to get it and how much it costs

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You can buy a regular blue Oyster Card at any London Tube station, some train stations, and select shops known as Oyster Ticket Stops. It costs £7 (non-refundable), and you’ll need to load at least £5 of credit to start using it.

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How to use it

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1. Top up your card at any station machine or Oyster Ticket Stop, or online if you register your card.
2. Touch the yellow reader when entering and exiting the Tube, trains, or DLR (touch in/touch out). On buses and trams, just tap when you board.
3. The system automatically deducts the correct fare based on the zones you travel through and the time of day.

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Fares and spending limits (Caps)

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One of the best features of using an Oyster or contactless card is the daily and weekly fare caps, meaning you’ll never be charged more than a set amount no matter how many trips you make:

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• Daily cap for zones 1–2 (central London): around £8.90
• Daily cap for buses and trams only: £5.25
• Weekly cap (Monday to Sunday) for zones 1–2: around £44.70

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These caps make it super easy to explore the city without stressing about transport costs piling up.

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Oyster vs. visitor Oyster vs. contactless card

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• Regular Oyster Card: Best for students staying mid- or long-term. Allows you to add student or rail discounts. Can be registered in your name to protect your balance if lost.
• Visitor Oyster Card: Meant for tourists. Cannot be registered, doesn’t allow student discounts, and must be ordered before arriving in London.
• Contactless bank card: You can tap your credit/debit card or mobile wallet (Apple Pay, Google Pay) at fare gates. Same fare caps apply.
  Warning: Some non-UK banks charge international fees or bad exchange rates.

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Our tip: If you’re studying in London for a while, get a regular Oyster Card and register it. If you’re only in town for a short course or visit and your bank card has no foreign fees, contactless might be enough.

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Pro tips for students

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• Always tap in and out on Tube, trains, and DLR: if you forget to tap out, you’ll be charged the maximum fare.
• Avoid card clash: Keep your Oyster separate from other contactless cards to prevent accidental double charges.
• Use the Hopper Fare on buses: Make unlimited bus/tram transfers within 1 hour for just £1.75.
• Travel off-peak when possible: It’s cheaper! Peak times are weekdays from 6:30–9:30 AM and 4–7 PM.
• Airports: You can use Oyster from Heathrow and Gatwick (on certain trains), but not from Stansted or Luton, you’ll need separate tickets there.

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London might feel overwhelming at first, but with an Oyster Card in your pocket, getting around becomes simple and affordable. Stick to one card, watch your fare caps, and don’t forget to tap out, soon you’ll be moving through London like a local. Good luck with your studies, and enjoy your time in this amazing city!