How can I buy DS a bus ticket in London?

[fiveleftfeet]

On a flying visit to London and we need to get 2 buses today. I forgot to bring the Oyster card with us. Doh!

I have on me my phone, my cash card and a £10 note.

DS is 12 but looks 16.

I don't really want to go search out a tube station to buy an Oyster card as it'd add a long walk to our day and we do have an Oyster at home so we don't need it.

I understand you can't buy tickets on London buses any more and that kids his age go free with a Zip photo card but I'm guessing you can't just get one online with no ID - or can you?

If I was to get on the bus on my own I'd use my cash card, but you can't use it twice on the same journey, can you? It won't let you swipe twice, is this right?

I don't mind paying adult fare for him if it's the only option that's not a massive faff, but can I even do that if the card on my phone is effectively the same as the card in my hand?

Any help navigating this (no pun intended!) would be massively appreciated!

You pay Apple Pay on your phone, give DS the card?

I don't mind paying adult fare for him if it's the only option that's not a massive faff, but can I even do that if the card on my phone is effectively the same as the card in my hand?

It's fine to use one each. Bus is £1.55

OK, I'll give it a go, thanks. Wish us luck!

Plus, if you get the second bus within the hour, you don’t get charged for it (you still have to tap a payment method)

i found that you cant use the same card twice while in london with my dd, really annoying.
you can buy a oyster ticket in a newsagent though?

I’m pretty sure it’s fine to use the phone to pay then tap the card even if same payment method. What you can’t do is pass a bank card back to someone to enter on the tube.