A few practical tips for travelling in the United Kingdom without surprises, from money to tipping, from plugs to queuing etiquette.
Money and payments
The currency is the pound sterling (see currency). The UK is one of the countries where cash is used least: contactless cards, including on your phone, are accepted almost everywhere, from public transport to markets, and some venues no longer take notes. It is still worth having a few pounds for tips or small country shops. Watch out for your bank's foreign transaction fees and, when a terminal asks whether to pay in euros or pounds, always choose pounds. In Scotland and Northern Ireland banks issue their own banknotes, valid throughout the UK even if sometimes viewed with suspicion in England.
Tipping
In restaurants the bill often already includes an optional service charge of 10-12.5%: if not, people generally leave 10% for good service. In pubs, where you order at the bar, tipping is not customary. Taxi fares are rounded up, and in hotels you can leave something for the cleaning staff.
Plugs and phones
Sockets are type G, with three rectangular pins, at 230 volts: you need an adapter. Since Brexit EU roaming is no longer guaranteed by law: many European operators still include it, others charge extra, so check before you go; alternatively you can buy a local SIM or eSIM. Free Wi-Fi is widespread in cafés, museums, stations and on public transport.
Health and safety
The emergency number is 999, but 112 also works. For non-urgent problems call 111. With the European Health Insurance Card you are entitled to necessary care in the National Health Service, the NHS (see healthcare), but travel insurance is recommended. The UK is a safe country; in big cities the usual precautions against pickpockets apply, especially in crowded places and on public transport.
Etiquette
- Queuing: the British are famous for their discipline in queues, at the bus stop as at the bar. Jumping the queue is considered very rude.
- Escalators: on the London Underground you stand on the right and walk on the left.
- Politeness: please, thank you and sorry are used constantly; people say sorry even when someone else bumps into them.
- The weather: talking about the weather is the most common way to break the ice.
- Nations: Scots, Welsh and Northern Irish people do not like being called "English"; the right word for everyone is British (see the United Kingdom).
Opening hours
Shops generally open from 9 or 10 to 5.30 or 6, with late opening in big cities; on Sundays in England and Wales large shops may open for only six hours, usually between 10 and 6. Pubs serve food at limited times, often until 9pm. National museums are mostly free, such as the British Museum, the National Gallery and the national museums of Scotland and Wales.
Weather and clothing
The weather changes quickly: dress in layers and always carry a light waterproof, even in summer. For hiking in the mountains of Scotland, Wales and the Lake District you need suitable footwear and should keep an eye on the forecast.
Saving money
British cities can be expensive: you save by booking trains and hotels in advance, making the most of free museums, supermarket meal deals, which offer a sandwich, drink and snack at a fixed price, and restaurant lunch menus. For London see London on a budget.
See also documents and ETA, cost of living and British pubs.