Currency
The currency is pound sterling (£), divided into 100 pence. Notes come in £5, £10, £20 and £50 denominations. Contactless card payment is widely accepted — most shops, restaurants and transport accept Visa and Mastercard. American Express is accepted in larger establishments but not universally. ATMs are plentiful.
Scotland and Northern Ireland issue their own banknotes, which are technically legal tender across the UK but sometimes refused in England. Don't be caught out.
Tipping
Tipping is not as compulsory as in the US. In restaurants, 10–15% is the norm for table service if you're happy with the meal — check whether a service charge has already been added to the bill. Rounding up is standard for taxis. Tipping in pubs for drinks is not expected.
Electricity
The UK uses Type G plugs (three rectangular pins in a triangular arrangement) at 230V/50Hz. Most visitors from Europe, North America and Australia will need an adapter. The UK uses its own plug standard found almost nowhere else in the world, so don't forget to pack one.
Phone and Internet
Mobile coverage is good in cities and on major routes, patchier in the Scottish Highlands and some rural areas. UK SIM cards are cheap to buy in supermarkets and phone shops. Free Wi-Fi is widely available in cafes, libraries and transport hubs.
The UK country code is +44. To dial out, dial 00 followed by the country code.
Emergency Services
Dial 999 for police, fire or ambulance in an emergency. The NHS (National Health Service) provides free emergency treatment to all visitors; EU citizens with a valid EHIC or GHIC card can access broader NHS services. Travel insurance is strongly recommended.
Opening Hours
Most shops open 9am–6pm Monday to Saturday, with reduced hours on Sunday. Many supermarkets and some shops open longer, including 24 hours in larger cities. Pubs typically open 11am–11pm, with some licensed until midnight or later.
Bank holidays fall roughly every few months and can affect opening hours and public transport services. Check dates before travelling around Easter, the May bank holidays, August bank holiday and Christmas.