Practical Information

Getting into the UK

U.S. citizens need only a valid passport with a 6 months remaining validity, not a visa to enter the United Kingdom. If you do not have a passport or need to renew yours, applications are available at larger branches of the US Post Office or from passport agencies located in major cities. If you have any questions about obtaining a passport, call your local Post Office or the passport information number listed under “State Department” in the US Government section at the front of your phone book. For safety allow at least 10-12 weeks for your passport to be issued or renewed.

Staying Healthy in the UK

No immunizations are mandatory for visiting the United Kingdom. World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that all travelers be covered for diphtheria, tetanus, measles, mumps, rubella and polio, regardless of their destination.

In the UK, regardless of nationality, everyone receives free emergency treatment at accident and emergency (A&E) departments of state-run NHS hospitals. This is only for minor injuries. Emergency treatment given after admission is not free, therefore it is very important to find out before you leave the US whether or not your travel insurance will cover you overseas and make appropriate arrangements for medical cover.

For minor illnesses, trained staff in pharmacies give valuable advice, sell medications, can tell you when more specialized help is needed.

If you have a pre-existing condition then you should bring your prescription medicines in their original, clearly labelled, prescription containers. It is also a good idea to have a letter from your physician describing your medical conditions and medications, including generic names.

Money

The currency in  Britain is the pound sterling (£). Paper money (‘notes’) comes in £5, £10, £20 and £50 denominations. Some shops don’t accept £50 notes because fakes circulate.

Banks are open from Monday to Friday 8.00 AM – 2.00 PM. Some of the larger banks stay open until 6.00 PM. 

ATMs

Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) are the cheapest and most convenient way to get money. ATMs connected to international networks are situated in all cities and towns and usually offer the best exchange rate.

Credit Cards

Credit and debit cards, accepted almost everywhere in the UK and Ireland, are convenient, relatively secure and usually offer a better exchange rate than travelers’ checks or cash exchanges. Credit cards issued in the UK and Ireland have embedded chips – you must type in a PIN to make a purchase. If yours has a chip, ensure that you know the 4-digit security pin and that your bank is aware of you traveling to Europe. 

Visa, MasterCard and Amex can be used in shops and supermarkets though some places only take European-style credit cards with chips and PINs. American Express is now widely accepted.

Cash

Nothing beats cash for convenience. Plan to pay cash for most daily expenses.

Tipping

Tipping will be taken care of for you throughout the trip where we are together. So, the only time you will need to think about tipping is when having a drink or meal on your own.  

It is customary to leave a 10% tip if you have enjoyed your meal and were satisfied with the service. 

Telephones

International calls need 00 + the country code (1 for the US) + the number you require. Please remember to remove the 0 at the start of the overseas number you dial.

The country code for the UK is +44.

Please check with your cell phone provider what your data deal is before leaving, it is not unusual to find yourself with a rather large data cost when using your iPhone, or similar device in Europe. Roaming is expensive but there are deals available with your provider that should lessen the impact.

Weather

June is one of the warmest months in Scotland, with average maximum temperatures ranging from approximately 15°C (59°F) to 17°C (63 °F). Scotland’s high latitude means that we enjoy lovely long summer days and often an extended twilight.

Laundry/Dry Cleaning

Please call the reception for any laundry, dry cleaning, or pressing you wish to have done.

Packing suggestions

Clothes

During the summer months, you will need casual clothing (Light and airy t-shirts, shirts, pants, dresses & shorts). It is also advisable to carry cotton clothing and other lightweight material of natural “breathable” fabric. 

Comfortable walking shoes are essential (sneakers, sandals or cool open-toed shoes, usually flat, as pavements can be uneven and precarious).