Electrical sockets in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland are Type G (BS-1363)  If your appliance’s plug doesn’t match the shape of these sockets, you will need a travel plug adapter in order to plug in. Travel plug adapters simply change the shape of your appliance’s plug to match whatever type of socket you need to plug into. If it’s crucial to be able to plug in no matter what, bring an adapter for all types.Electrical sockets in the United Kingdom usually supply electricity at 240 volts AC / 50 Hz frequency. If you’re plugging in an appliance that was built for this  electrical input, or an appliance that is compatible with multiple voltages, then an adapter is all you need. If your appliance isn’t compatible with 240 volts, a voltage converter will be necessary.

Currency The currency of the United Kingdom is the Pound (GBP; symbol £) = 100 pence. Notes are in denominations of £50, £20, £10 and £5. Additional banknotes issued by Scottish banks (including £1 notes) are accepted in all parts of the UK, although some smaller shops outside Scotland may prefer English banknotes. Coins are in denominations of £2 and £1, and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 pence.BankingBanking hours: Monday–Friday 09h30-16h30 American Express, MasterCard and Visa are all widely accepted. Cash can be obtained from a multitude of ATMs available across the country.Travellers’ cheques are widely accepted. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller’s cheques in Pounds Sterling.

Iconic cakes, splendid sandwiches and heart-warming stews all hail from the United Kingdom. Don’t miss tea and cake or, for a fancy occasion, try the full-blown afternoon tea, with three-tiered plates of sandwiches, cakes and scones.Another fine UK institution is breakfast, and although there are plenty of coffee shops selling US-style muffins and bagels, the full-on British breakfast (eggs, bacon, toast, tomatoes) served with a cup of tea can be found in cafés lovingly called “greasy spoons” or in pubs with an early licence.In hotels, a service charge of 10 to 12% is usual, which may be added to the bill. For restaurants, 10 to 15% is standard; if this has already been added to the bill, a further tip is not required. 

There is never a bad time to visit the United Kingdom, but for the most reliable weather come during the summer months (June-August) when the days are long and warm. Temperatures have been known on occasion to nudge 30 degrees Celcius C, sometimes higher, but the threat of rain is ever present – pack waterproofs as well as the sunscreen. The southeast of England is generally sunnier and warmer than the rest of the United Kingdom, but resorts along the coast get crowded during the summer.The United Kingdom is arguably at its most beautiful during the autumn months (September-November), when rural landscapes take on brown, red and pink hues as the leaves lose their pigment. Scotland and the north of England bear the brunt of winter (November-March), but snow occasionally blankets much of the United Kingdom bringing with it travel chaos.

Flying between cities within the United Kingdom is both easy and accessible. British Airways operates a shuttle service from London to Edinburgh, Glasgow, Manchester and Newcastle among other cities. Other domestic operators include Flybe, EasyJet and Ryanair. Most domestic flights take between one and one and a half hours. There are trunk roads linking all major towns and cities in the UK. Care hire is available in towns and cities across the UK from all the major companies. Taxi’s are widely available in towns and cities. You can pick them up at taxi ranks (often outside railway stations and in city centres), hail them in the street, or book them by phone.The UK is served by an excellent network of railways. Intercity lines provide fast services between London and major cities, and there are services to the southeast and to major cities in the Midlands, the north and south Wales and between Edinburgh and Glasgow. Some rural areas are less well-served (eg the north coast of the west country, parts of East Anglia, Northern Ireland, Northumberland and North Yorkshire, parts of inland Wales, and southern and northern Scotland), although local rail services are generally fairly comprehensive. 

Warm clothing is advisable at all times and is essential for any visit to the upland areas. Waterproof clothing is advised throughout the year.