Great Britain: Travel Guide by Goda Saruolytė - HTML preview

CHAPTER 8

You Ask, We

Answer

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CHAPTER 8: You Ask, We Answer

Well, if you found yourself in this Chapter, then obviously there’s something you didn’t understand

or I didn’t cover. Fortunately, this FAQ section will try to tie up those loose ends. Lucky you, right?

1. What is the currency of Great Britain?

The currency of Great Britain is the pound (£) sterling (£1 = € 1.2669 and £1 = $ 1.4152). Paper

money comes in £5, £10, £20 and £50 denominations, although £50s can be difficult to change

because fakes circulate.

2. Are other currencies accepted in Great Britain?

Other currencies are very rarely accepted if you’re buying goods and services, except for some

places in the ferry ports of southern England, which take Euros, and the smarter souvenir and gift

shops in London, which may take euros, US dollars, yen and other major currencies.

3. Is it better to have cash or a credit/debit card?

Debit or credit cards are perfect companions – the best invention for travellers since the backpack.

You can use them in most shops, and withdraw cash from ATMs (often called ‘cash machines’)

which are easy to find in cities and even small towns.

4. What credit/debit cards are accepted in Great Britain?

Visa and MasterCard credit and debit cards are widely accepted in England, and are good for larger

hotels, restaurants, shopping, flights, long-distance travel, car hire etc. Smaller businesses, such as

pubs or B&Bs, prefer debit cards (or charge a fee for credit cards), and some take cash or cheque

only.

5. Where can I change my money into pounds?

Finding a place to change your money (cash or travellers cheques) into pounds is never a problem

in cities, where banks and bureaus compete for business. Be careful using bureaus, however; some

offer poor rates or levy outrageous commissions. You can also change money at some post offices –

very handy in country areas, and exchange rates are fair (and usually commission free).

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6. Are there any dangers or annoyances in Great Britain?

England is a remarkably safe country, but crime is not unknown in London and other cities. There

are a few things listed below which could be called dangerous:

 Watch out for pickpockets and hustlers in crowded areas popular with tourists, such

as around Westminster Bridge in London. Always have an eye on or hold your bag

and keep your money and other important things in a safe place.

 When travelling by tube, tram or urban train services at night, it is recommended to

choose a carriage containing other people.

 Unlicensed minicabs – a bloke with a car earning money on the side – operate in

large cities, and are worth avoiding unless you know what you're doing.

 Many town centres can be rowdy on Friday and Saturday nights when the pubs and

clubs are emptying.

7. What are the age restrictions in Great Britain?

You must be over 18 to buy alcohol and cigarettes. You usually have to be 18 to enter a pub or bar,

although rules are different for under 18s if eating. Some bars and clubs are over 21 only.

8. When is the best time of year to visit Great Britain?

This depends on what sort of holiday you want. July and August are the warmest, driest months.

March and May are warm and sunny with the odd shower, and September and October often

experience balmy, humid days. Snow is most common during November and February. In terms of

activities, summer is the best time in which to visit England as everything is generally open and

available.

9. How do the tubes work?

The tubes (an underground railway system) provide extensive transportation and access. You are

able to buy individual tickets from the ticketing office at the time, or an Oyster Card, which has a

specific value. You may swipe the card until you have reached the value of its monetary

contents. There is clear signage, so that you are able to ascertain which train to take to reach a

specific destination.

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10. What should I tip?

At most restaurants, a 10% tip is considered normal. In more up-market establishments, this should

be increased to 12 or 15%, depending on the level of the service. However, if your service was

unsatisfactory, it is well within your rights to refuse to tip, even if it has been added to the bill when

you receive it. Bar staff (in a pub, bar or club, for example) do not expect tips, while taxi drivers

usually receive about 10%.

11. Do I need to get any vaccinations before going to Great Britain?

No, vaccinations are not necessary. However, insect repellent may be required in more rural areas

(for mosquitoes, etc...).

12. Is travel insurance really that important?

Yes, this type of insurance is highly recommended. This will put your mind at ease and is a small

price to pay for medical care in case of an emergency.

13. Where are the best places to go shopping in London?

There are a lot of places where you can go shopping, but some of the best ones are Oxford Street,

Knightsbridge, Covent Garden and Clerkenwell, Shoreditch and Spitalfields.

14. Can I visit Great Britain on a budget?

Great Britain is an expensive destination. It is especially the tourist-related industries that hike their

costs (such as accommodation, transport and attractions). However, with planning, forethought

and, possibly, some Great Britain-based contacts, there are certainly opportunities to cut costs.

Keep your eyes and ears open for special offers, discounts, coupons and competitions. London is

particularly expensive, while areas further afield tend to be cheaper.

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