PASSPORTS
On arrival in the United Kingdom from any country, visitors must show a valid national passport or other document establishing their identity and nationality. Prior to departure, be sure to check the expiry date and make a number of photocopies of your passport. Leave copies with family members at home and carry a copy in your luggage. In the event that your passport is lost or stolen during your trip, please contact your local embassy or consulate; these copies will make passport replacement easier.
Back to Top


ENTRY VISAS
Citizens from most Western countries including the USA, Canada, Australia, South Africa and Japan do not require visas when entering the United Kingdom. Entry visas are not required for citizens of the European Union - a national identity card (where relevant) or passport will suffice. Should you have any doubts, you should contact the relevant emigration authorities prior to departure.
Back to Top


CUSTOMS ALLOWANCES
Travelling within the EU
At some ports and airports, everybody leaves through the same exit but at others, there is a separate exit for travellers from other EU countries, usually marked by a blue sign. Checks are sometimes carried out to look for prohibited or restricted goods so you should be prepared to answer questions relating to your baggage. No tax or duty is payable in the UK on goods that have been bought in other EU countries for personal use but you must be able to prove the goods are not for resale. The guidelines for goods visitors can buy in other EU countries for personal use are: 10 litres of spirits, 800 cigarettes, 200 cigars, 1 kg of smoking tobacco, 20 litres of fortified wine (port or sherry), 90 litres of wine and 110 litres of beer.

Travelling from outside the EU
If you need to declare goods or indeed if you’re unsure what you should declare, you must use the Red Channel or the phone provided at the red point and to make a legal declaration, you must speak to a customs officer. If you arrive by air and are transferring to another EU country, you do not collect your baggage until you reach your final destination. At this point, you only have to declare goods in your hand luggage. If you have bought goods and paid duty or tax on them in another EU country, you will not have to pay further duty or tax as long as you can provide a receipt. Here the customs allowances are: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250 g of tobacco, 2 litres of wine, 1 litre of spirits, 2 litres of fortified wine (port, sherry, sparkling wine), 60 ml of perfume, 250 ml of eau de toilette and STG£145 worth of other goods, including gifts and souvenirs.

Prohibited and Restricted Goods
Certain goods are banned or restricted to protect health and the environment. Some prohibited goods include any unlicensed drugs, offensive weapons, indecent or obscene materials, counterfeit or pirated goods and pornographic material other than that which depicts consensual sexual activity between adults and that, which can be legally purchased in the UK. Restricted goods are those, which cannot be brought into the country without authority, such as a license. These items include firearms; explosives; dogs; cats; birds; meat, poultry and related products; certain plants and their seeds and radio transmitters that are not approved for use in the UK.
Back to Top


CURRENCY
The United Kingdom has not yet signed up to the common European currency, known as the Euro (€), which has been adopted in most European countries. The official currency throughout the United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland) is the British Pound (Sterling), denoted by "£". British money is based on the decimal system, with 100 pence to each pound sterling. Notes are issued to the value of £100, £50, £20, £10 and £5, while coins are issued to the value of £2, £1, 50p, 20p, 10p, 5p, 2p and 1p.
Back to Top


BUREAU DE CHANGE
While the banks are probably the best places to exchange money, they aren’t of course always open. In this case, you can obtain British currency at larger travel agents, some department stores, railway stations, airports and many hotels if you are a resident or at one of the many independent Bureaux de Change. Regulations require that all exchange rates and details of fees and rates of commission be clearly displayed.
Back to Top


BANKS
There are many major banks throughout the United Kingdom. Generally, the weekday opening hours are from 09:30 am to 16:30 pm but individual banks decide the exact times so the hours may vary considerably depending on location. Many branches have 24-hour banking lobbies, where a range of services can be obtained through machines, while some are also open on Saturday and even for a short time on Sunday. All banks are closed on public holidays, while some banks in Scotland close for an hour over lunch.
Back to Top


CREDIT CARDS
All major cards (MasterCard, Visa, American Express and Diners) are widely accepted throughout Britain. Visitors with other cards should ask in advance if their particular card is accepted. You should also note that retailers now have the option of charging more for good purchased by credit card, though they are required to display a clear indication that differentiated pricing applies. It is still advisable to carry some cash in case of difficulty, as some smaller establishments sometimes do not accept any form of credit card.
Back to Top


ATM (CASH) MACHINES
You can withdraw cash from ATM machines throughout the United Kingdom. Located in the vast majority of banks and larger shopping centres, the ATM machines accept most credit cards including Visa, MasterCard and American Express, as well as Plus and Cirrus debit cards. If in any doubt, visitors should check with their own bank whether they can gain access to these facilities.
Back to Top


DRIVING IN THE UNITED KINGDOM
With the exception of some areas of countryside, the United Kingdom offers a generally excellent network of main roads, so driving is not too difficult. If you are used to driving in a foreign country however, there are some significant differences that you should be aware of and it's worth spending a few moments to reflect on these.

Driving is on the left hand-side of the road so priority should be given to traffic coming from the right. Visitors must have a valid full national driving licence or an international driving permit issued abroad, while the minimum driving age is seventeen years of age. Other rules include only passing slower vehicles on the outside (right) lane, giving priority to traffic on the right when approaching roundabouts and yielding right of way immediately to all emergency vehicles. An important point to note is that there is no general priority rule at junctions. On a minor road, you will see either a triangular "Give Way" sign or red "Stop" sign and it is essential to obey these signs.

Speed Limits

• Motorways / Dual Carriageways: 70 mph (112 kph) for cars; 60 mph (96 kph) for vehicles towing caravans or trailers.
  
• Single Carriageways: 60 mph (96 kph) for cars; 50 mph (80 kph) for coaches and vehicles towing caravans or trailers.
  
• Urban or Built up Areas: 30 mph (48 kph) for all vehicles.

Drinking & Driving
Alcohol has a serious effect on judgement and your ability to drive so extreme caution should be exercised with regard to taking a drink and getting behind the wheel. The legal limit in the United Kingdom is 80 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood or 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100 ml of breath. This roughly translates into one pint of beer or one glass of wine. There are strong penalties for driving under the influence of alcohol so it is best to avoid this at all costs.

Seatbelts
All modern cars are now fitted with front and rear seatbelts and it is the law that they must be worn at all times when the car is in motion. For children under the age of 14, it is the responsibility of the driver to ensure that the appropriate restraint is worn.

Accidents and Emergencies on Motorways
If you are involved in an accident, you must stop. Give details of your insurance to any and all other drivers involved. If anyone is injured, the police must be informed. In the event of breaking down or any other emergencies on motorways, you should use the orange emergency telephones situated at half-mile intervals. They connect the caller to the Police Motorway Control Centre, who will send the appropriate assistance.

Renting a Car
All of the major car hire companies have a presence in the United Kingdom. Most vehicles are manual but you can also hire an automatic at a marginally higher rate. You should also note that you must have a full clean license for at least two years and be aged between 21 and 70 to be eligible to hire a car. Most car hire companies will also insist upon payment by a credit card.
Back to Top


GRATUITIES
Unlike in some countries, there are no definite rules for tipping. If you feel that you have received good service, then you may wish to leave a tip. In Britain, some restaurants and most hotels add a service charge to the bill and in these cases; a further tip is usually not necessary. In a restaurant, where a service charge is not included, it is customary to give between 10 and 15% of the total bill. Tipping in a pub is not necessary, unless your drinks are served to you away from the bar, in which case a small tip is sufficient, while taxi drivers generally expect a 10% to 15% tip but again, this is discretionary.

Tipping Caddies
Caddies are requested for customers but cannot be guaranteed, as they are effectively self-employed. The cost of a caddy varies from course to course and with experience but generally, they cost between STG£25 and STG£30 per bag. Gratuity varies depending on your satisfaction but a tip of between £5 and £15 is generally acceptable. If in doubt, you should check with the caddy master at the course on the day of play.
Back to Top


SHOPPING
Shops in Britain are generally open Monday through Saturday from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm, while many department stores are open until 6:00 pm and offer late night shopping on Wednesday or Thursday until 7:00 or 8:00 pm. Larger shops in towns and cities also open for about six hours on Sunday between 10:00 am and 6:00 pm although opening hours vary. In small towns and villages, shops often close for one afternoon a week (commonly Wednesday), while some shut for an hour at lunchtime. On the other hand, in many cities and towns, selected larger supermarkets open 24 hours a day Monday to Friday.
Back to Top


TAX FREE SHOPPING
Non-European Union residents are entitled to a refund of Value Added Tax (VAT) on the purchases they bring back home with them. You should be sure to obtain the tax refund documentation from the store where the item is purchased and the refund is processed at the airport of departure. A refund service charge is payable, and the balance due to you can usually be credited to your credit card account or paid in a currency of your choice. For details, you should view www.visitbritain.com/world/links/external/vatrefunds.htm
Back to Top


VOLTAGE & ELECTRICITY
The standard electrical voltage in the United Kingdom is 230 V, 50-60 HZ. A three-pronged square adapter plug and / or an electric converter for appliances is required. Most good hotel rooms provide hair dryers but if adapters are needed for a particular appliance, they can be purchased in electrical shops, borrowed from hotel reception or purchased from a shop at your departure airport.
Back to Top


TRAVEL & HEALTH INSURANCE
Travel insurance is the best way to ensure protection against financial loss and is highly recommended. To take out insurance, you should see our Travel Insurance section. Without insurance, you run the risk of losing all or most of your money if you cancel your trip or have to cut it short, regardless of the reason. Trip-delay insurance covers any unforeseen expenses that you may incur due to bad weather or mechanical delays and you should always study the fine print when comparing policies. One of the most important components is medical coverage. Check if your existing health insurance policy covers you in the unlikely event of medical attention and hospitalisation abroad. If not, health insurance is strongly recommended and will provide peace of mind and cover the cost of medical bills incurred should you get sick or injured while travelling.
Back to Top


MEDICAL ASSISTANCE
If you are unwell during your visit to Britain, you should first consult a pharmacist, who will advise on remedies available over the counter. Overseas visitors who become ill while in Britain are only eligible for free emergency treatment in the Accident and Emergency departments of National Health Service hospitals. If you are admitted to hospital as a patient, or referred to an outpatient clinic, you will be asked to pay unless you have a UK state retirement pension, you are a resident of the European Economic Area or you are a citizen of a country, which has a reciprocal health-care agreement with Britain. You do not need an International Certificate of Vaccination for entry to Britain but you should check if one is required for re-entry to your own country.
Back to Top


TELEPHONES
When making calls from Britain, the cheapest option is to use public phones, where you can use either coins or prepaid phone cards, which are available from most newsagents. Calls made from your hotel room, particularly long-distance calls, can prove to be very expensive in that they are subject to a discretionary hotel service charge.

Making Phone Calls
British telephone numbers comprise an area code and then the local number. A typical number would be (0136) 853684 and when dialling another number within the UK, you should always dial the complete number. Should you encounter difficulties, the operator can be reached by dialling 100, while directory enquiries are at 192. If calling a British number from outside the country, you should first dial the international code, then the country code for Britain, followed by the area code, dropping the first zero. Taking the number (0136) 853684 as an example, calling from the United States would be:

International Code + Country Code + Area Code + Local Number
011 (US Code) + 44 (British Code) + 136 (Area) + 853684 (Local)

Some important telephone numbers are given below:
Emergency services: 999
Operator Assistance: 100
International Operator: 155
Domestic directory enquiries: 192
International directory enquiries: 153
Back to Top


PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
Usually there are eight public holidays in England and Wales, when all banks, commercial offices and the majority of the stores close for the day. Scotland has one more holiday, which takes place on January 2nd, while Northern Ireland has an extra holiday for St. Patrick’s Day, which occurs on March 17th each year.

• New Year’s Day – January 1st
  
• Good Friday – dates vary
  
• Easter Monday – dates vary
  
• May Day – first Monday in May
  
• Golden Jubilee Day
  
• Spring Bank Holiday – first Monday in June
  
• Summer Bank Holiday – last Monday in August
  
• Christmas Day – December 25th
  
• Boxing Day – December 26th
  

Back to Top

WHAT TO WEAR
If golfing, you should always pack golf waterproofs, which allow easy movement. While polo shirts, light trousers and even tailored shorts may well be required; it is essential to have adequate rain gear. Because of the variable weather in the United Kingdom, clothes should be flexible enough to allow for temperature change. Between May and September, it is usually warm but a light waterproof jacket should still be packed. From October to April, heavier sweaters are recommended, particularly if spending some time outdoors.
Back to Top


RESTAURANTS AND BARS

Restaurants
There are restaurants to suit every taste in all major towns throughout the United Kingdom and for details on the restaurants recommended on this site, please check out the Restaurant Section. British restaurants, including those in hotels, usually open for lunch from 12:00 noon to 2:30 pm and for dinner from 6:00 pm to about 11:00 pm, although these times do vary. Generally, it is best to check in advance. Many restaurants, bistros and pubs remain open throughout the day for coffee, light meals and beverages.

As one would expect, the price of food varies greatly from one establishment to the next and according to the reputation and quality of the cuisine. As a general guideline, eating out in a pub at lunchtime will cost around STG £10.00, while it is usually that bit more expensive in a restaurant. Dining in the evening obviously varies greatly according to the type of establishment but one can expect to pay from STG £25.00 to STG £50.00 per person, excluding wine for a good meal.

Bars / Pubs
There are excellent pubs in the United Kingdom, many of which are quaint tavern style establishments. And though opening hours can vary slightly in Scotland and Northern Ireland, traditional British pubs are generally licensed to sell alcohol from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm Monday to Saturday and from 12:00 noon to 10:30 pm on Sundays. A certain amount of drinking up time will also be allowed, though this varies from place to place. You should note that some bars, particularly in larger towns have late licences, while bars is more rural areas are sometimes quite relaxed about enforcing the closing times.

The price of drink varies considerably depending on the type of establishment and the region you are in. Pubs are generally cheaper than hotel lounges or nightclubs, while prices in the major cities are generally more expensive. As a general guide, you can expect to pay around STG £2.50 for a pint of bitter, ale, stout or lager in London and about STG £1.80 for a measure of whiskey and slightly less in more rural areas.
Back to Top