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Capital city London
Government system Constitutional monarchy with parliamentary democracy
Surface Area 243,610 km²
Population Around 67 million
Languages Spoken English (official), Welsh, Scots Gaelic, Irish Gaelic, Cornish
Major Religions Christianity (Anglican, Catholic, Protestant denominations), Islam, Hinduism, Sikhism, Judaism, Buddhism, other faiths and non-religious communities
| Cities | |||||
| London | Edinburgh | Belfast | Cardiff | Manchester | Birmingham |
| Glasgow | Swansea | Bristol | |||
Country Overview
The United Kingdom, often referred to as the UK, is a nation made up of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. It is situated off the north-west coast of mainland Europe and is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, the North Sea, the English Channel and the Irish Sea. The country has a long and influential history, having once been the centre of the British Empire, and today it continues to hold significant cultural, economic and political influence on the world stage. London, the capital city, is a global hub for finance, culture and politics, but cities such as Edinburgh, Cardiff, Belfast, Manchester and Birmingham also have distinctive character and heritage.
The UK is known for its varied landscapes. England is home to rolling green hills, lowland plains and bustling urban centres, while Scotland offers rugged highlands, lochs and islands. Wales is celebrated for its mountains, valleys and castles, and Northern Ireland features dramatic coastlines and the Giant’s Causeway. The temperate maritime climate means weather is unpredictable but rarely extreme, with mild summers and cool winters. Tourism is a major industry, with visitors drawn to historic landmarks, countryside trails, cultural festivals, and world-famous institutions such as the British Museum and the Tower of London.
Culturally, the UK is diverse and dynamic, shaped by centuries of immigration, colonial connections, and home-grown traditions. English is the dominant language, but regional tongues such as Welsh and Gaelic are officially recognised and actively promoted. The nation is proud of its arts, from Shakespeare’s plays to the Beatles’ music and beyond. Football, rugby, cricket and tennis are hugely popular sports, and British universities such as Oxford and Cambridge are internationally renowned. For visitors, the UK offers a blend of old and new, from medieval cathedrals to cutting-edge architecture, and from village pubs to Michelin-starred dining.
Useful Information
Currency & banking
💷 Currency Overview
The currency of the United Kingdom is the Pound Sterling (GBP/£), one of the world’s most traded and respected currencies. The pound is subdivided into 100 pence, and notes and coins are widely available. The Bank of England issues banknotes in England, while Scotland and Northern Ireland issue their own versions, which are legal tender across the UK, though sometimes less familiar outside the region of issue.
🪙 Denominations
Pound Sterling is available in both coins and banknotes. Coins come in 1p, 2p, 5p, 10p, 20p, 50p, £1 and £2. Notes are issued in £5, £10, £20 and £50 denominations, with polymer banknotes gradually replacing paper ones. Scottish and Northern Irish notes have unique designs but are equally valid.
💱 Currency Exchange
Currency exchange services are available at airports, banks, bureaux de change and major travel hubs. Exchange rates are generally less favourable at airports, so it is advisable to exchange money in advance or use ATMs. Many businesses accept card payments, so visitors may not need large amounts of cash.
💳 Credit & Debit Cards
Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted throughout the UK. American Express is also accepted, though less so in smaller establishments. Contactless payments are popular, with many shops, restaurants and public transport systems using this method. Mobile payment systems such as Apple Pay and Google Pay are also common.
🏧 ATMs
ATMs are easy to find in cities, towns and even rural areas, often located at banks, supermarkets and petrol stations. Most machines offer free withdrawals, though some in convenience shops may charge a fee. Foreign cardholders should check with their bank about transaction charges before travelling.
Tipping
🍽️ Tipping in Restaurants
Tipping is not obligatory in the UK, but it is appreciated. In restaurants, a service charge of around 10–12.5% may already be added to the bill. If not, it is customary to leave a tip of about 10%. Rounding up the bill is also acceptable for casual dining.
🏨 Tipping in Hotels
In hotels, tipping is discretionary. Porters may be given £1–£2 per bag, while housekeeping staff may receive a few pounds for longer stays. Concierge services can be tipped depending on the level of assistance provided.
🚖 Tipping for Taxis
Black cabs and private hire taxis typically expect tips of rounding up to the nearest pound or 10% of the fare. App-based taxis, such as Uber, allow tipping through the app, though it is optional.
🚌 Tipping Guides & Drivers
Tour guides and drivers appreciate tips, particularly on longer tours. Around £2–£5 per person for guides and £1–£2 for drivers is considered fair. For multi-day tours, slightly more generous tips may be appropriate.
Communications
📶 Public WiFi
Public WiFi is widely available across the UK in cafes, libraries, railway stations and even on buses. Many networks require simple registration with an email address or phone number. Security can vary, so a VPN is advisable for sensitive browsing.
🏨 Hotel WiFi
Most hotels, from budget to luxury, provide complimentary WiFi. Some may offer higher-speed connections for a fee. It is generally reliable, especially in major cities, though rural areas may experience slower speeds.
📱 Mobile Networks & SIM Cards
The UK has four major networks: EE, Vodafone, O2 and Three. Coverage is strong in urban areas and good in most rural regions. Tourists can purchase prepaid SIM cards at airports, supermarkets and phone shops, often with bundles including data, texts and calls. Bringing an unlocked handset is essential for using local SIMs.
Getting around
🚆 Trains
The UK has an extensive rail network linking cities, towns and even small villages. Services can be fast and convenient, though fares are often higher when booked last minute. Booking in advance online usually secures cheaper tickets.
🚌 Buses & Coaches
Local buses are affordable and frequent in towns and cities, while long-distance coaches operated by companies such as National Express and Megabus connect major cities at lower prices than trains.
🚇 Underground & Trams
London’s Underground, known as the Tube, is the oldest metro system in the world and remains essential for city travel. Other cities, such as Manchester, Nottingham and Sheffield, operate tram systems. Contactless cards and Oyster cards make payments simple.
🚖 Taxis & Ride-Sharing
Black cabs in London and licensed taxis elsewhere are reliable but can be costly. Ride-sharing apps such as Uber, Bolt and Free Now are widely used.
🚗 Driving
Driving in the UK is on the left-hand side of the road. Visitors must carry a valid licence (and possibly an International Driving Permit). Speed limits are 30 mph in towns, 60 mph on single carriageways and 70 mph on motorways and dual carriageways. Drink-driving laws are strict, and seatbelts are mandatory. Parking regulations are heavily enforced, especially in cities. Fuel is widely available, though prices are relatively high compared to many countries.
Health advice
💉 Diseases
The UK does not pose high risks for infectious diseases compared to many destinations. However, visitors should be aware of seasonal flu and other common illnesses. No mandatory vaccines are required, but routine immunisations should be up to date.
💊 Potential Health Issues
Cold, wet weather may cause respiratory issues for sensitive individuals. Allergies to pollen can be common in spring. Tap water is safe to drink across the UK.
🏥 Healthcare Standards
The UK’s National Health Service (NHS) provides a high standard of care. Tourists may need to pay for some services, although emergency treatment is usually provided free of charge. Private healthcare is also available.
📑 Insurance
Travel insurance with medical cover is strongly recommended. This should include coverage for accidents, illness and possible repatriation.
| Suggested Vaccine | Notes |
|---|---|
| Tetanus | Ensure booster is up to date |
| MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) | Recommended for all travellers |
| Influenza | Recommended in winter months |
| COVID-19 | Full vaccination advised |
Safety
🚓 Crime
The UK is generally safe, though petty crime such as pickpocketing can occur in busy tourist areas. Violent crime against visitors is rare. Staying alert and using common sense reduces risks.
⚠️ General Safety Issues
Weather can sometimes cause travel disruption, particularly heavy rain, snow or fog. Roads may be slippery in winter, and flooding can occur in low-lying areas.
📜 Local Laws
Laws around alcohol consumption, smoking and drugs are strictly enforced. Drinking in public is restricted in some areas. Drug offences carry serious penalties. Respecting queueing culture and local etiquette goes a long way towards a smooth visit.
| Emergency Service | Number |
|---|---|
| Police, Ambulance, Fire | 999 |
| Non-emergency Police | 101 |
| NHS Medical Advice | 111 |
Climate
🌸 Spring (March–May)
Spring brings mild temperatures and blooming flowers, making it a pleasant time to explore gardens, countryside and historic sites. Rain showers are common, so a waterproof jacket is recommended.
🌞 Summer (June–August)
Summer is the warmest and driest season, with temperatures often reaching 20–25°C. Festivals, outdoor events and longer daylight hours make it popular with visitors, though it is also the busiest season.
🍂 Autumn (September–November)
Autumn offers cooler air, golden landscapes and fewer crowds. Rainfall increases, but it remains a good time for cultural visits and countryside walks.
❄️ Winter (December–February)
Winter is cold and damp, with temperatures ranging from 0–8°C. Snow can fall, especially in Scotland. Christmas markets and festive lights are highlights, though travel disruption is possible.
🎒 Packing Tips
Visitors should pack layers, waterproof clothing and comfortable shoes. Even in summer, evenings can be cool. An umbrella is always useful.
🗓️ Best Time to Visit
The overall best time to visit the UK is late spring or early autumn, when the weather is generally mild, attractions are open, and crowds are smaller than in peak summer.
| Season | Weather | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | Mild, rainy | Flowers, pleasant temps | Showers |
| Summer | Warm, long days | Festivals, outdoors | Crowds, higher costs |
| Autumn | Cool, colourful | Fewer tourists | Rainier |
| Winter | Cold, damp | Christmas events | Short days, disruptions |
Visa information
🛂 Visa Information
Visitors to the UK may need a visa depending on nationality. Citizens of many countries, including the EU, USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, can enter visa-free for short stays (up to 6 months). Others must apply in advance for a Standard Visitor Visa.
📑 Visa Types
The Standard Visitor Visa allows tourism, short courses or family visits for up to 6 months. Long-term visas and special visas for work or study are also available. Requirements usually include proof of funds, accommodation details and return travel arrangements.
🔗 Useful Links
Official visa and immigration information is available on the UK Government website: https://www.gov.uk/standard-visitor
Electrical
All power sockets in the United Kingdom provide a standard voltage of 230V with a standard frequency of 50Hz.
You can use all your equipment in United Kingdom if the outlet voltage in your own country is between 220V-240V. This is the case in most of Europe, Australia, the United Kingdom and most countries in Africa and Asia.
Which power plugs and sockets are used in the United Kingdom?
Type G – From British origin, mainly used in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Malta, Malaysia and Singapore, but also in quite a few other countries. No other plug types fit into an outlet of type G.
The British like to do things just a bit differently, so they have their own type of power plugs and outlets. Also, wall sockets in the UK have a switch to turn the power on and off.
