First-time questions about visiting Britain

Questions

• Do you tip in the UK?

  Less than in North America. Many restaurants add an optional service charge to the bill; if it is there, you do not need to add more. Tipping at the bar in a pub is not usual.

• ¿Qué enchufe y qué voltaje se usan en el Reino Unido?

  Type G (the three-pin BS 1363 plug), on a 230 V, 50 Hz supply. Most visitors need a Type G adapter; devices not rated for 230 V also need a converter.

• Should I use contactless or Oyster in London?

  Either works across TfL services. A contactless bank card or phone is simplest; always tap the same card or device so the daily and weekly caps apply, and check your bank's overseas fees.

• How do you pay for buses in the UK?

  In London, tap a contactless card, phone or Oyster card when you board. In England outside London, most single fares are capped by a government scheme; Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland set their own fares.

• Are shops open on Sundays in the UK?

  Yes, but large shops in England and Wales open for only 6 hours, between 10am and 6pm. Small shops can open any time, and Scotland has no trading-hours restrictions.

• When are the UK bank holidays?

  England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland each have their own list. The dates below come from GOV.UK.

• How do British pubs work?

  Go to the bar, order and pay there, and take your drinks to a table. Table service is usually only for meals.

• What are the emergency numbers in the UK?

  999 or 112 for police, ambulance, fire or coastguard. 101 for the police when it is not an emergency. 111 for urgent medical help that is not life-threatening.

• Is the UK safe for LGBTQ+ travellers?

  Generally, yes. Discrimination because of sexual orientation or gender reassignment is unlawful in Great Britain, same-sex marriage is legal across the UK, and help is available if something goes wrong.

• Do visitors have to pay for NHS treatment?

  For hospital care, usually yes: in England visitors are charged 150% of the national NHS rate unless exempt. A&E, seeing a GP and NHS 111 are free.

Longer guides

• Do I need an ETA or a visa?

  Look up your nationality on the GOV.UK lists.

• Travel insurance and NHS care

  What is free, what visitors pay and what to check in a policy.

• What will a trip cost?

  Official fixed costs and a budget calculator.

• Pre-trip checklist

  Three months out to the day before, printable.

• Scams and tourist traps

  Copycat websites, tickets, minicabs and reporting fraud.

• Lost passport, cards or phone

  Who to contact, in order.

• Queues and etiquette

  Queues, places of worship and the countryside.

• Qué llevar

  A checklist by month and region.

New to Britain altogether? Start with the first-time guide.