ENTRY & UK ETA
Do US, Canadian, Australian, and EU citizens need a UK ETA in 2026?
Yes. All visa-exempt visitors (including US, Canadian, Australian, EU/EEA, Swiss, Japanese, and South Korean citizens) must obtain a digital UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) via the official GOV.UK app before boarding. It costs £16 and is valid for 2 years or until passport expiry.
MONEY & £ GBP
What currency is used in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland?
All four nations of the United Kingdom use the British Pound Sterling (£ GBP). Note that the neighbouring Republic of Ireland (Dublin, Cork, Galway) is a separate country and uses the Euro (€).
Do I need cash in the UK, or can I use contactless cards everywhere?
The UK is 99% contactless. You can use contactless Visa, Mastercard, and Apple/Google Pay for London Tube & bus gates, national trains, black cabs, pubs, market stalls, and public toilets. Carrying £30–£40 in cash as backup is plenty.
RAIL & LONDON TRANSIT
Should I buy a London Oyster card or just tap my contactless bank card?
Use your contactless bank card or Apple/Google Pay. It charges the exact same fares as an Oyster card, saves the £7 non-refundable Oyster card fee, and automatically applies both daily caps (£8.50 in Zones 1–2) and Monday–Sunday weekly caps.
When is the cheapest time to book UK National Rail train tickets?
Book Advance Single tickets 8–12 weeks ahead on LNER, GWR, Avanti West Coast, or ScotRail to save 50–70% over walk-up prices. Pair them with a £35 digital Two Together, 16–30, Senior, or Family & Friends Railcard for an extra 1/3 off.
FOOD, PUBS & ETIQUETTE
How does tipping work in UK restaurants and pubs?
Most sit-down restaurants automatically add an optional 12.5% discretionary service charge to the bill — if it is included, you do not need to tip extra. In traditional British pubs, you order at the bar and do not tip for drinks.
PLUGS & SAFETY
What plug adapter and emergency numbers do I need in the UK?
The entire UK uses the 3-pin rectangular Type G plug at 230V / 50Hz (each wall socket has its own on/off switch). For life-threatening emergencies dial 999 (or 112); for non-emergency NHS medical advice dial 111.