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note: Due to fluctuations in the U.S. dollar, a 5% increase will apply
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Entry Requirements: All visitors must have a
valid passport, good for a minimum of two months past departure date.
No visa is required by Canadian or American citizens. Other
nationalities should check with their local British Consulate for
specific requirements.
Climate and Clothing: The U.K.'s climate is
temperate, with rainfall distributed almost evenly across the seasons.
Spring (March-May) can be cool and wet with sunny periods. Summer
(June-September) gets quite warm and winter is cold and wet most of the
time. Medium weight clothes are recommended for all but summer and a
raincoat and umbrella would be wise all year round.
Money Matters: Banks are generally open
Monday-Friday from 9:30am to at least 3:30pm and many are open until
5:30pm. Some banks and most Building Societies are also open Saturday
mornings. Some rural banks in Scotland close for one hour at lunchtime.
There are 24-hour banks at London's Heathrow and Gatwick airports as
well as International ATMs for currency exchanges.
Shop Hours: Shops are normally open from
9:00am until 5:30pm. Shops in small towns and villages will usually
close for one hour at lunchtime. In London, shops in Knightsbridge
(home of Harrods) stay open until 7:00pm on Wednesday, and those in the
West End (Oxford Street, Regent Street and Piccadilly areas) stay open
until 7:00pm on Thursdays.
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 More Helpful Hints...
Holidays/Sundays:
Some shops are open on Sundays. Most banks and many shops, museums,
historic homes and other places of interest are closed at Christmas and
on other public holidays. The frequency of public transport services is
reduced on public holidays.
Pub Opening Hours: The Licensing Act 2003 came
into effect in November 2005 alllowing premises to have flexible
opening hours, with the potential for up to 24 hour opening, seven days
a week, subject to consideration of the impact on local residents,
businesses and the expert opinion of a range of authorities in relation
to the licensing objectives. Persons must be 18 years or over to buy
and consume alcohol in a bar. Children under 14 years of age are
allowed into pubs which hold a children’s certificate. They must
be accompanied by an adult and are restricted to those areas which have
been certified suitable for young children. Pubs holding such a
certificate must serve meals and non-alcoholic drinks, normally until
2100.
Tipping: Normal tips for Taxis, waiters in
restaurants, barbers and beauticians is 15%. Tip porters $1.00 per
piece of luggage and chambermaids $1.00 per day.
Electrical Current: The standard voltage
throughout the country is 220/250v AC, 50Hz. Americans will need a plug
adapter, or converter, to use their appliances in Britain.
Emergency: If a visitor requires the police,
ambulance or fire service, they should go to the nearest telephone and
dial 999, indicating which service they require.
Tax-Free Shopping: Value-Added Tax is charged
on most goods bought in shops at the standard rate of 17.5%. VAT may be
reclaimed on purchases, but not services. Many visitors will find it
worthwhile to take advantage of the Retail Export Scheme, whereby they
can reclaim the VAT on goods purchased for export. Please note that not
all shops operate the Retail Export Scheme, and with those that do
often a minimum purchase level is set. There may be an administration
fee charged by the retailer or VAT refund operator for processing, in
which case the fee might be deducted at source prior to the refund
being made. Shops operating the Retail Export Scheme will ask to see
your passport before completing the VAT 407 form or properly drawn up
invoice. This form/invoice must be presented, with the goods, within
three months of purchase. Present the goods purchased, together with
sales invoices and VAT forms to the Customs Officers at the point of
departure from the EEC (European Community). After Customs Officers
have certified the form/invoice, it will be returned to the shopkeeper,
who will then send you the VAT refund, from which a small
administrative fee may be deducted (either a percentage of the purchase
price or a flat fee.) More information on the Retail Export Scheme can
be obtained from your local British Tourist Authority.
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