FAQ's

2. Do I need a visa to come to Britain?

If you aren't a citizen of Britain or a European Economic Area (EEA) country, you may need a visa (entry clearance certificate).

See:Passports & visas

3. How much/many cigarettes, alcohol, perfume etc can I bring into Britain?

If you come to the UK directly from another EU country you can bring as much alcohol and tobacco as you want providing it is for your own use. If you come from outside the EU, you can bring up to 200 cigarettes, 250g of tobacco, 60cc of perfume, 2 litres of still table wine, 1 litre of spirits or strong liqueurs over 22% volume and 2 litres of fortified wine (such as port or sherry), sparkling wine or other liqueurs.

See:EU customs allowances
        Non-EU customs allowances

4. What goods are prohibited or restricted to bring into the UK?

Some goods such as unlicensed drugs, weaponry and counterfeit goods are prohibited - banned completely. Other goods such as gas canisters, live animals and certain plants are restricted - you cannot import them without authority such as a licence.

See:Prohibited & restricted goods

5. Can I bring my pet with me?

Dogs, cats and ferrets from certain countries are able to enter Britain via selected ports of entry under the pilot Pets Travel Scheme without quarantine - provided certain conditions are met. Animals other than those identified have to be quarantined for six months at approved premises.

See:Travelling with pets

6. Where can I change currency?

Foreign currency can easily be exchanged at banks, post offices, some hotels and Bureau de Change kiosks, which are found at international airports and most city centres.

See:Currency & exchanging money

7. How can I get the best exchange rate?

It's always a good idea to check current exchange rates before you travel. Post offices in Britain don't charge commission when exchanging currency. You also shouldn't be charged commission when withdrawing cash from an ATM or when using your credit/debit card to pay for a service. Although you may be charged a small fee for foreign transactions - check with your bank before you leave.

See:Currency & exchanging money
        Banks, ATMs & credit cards

8. Where can I use my credit/debit card in Britain?

All credit cards that bear the Visa, MasterCard or American Express logo are widely accepted in Britain. If your card does not bear one of these logos, you should ask the retailer in advance if you can use it.

See:Banks, ATMs & credit cards

9. Is euro accepted anywhere in Britain?

A few shops, services, attractions and hotels accept the euro notes, but give change in sterling. Most of these charge a commission for doing this.

10. Can I claim Tax back for shopping in Britain?

If you live outside the European Union, you can take advantage of the Tax Free Shopping scheme to reclaim Value Added Tax (VAT) on purchases for export.

See:Tax-free shopping

11. How much do daily items cost?

Here's the approximate cost of a few daily items:

• A hotel breakfast - £5-£10
• Dinner (3-course, no wine) - £15-£45
• Lunch snack/sandwich - £2-£4
• Postcard stamp to anywhere abroad - 50p
• Cola can - 40p-£1
• Pint of beer in pub - £2-£4
• Single cash underground ticket - £4
• Single Oyster underground ticket (zones 1-2) - £2

See:Price guide & tipping

12. When are public and school holidays?

2007 public holidays: 1 January, 2 January (Scotland only), 19 March (N. Ireland only), 6 April, 9 April (England, Wales and N. Ireland), 7 and 28 May, 12 July (Northern Ireland only), 6 August (Scotland only) 27 August (England, Wales and N. Ireland), 25 and 26 December. The school holidays are 6 weeks from mid-July to early September, 2 weeks at Christmas and at Easter, plus a week in mid-October and in mid-February.

See:Time zone & holidays

13. What's the weather like in Britain?

Britain has a fairly temperate climate and can sometimes be overcast. However, we enjoy long, hot summer evenings due to our northerly latitude and periods of fine weather can happen in all seasons. Follow link for a 5-day forecast.

See:British weather

14. What type of plug adaptor do I need?

Electrical appliances in Britain generally use the British standard plug with 3 square pins. Plug socket adaptors and power transformers are widely available.

See:Utilities & services

15. Can I buy a SIM card for my cell phone?

You can buy a VisitBritain international pay-as-you-go SIM card before you travel. This will not only give you great rates and free incoming calls in the UK, but will also work in 175 other countries. If your mobile phone accepts SIM cards from companies other than the one you usually use it with, you should be able to register the SIM and use it during your trip. Additionally pay-as-you-go SIM cards can also be purchased from most mobile phone retailers and many electrical stores. See local retailers for more details.

16. Do I need medical insurance?

You are strongly advised to take out adequate insurance before travelling to Britain. Your travel agent will be able to suggest a suitable policy.

See:Medicine & health

17. What do I do if I need to see a doctor?

If you become ill while visiting Britain, you can get free emergency treatment in the Accident and Emergency departments of National Health Service hospitals. However, if you are admitted to hospital as an in-patient, or referred to an out-patient clinic, you will be asked to pay unless you meet certain exemption criteria.

See:Emergency treatment

18. Can I work in Britain?

During the summer months employers often look for additional staff and many are pleased to receive applicants from overseas. You may need a Work Permit to work legally in Britain. It's the Home Office's responsibility to decide who needs a Work Permit.

See:Working holiday & visas