UK Money

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in most places around the UK and are increasingly recognised as the most common method of payment. If you happen to find somewhere that will not accept cards, an ATM will never be far away and most are linked to major credit cards as well as the Cirrus, Maestro and Plus cash networks.

Travellers cheques are only accepted at larger hotels and, thanks to ATMs, hardly necessary these days anyway - but they are safe and widely accepted in English banks.

Currency

Name: Pound Sterling
Symbol: £
Notes come in denominations of £5.00 , £10.00 , £20.00 and £50.00
Coins come in denominations of 1p, 2p, 5p, 10p, 20p, 50p, £1.00 and £2.00

Changing Your Money

If changing travellers cheques or cash from your own country, change bureaus (especially in London) frequently levy outrageous commissions and fees, so make sure you establish the rate in advance.

Money Tips

England can be extremely expensive and London in particular can be a big drain on your funds. While in London you will need to budget at least £35.00 for bare survival (dorm accommodation, a one-day travel card and the most basic sustenance). Even moderate sightseeing or nightlife can easily add another £20.00 to this. If you stay in a hotel and eat restaurant meals you could easily spend £80.00 a day without being extravagant. Once you get out of the big smoke the costs will drop, particularly if you have a transport pass and if you cook your own meals. You'll still need at least £30.00 a day, and if you stay in B&Bs, eat one sit-down meal a day and pay entry fees, you'll need about £60.00 a day.

Sample Price Guide

Pint of beer £ 3.00
Two pints of milk £ 0.70
Loaf of bread £ 0.90
Dormitory room in backpacker hostel £ 15.00
CD £ 12.00
Takeaway filter coffee £ 0.80
Coffee in Starbucks £ 3.50
Litre of petrol £ 1.20
Souvenir t-shirt £ 10.00
Takeaway fish and chips £ 6.00

Average Room Prices
Low	Mid	High	Deluxe
£10-30	£30-50	£50-120	£120+
Average Meal Prices
Low	Mid	High	Deluxe
£3-10	£10-20	£20-45	£45+

Tipping

If you eat in an English restaurant you should leave a tip of at least 10% unless the service was unsatisfactory. Waitering staff are paid minimum wage on the assumption that the money will be supplemented by tips. Some restaurants include a service charge on the bill, in which case a gratuity is unnecessary. Hairdressers are often tipped if they have done a good job. You are however not expected to tip to have a pint poured in a pub; however a 10% tip is expected at swanky cocktail bars.