United Kingdom Essential Travel Information
This is essential travel information you need to know before you travel to the United Kingdom.
Climate
Whatever the season, the British weather can change from day to day. It is a good idea to pack a waterproof jacket and an umbrella.
Currency
In the United Kingdom, Pounds Sterling are used.
1 Pound (GBP; symbol £) = 100 pence. Notes are in denominations of £50, 20, 10 and 5. Additional bank notes issued by Scottish banks (including £1 notes) are legal tender in all parts of the UK. Coins are in denominations of £2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 pence.
Tipping
Some restaurant bills include a service charge. Where a service charge is not included, it is customary to leave a tip of 10-15% of the bill.
Porterage: 75p per suitcase.
Taxis: 10-15% of the fare.
Hairdressers: £1-2 for the person who washes your hair and 10% for the hairdresser who cuts your hair.
Pubs: tips are not expected but if you are happy with the service, it is customary to offer to buy the person behind the bar a drink.
Theatres/cinemas and petrol stations: tips are not expected.
Note: this is intended as a guide only.
Credit Cards and Cash
Money can be exchanged in banks, exchange bureaux and many hotels. The exchange bureaux are often open outside banking hours but charge higher commission rates. All major currencies can be exchanged.
American Express, MasterCard and Visa are all widely accepted. Cash can be obtained from a multitude of ATMs available across the country.
Traveller’s cheques are widely accepted. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller's cheques in Pounds Sterling.
Banks are open Mon-Fri 0930-1630 (there may be some variations in closing times). Some branches of certain banks are open Saturday morning; some all-day Saturday.
Driving
If you have a valid driver’s licence then you can drive for up to 12 months in Britain. However, you may need to apply for a Certificate of Particulars to prove you have held your licence for more than one year.
Electricity
All across the United Kingdom, 240 volts AC, 50Hz is used. Square three-pin plugs are standard and you are unlikely to come across the older round three-pin type.
Passport and Visa Information
On arrival in the UK, Australian and New Zealand visitors only need a valid passport to establish identity and nationality and can stay in Britain for six months when on holiday (check details with your Travel Agent). Travellers also need to have sufficient means of support to maintain and accommodate themselves and hold a return ticket back to their departure point or another onward destination.
Public Holidays 2008
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1 January 2008 |
New Year's Day |
Do I need medical insurance?
Yes! New Zealand nationals who become ill while in Britain are eligible for free emergency treatment in the A & E departments of National Health Service hospitals because of a reciprocal health care agreement with the UK. However it is strongly recommended that you obtain adequate medical insurance, as you would still have to pay for prescriptions and dental treatment.
Some helpful addresses
British High Commission
PO Box 1812
44 Hill Street, Wellington
Ph: 0900 4BRIT (0900 42748)
To speak to someone immediately.
Calls to 0900 numbers cost $2.25 per min.
0800 4THEUK (0800 484385) Call cost will be charged to caller’s credit card.
Fax: (04) 924 2822
www.britain.org.nz
VisitBritain
PO Box 105-652
Auckland 1143
Ph: 0800 700 741
Email: newzealand@visitbritain.org
www.visitbritain.co.nz
Important Events:
JANUARY
Edinburgh’s Hogmanay
29 December 2007 - 1 January 2008
Edinburgh Britain’s biggest street party celebrating the New Year with live music, street theatre, carnival, fun fair and indoor and outdoor events. www.edinburghshogmanay.org
The New Year’s Day Parade
1 January 2008
London Parliament Square SW1 to
Berkeley Square W1.
An extravaganza of 10,000 musicians, dancers, acrobats and floats drum their way to berkeley Square.
www.londonparade.co.uk
Up-Helly-Aa
29 - 30 January 2008
Lerwick, Shetland Islands
Traditional Viking fire festival.
www.visitshetland.com
FEBRUARY
Six Nations Rugby Tournament
2 February – 15 March 2008
London, Edinburgh, Cardiff, Dublin, Rome and Paris host this tournament.
www.6nations.co.uk
MARCH
Crufts
6 - 9 marcH 2008
National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham
The world’s greatest dog show.
www.crufts.org.uk
APRIL
John Smith’s Grand National Festival
3 - 5 April 2008
Aintree Racecourse, Merseyside
Don’t miss the famous steeplechase, the Grand national.
www.aintree.co.uk
Flora London Marathon
13 April 2008
Greenwich Park, London
26 mile marathon through the streets of London.
www.london-marathon.co.uk
MAY
The Mitsubishi Motors
Badminton Horse Trials
1 - 4 may 2008
Badminton House, Badminton international equestrian competition comprising dressage, cross-country and showjumping events.
www.badminton-horse.co.uk
Chelsea Flower Show
20 - 24 may 2008
Royal Hospital, Chelsea, London
Plants, flowers, themed gardens and more at one of the world’s most famous flower shows.
www.rhs.org.uk/chelsea
JUNE
Trooping the Colour – The Queen’s Birthday Parade
14 June 2008 (Tbc)
Horse Guards Parade, London
Trooping the colour ceremony by the massed bands and Troops of the Household Division.
www.royal.gov.uk
Royal Ascot
17 - 21 June 2008
Ascot Racecourse, Ascot, Berkshire
This is a special week when the Queen and members of the royal family are in attendance.
www.ascot.co.uk
Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships
23 June - 06 July 2008
All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, Church Road, London
World famous tennis championships.
www.wimbledon.org
JULY
Hampton Court Palace Flower Show
8 - 13 July 2008
Hampton Court Palace, Surrey.
Major horticultural show, including 7 interconnecting marquees of floral displays.
www.rhs.org.uk/hamptoncourt
Fosters Grand Prix
6 July 2008 (Tbc)
Silverstone, Towcester, Northamptonshire
The British round of the Fia Formula 1 World championship. Date to be confirmed.
www.formula1.com
BBC Proms
Mid July - Mid September 2008
Royal Albert Hall, London
Celebrated series of concerts. Dates to be confirmed.
www.bbc.co.uk/proms
AUGUST
Edinburgh Military Tattoo
1 - 23 August 2008
Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh
a celebration of music, dance & drama set against the dazzling backdrop of Edinburgh castle.
www.edintattoo.co.uk
Edinburgh Festival Fringe
03 - 25 August 2008
Various venues, Edinburgh
Over 1000 performances, including theatre, dance, comedy & music.
www.edfringe.com
SEPTEMBER
London Open House
13 - 14 September 2008 (Tbc)
Various venues, London
celebrating the wealth of London’s cultural heritage. Dates to be confirmed.
www.londonopenhouse.org
London Fashion Week-End
18 - 21 September 2008 (Tbc)
Showcasing the spring / summer 2008 collection, allowing the public to take part in the glamour of Fashion Week. Dates to be confirmed.
www.londonfashionweek.co.uk
