🇬🇧 United Kingdom · GBP
The UK is one of the most card- and contactless-friendly places in the world, and you can travel almost entirely cashless. The pound sterling is the currency throughout, but be aware that Scotland and Northern Ireland issue their own distinct banknotes.
The pound (GBP) has 100 pence, with notes of £5, £10, £20 and £50, all now polymer. Coins include 1p, 2p, 5p, 10p, 20p, 50p, £1 and £2. Scottish and Northern Irish banks issue their own valid notes; they're legal currency but occasionally refused by uninformed retailers in England, so spend them locally if possible.
Contactless cards and phones are accepted virtually everywhere, including buses, the Tube and small shops, and many places are effectively cashless. London transport in particular works best by simply tapping a contactless card or phone. Cash is rarely essential, though a little is handy for markets, some pubs and small independents.
City-centre exchange shops in places like London can offer good rates, especially competitive ones away from prime tourist spots. Compare advertised rates and check for commission, as the headline number isn't always the whole story. Often the easiest value is to skip cash exchange and pay by card or withdraw from an ATM.
Exchange desks at Heathrow, Gatwick and other UK airports are notorious for poor rates and have some of the widest margins around. Avoid changing meaningful amounts there; if you need cash, use an in-terminal bank ATM instead. Better still, rely on contactless and skip airport exchange altogether.
ATMs (cashpoints) are common, and machines run by major banks are typically free to use. Avoid independent ATMs that display a usage charge, often found in convenience stores. Always decline the machine's offer to convert to your home currency and choose to be charged in pounds.
Tipping is more modest than in the US. In restaurants, around 10-12.5% is customary, but many bills already add a 'discretionary service charge', so check before adding more. You don't tip at the bar in pubs, and tipping taxis is usually just rounding up the fare.
Watch for the optional service charge already on restaurant bills so you don't double-tip. Decline DCC at card terminals and ATMs to avoid inflated conversion. Use ATMs in well-lit, busy spots and be alert to distraction tactics at machines in tourist areas.
You can comfortably travel with very little cash thanks to near-universal contactless acceptance. A small amount of pounds covers the rare cash-only pub, market stall or tip. Withdraw from a bank ATM if needed rather than exchanging large sums in advance.
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