How Things Work in UK
Everything Tourists Need to Know
Tip 10–15% at sit-down restaurants if service was good. Check for a service charge already on the bill. No tipping expected at pubs when ordering at the bar.
Updated 2025-01
Use contactless card or Apple/Google Pay on London's Tube and buses — no need for an Oyster card. Outside London, trains are expensive; book far in advance.
Updated 2025-01
The NHS provides emergency care to all. EU citizens use the EHIC/GHIC card. Non-EU tourists are charged. Travel insurance is recommended for all.
Updated 2025-01
UK laws are generally familiar to Western tourists. Note: knife-carrying laws are strict, drugs are illegal, and social media harassment can be prosecuted.
Updated 2025-01
Emergency: 999 (or 112). Non-emergency police: 101. NHS non-emergency medical: 111.
Updated 2025-01
The UK is very relaxed about clothing. Dress smart-casual for upscale restaurants and clubs. Carry a waterproof — rain is frequent and unpredictable.
Updated 2025-01
Drinking age is 18. Alcohol is sold at supermarkets, off-licences, and pubs. Drinking in public is legal in most areas. Pub last orders typically at 11pm.
Updated 2025-01
Fixed prices everywhere in retail. Bargaining is acceptable at market stalls, car boot sales, and with private sellers. Some room for negotiation on large purchases.
Updated 2025-01
Photography in public spaces is broadly legal in the UK. No law against photographing in public, but private properties and some government sites are restricted.
Updated 2025-01
Large shops open shorter Sunday hours (typically 10am–4pm or 11am–5pm). Pubs and restaurants normal hours. Bank Holidays see widespread closures.
Updated 2025-01
Uber, Bolt, and Ola all operate across the UK; London's iconic black cabs are metered and trustworthy but expensive.
Updated 2025-06
Tap water throughout the UK is excellent quality and completely safe to drink straight from the tap.
Updated 2025-06
UK ATMs are widespread and free at supermarkets and post offices; contactless payments up to £100 are the norm but some small venues still require cash.
Updated 2025-06
Buy a UK SIM at the airport or Argos for instant data; Three's £10 tourist SIM offers excellent value, and Airalo eSIMs work well before you land.
Updated 2025-06
The UK uses Type G (3-pin square) plugs at 230V/50Hz — virtually all visitors except those from Ireland need an adapter.
Updated 2025-06
The UK has a low scam culture overall, but London tourists should watch for ticket touts, fake gold rings, aggressive charity collectors, and pickpockets on the Underground.
Updated 2025-06
The UK is generally very safe for tourists; the main risks are pickpocketing on the London Underground and avoiding a small number of rough urban areas after dark.
Updated 2025-06
Queuing is sacred, 'sorry' is said constantly, and pub etiquette means ordering at the bar — understanding these unwritten rules makes a huge difference.
Updated 2025-06
English is spoken everywhere, but British vocabulary differs from American English and strong regional accents can be genuinely challenging for visitors.
Updated 2025-06
UK beaches are beautiful but water is cold year-round; RNLI lifeguards patrol popular beaches and rip currents are the main swimming danger.
Updated 2025-06
Drive on the left; speed is in mph not km/h; central London has a daily congestion charge; and motorway etiquette requires keeping left except when overtaking.
Updated 2025-06
VAT is included in displayed prices; service charge may be added separately; and British food culture spans the Full English, fish and chips, Sunday roast, and a world-class curry scene.
Updated 2025-06
The UK is highly diverse with active mosques, Sikh gurdwaras, Hindu temples, and historic churches — most welcome respectful visitors; remove shoes at mosques, gurdwaras, and Hindu temples.
Updated 2025-06
June to August offers the warmest weather and longest days; rain is possible in any month so always carry a waterproof layer.
Updated 2025-06
London's national museums are all free, supermarket meal deals offer great-value lunches, and railcards give 30% off train travel across the country.
Updated 2025-06