UK is a popular tourist destination, admired and well liked for the country’s cultural, historical and recreational importance. A visit to the UK can indeed be a unique experience for any traveler, be it a novice or a well experienced tourist. The people of the UK are very friendly and supportive too, adding more joy to your visit to this country of the mid west.
When you plan to visit the UK, there are a number of factors that needs to be taken care of, in order to have a smooth and uneventful travel experience. As necessary for any overseas travel, a visit to the UK too needs to be planned in advance, with special emphasis to government rules and regulations. This article aims at providing you some useful tips to make your visit to the UK more comfortable and an enjoyable experience.
Entry Requirements
This is the initial step that should be taken care of in your travel plans. Entry requirements vary according to the country from which you plan to enter the UK and also on your nationality. Some countries may not require a Visa for entering the UK, but others would. You will definitely need a valid passport or other documentation for confirming your identity and nationality. To obtain exact information on documents you need for your travel, you can contact your travel agent or the British Embassy/High Commission/Consulate in your locality..
Entry Method
You can travel to UK either by air, boat or rail, depending on your location. Air travel is the most popular, while rail travel is the cheapest and most convenient, especially for Europeans. UK has a comprehensive airline system, with air links to almost every country in the world, with close to 20 international airports in operation. Amongst them, Heathrow in London is the busiest and most popular international airport in the world. The capital itself has 4 main airports, while Northern Ireland can be reached via Cardiff, and Wales and Scotland by Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen. There is a well organized transport service from all UK airports to the rest of the country too.
The Channel Tunnel links UK with Europe. There are high speed rail services from France and Belgium to London and ‘Eurostar’ is the international passenger train service. You can even carry your vehicle to the UK, via the Eurotunnel shuttle service which operates from Calaris in France and Folkestone in UK.
You can also reach or depart the UK by sea, via the comprehensive ferry service which operates from many European destinations as well as other locations. There is also an ocean liner service in place, which operates from New York.
Safety Tips
Ensure your travel insurance covers adequate health facilities in the UK. Some countries have special agreements for free hospital treatment whilst in the UK. Ensure you are aware of such offers before your travel. If not make sure you obtain travel insurance for the duration of your visit.
Make it a point to obtain all required vaccinations before entering the UK. These requirements may vary according to the country of entry. Contact your local mission for specific instructions.
Brining of pets to the UK is under strict scrutiny. As UK is a rabies free country, all animals entering the UK may need to undergo quarantine procedures, except for those countries qualified for the Pet Travel Scheme.
Currency Tips
The currency of the UK is the Sterling Pound (£).
There are 100 pence to one pound and money comes in £5, £10, £20 and £50 notes, as well as 1p, 2p, 5p, 10p, 20p, 50p, £1 and £2 coins.
Scotland, Isle of Man and the Channel Islands have different notes and coins, but the same currency system.
Money can be withdrawn from many foreign banks that have an efficient system for tourist convenience. Automated teller machines are also very popular in the UK.
Money exchange is possible at all banks, airports, major hotels and other money exchangers. Ensure you are aware of the current exchange rates
Standard International Credit Cards are accepted in the UK, such as MasterCard, Visa, Access and American Express.
Other Useful Tips
You can contact your family and loved ones via post, public phone, mobile phone, the internet and fax. Payphones are widespread, while pre-paid phone-cards are also in popularity. Airmail and surface mail is useful for sending letters as well as packages.
You can reclaim your Value Added Taxes (VAT) for certain items you purchase via the Retail Export Scheme. They operate at tax free shops found all over the country. The VAT is at 17.5% in the UK.
Driving in UK is on the left side of the road, while overtaking is on the right. The Highway Code (which can be obtained at any bookshop) gives detailed road rules and tips. Seat belts are a must while driving.
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