Welcome to United Kingdom (UK) 😊

Quick Facts About United Kingdom (UK)

Money and Finances

The currency in the UK is the pound sterling (GBP). Coins are available in denominations of 1p, 2p, 5p, 10p, 20p, 50p, £1 and £2. Notes are available in denominations of £5, £10, £20, and £50.

ATM Network

ATM machines are widely available in the UK. Most towns and cities have ATMs that accept major international credit and debit cards.

Credit Cards

Credit cards are widely accepted throughout the UK and are generally easy to use. Visa, Mastercard, and AMEX are all widely accepted, though some smaller businesses may only accept cash or have minimum purchase amounts for card transactions.

Internet and Phones

The United Kingdom has an average internet speed of 64.94 Mbps for downloads and 18.57 Mbps for uploads. There is no government interference in internet usage.

Phone Plans and SIM Cards

The main telco companies in the United Kingdom are EE, O2, Vodafone, and Three. The average cost of a mobile phone plan ranges from £10 to £50 per month. SIM cards are compatible with most phones.

Dialling to United Kingdom (UK)

To call the United Kingdom from another country, dial +44 followed by the area code and local number. The area codes used when dialing within the country are 01 for London, 02 for other large cities, and 03 for smaller cities and towns.

Transport Around United Kingdom (UK)

Air Travel

The UK has several major airports including Heathrow, Gatwick, and Manchester airport. These airports provide connections to destinations across the globe.

Train Travel

The UK has a well-developed inter-city train network, with major operators such as Virgin Trains, Great Western Railway, and East Midlands Trains. Examples of journey times include London to Manchester in 2 hours and 7 minutes, and London to Edinburgh in 4 hours and 20 minutes. Example ticket prices range from £30 to £150 depending on the destination and time of booking.

Metro / Local Trains

The UK has several cities with local train networks, including London's Underground and the Tyne and Wear Metro in Newcastle. These services provide efficient transport within the city.

Buses

The UK has numerous bus companies, including National Express and Megabus, providing connections between major cities and towns. Example ticket prices range from £5 to £25 depending on the destination and time of booking. Journey times can vary depending on traffic.

Rideshare

The UK has several rideshare companies including Uber and Lyft, which operate in major cities. Prices can vary depending on the distance and time of day, but average around £10-£20 for a short journey within the city.

Driving by Car

Driving in the UK is relatively easy for those used to driving on the left-hand side of the road. The UK has speed limits of 30mph in residential areas, 60mph on single-carriageway roads, and 70mph on dual-carriageways and motorways. There are also a number of toll roads around the country.

Local Customs

In the United Kingdom, tipping is common in restaurants, bars, and for taxi drivers, with around 10-15% of the total bill being a standard amount. Locals often greet each other with a handshake or a small wave, though some may use a nod or a bow depending on the situation. It is common to address strangers with a polite 'please' or 'thank you', and men and women typically address each other with the same level of formality.

Health and Diseases

Medical System

The health system in the UK is publicly funded and free at the point of use for residents and visitors. However, visitors may need to pay for some treatments and may need travel insurance to cover any costs. The cost for a visit to a general practitioner (GP) is around £50-£80. Private healthcare is also available but can be expensive.

COVID Situation

The UK handled the COVID-19 pandemic by implementing lockdowns, testing and tracing measures, and vaccination programs. As of September 2021, the vaccination rate is high with over 70% of the population fully vaccinated. However, the country has seen a rise in cases due to the Delta variant and restrictions may still be in place.

Common Health Risks

Common health risks in the UK include food poisoning, especially from improperly cooked meats and contaminated water, as well as the common cold and flu. Visitors should also be aware of the presence of ticks in certain areas, which can cause Lyme disease.

Laws and Regulations

Alcohol Consumption

In the UK, the legal drinking age is 18. There are also specific laws on where alcohol can be consumed, with public drinking being prohibited in some areas. Drinking and driving is also strictly prohibited.

Recreational Drugs

The UK has strict laws on drug use, possession and trafficking. All recreational drugs, including cannabis, are illegal. Offences related to drugs can result in fines, imprisonment or deportation for non-UK citizens.

Pre-Marital Relationships

There are no specific laws regarding pre-marital relationships in the UK. Adults have the right to engage in consensual sexual activities with one another.

LGBTQ and Same-Sex

The UK has legal protections for LGBTQ individuals, including legalizing same-sex marriage in 2014. Discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity is illegal.

Firearms / Guns

Gun ownership in the UK is highly restricted and guns are primarily reserved for use by the police and military. Private ownership of guns is allowed but requires a license, which is heavily regulated.