The currency of the United Kingdom is the British Pound, with one Pound equalling 100 pence. Notes come in denominations of £50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of £2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 pence. Bank notes issued by Scottish banks are legal tender throughout the UK. Notes and coinage from Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man are legal tender throughout Britain, but there may be trouble using them in some places – banks will exchange them freely.

Money can be exchanged easily at banks, airports, hotels and bureaus. Traveller’s cheques are accepted widely, and it is recommended they are made out in Pounds Sterling to avoid additional conversion charges.

ATMs are widely available, and major international credit and debit cards are accepted.

See:

Visa:              http://www.visa.com/atms/

MasterCard:  http://www.mastercard.com/cardholderservices/atm/

The import and export of both domestic and foreign currency is unlimited.

Business

General banking hours in most areas are from 0930 to 1630 Mondays to Fridays, with some banks opening longer hours, at weekends and even 24 hours. Shopping hours are generally from 0900 to 1730 Mondays to Saturdays, with many larger stores opening longer hours – sometimes 24 hours.

Business is conducted formally, and a firm handshake is the preferred method of greeting. General politeness and usual customs apply.

Tipping is not mandatory, though many hotel and restaurant bills add around 15 percent automatically – this can be opted out of. Taxi drivers and bar staff are tipped discretionally.