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Banking
Core banking hours are 9.30-4pm Monday to Friday. Some banks are open later and on Saturday mornings. ATMs are widely available inside and outside bank locations, in supermarkets and at other strategic locations.
Clothing
The British weather is unpredictable at any time, so dress in layers and always carry an umbrella. A raincoat is advisable at any time of year, and a warmer coat from December to March.
Climate
London has cool winters and warm summers with average daytime temperatures ranging from 8-23C (47-73F). It is often cloudy, with drizzle and rain throughout the year.
Credit Cards
All major credit cards are widely accepted in shops, gas stations, hotels, restaurants and ticket offices.
Some pubs and coffee shops may request cash. Checks are rarely used in England.
Currency
The United Kingdom’s currency is the pound sterling, not the Euro. Coins come in denominations of 1p, 2p, 5p, 10p, 20p, 50p, £1, £2. Notes are £5, £10, £20, £50. Forgeries are common in larger notes, so check for a watermark and that the silver foil line appears solid when held to the light. It should feel like crisp banknote paper, not smooth photocopy paper.
Electricity
British electricity is a powerful 230-240v and uses three pin plugs. Using British power in US appliances will blow them without a transformer.
Emergency
To call police, ambulance or fire departments in an emergency dial 999.
Legal
You must be 18 or over to buy alcohol in a supermarket or a pub.
Radio
Tune in to FM105.8 for London pop culture and topical discussion with Absolut Radio, formerly Virgin Radio.
Sales Tax
Sales tax is included in all prices shown. It is never added at the cash register. VAT is usually 17.5%.
Sunday Trading
Stores over 3000 square feet, 280m2 are only allowed to trade for six hours on Sundays. Large stores usually do not open until noon on Sundays and close at 6pm. Small shops and gas stations are open as normal.
Time
London is on Greenwich Mean Time (you can stand on the time line!) but goes forward one hour from March to October for BST British Summer Time.
Tipping
Tipping in Britain is usually 10% for good service in restaurants and taxis. Porters expect £1-2.
When to Visit
The high tourist season is from June to September and the low season in January and February when hotels and theatre tickets are cheaper and/or more available.
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