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Bookmark & shareExcept for some of the smaller businesses, plastic is unlikely to cause too many furrowed brows. If all else fails, an ATM will never be far away and most are linked to major credit cards as well as the Cirrus, Maestro and Plus cash networks, but if a machine swallows your card it can be a nightmare. Most banks insist on chopping it in half and sending it back to your home branch - very helpful.
Travellers cheques are only accepted at larger hotels and, thanks to ATMs, hardly necessary these days anyway - but they are safe and widely accepted in English banks.
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Currency
- Name
- Pound Sterling
- Symbol
- £
Notes come in denominations of £5.00 , £10.00 , £20.00 and £50.00 .
Coins come in denominations of 1p, 2p, 5p, 10p, 20p, 50p, £1.00 and £2.00 .
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Changing Your Money
If changing travellers cheques or cash from your own country, change bureaus (especially in London) frequently levy outrageous commissions and fees, so make sure you establish any deductions in advance.
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Money Tips
England can be extremely expensive and London in particular can be a big drain on your funds. While in London you will need to budget at least £40.00 for bare survival (dorm accommodation, a one-day travel card and the most basic sustenance). Even moderate sightseeing or nightlife can easily add another £20.00 to this. If you stay in a hotel and eat restaurant meals you could easily spend £80.00 a day without being extravagant. Once you get out of the big smoke the costs will drop, particularly if you have a transport pass and if you cook your own meals. You'll still need at least £30.00 a day, and if you stay in B&Bs, eat one sit-down meal a day and don't stint on entry fees, you'll need about £60.00 a day.
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Sample Price Guide
- pint of lager
- £ 2.50
- movie ticket
- £ 9.00
- coffee in the West End
- £ 2.25
- cheapest ride on the Tube
- £ 4.00
- 36-exposure colour film
- £ 4.00
- taxi per km
- £ 0.90
- CD
- £ 15.00
- admission to a big-name club on a Friday
- £ 15.00
Average Room Prices
Low Mid High Deluxe £50-85 £85-150 £150-250 £250+ Average Meal Prices
Low Mid High Deluxe £5-12 £12-20 £20-35 £35+ -
Tipping
Many restaurants now add a 'discretionary' service charge to your bill, but in places that don't, you are expected to leave a 10% to 15% tip unless the service was unsatisfactory. Waiting staff are often paid derisory wages on the assumption that the money will be supplemented by tips. You never tip to have your pint pulled in a pub.
If you take a boat trip on the Thames you'll find some guides and/or drivers importuning for a tip in return for their commentary. Whether you pay is up to you. You can tip taxi drivers up to 10% but most people round up to the nearest pound.
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Disclaimer: We've tried to make the information on this web site as accurate as possible, but it is provided 'as is' and we accept no responsibility for any loss, injury or inconvenience sustained by anyone resulting from this information. You should verify critical information (like visas, health and safety, customs and transportation) with the relevant authorities before you travel.
