Snowdonia & the Llŷn in detail
Money and Costs
Currency
Pound, also called ‘pound sterling’ (£)
Daily Costs
Budget: Less than £50
- Dorm bed: £14–23
- Cheap meal in a cafe or pub: £3–10
- Bus ticket (less than 100 miles): up to £18
Midrange: £50–120
- Double room in a hotel/B&B: £65–130
- Main course in a midrange restaurant: £10–20
- Castle admission: £4–11
- Car rental: per day from £30
Top end: More than £120
- Luxury hotel or boutique B&B room: from £130
- Three-course meal in a top restaurant: £20–50
- Theatre ticket: £10–50
Bargaining
Haggling is practically nonexistent in Wales; expect to pay the marked price.
Money
ATMs are widely available. Major credit cards such as Visa and MasterCard are accepted in most but not all hotels and restaurants.
ATMs
Nearly all banks in Wales have ATMs linked to international systems such as Cirrus, Maestro or Plus. However, an increasing number of ATMs, especially the ones you find in small shops and at service stations, will charge for withdrawal (at least £1.50). It's best to avoid these and simply seek out a regular ATM that offers free withdrawals.
Cash
The currency in Wales is the pound sterling (£) and Wales has the same major banks as the rest of the UK. There are 1p, 2p, 5p, 10p, 20p, 50p, £1 and £2 coins and £5, £10, £20 and £50 notes.
Changing Money
Most banks and larger post offices can change foreign currency; US dollars and euros are the easiest currencies to change.
Credit Cards
Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted in Wales (American Express and Diners Club less so), although some smaller businesses and B&Bs may prefer payment in cash. If your credit card is lost or stolen, contact the relevant provider.
Exchange Rates
| Australia | A$1 | £0.49 |
| Canada | C$1 | £0.52 |
| Europe | €1 | £0.76 |
| Japan | ¥100 | £0.62 |
| New Zealand | NZ$1 | £0.46 |
| USA | US$1 | £0.68 |
For current exchange rates, see www.xe.com.
Tipping
There is absolutely no obligation to tip in Wales, even if a 'service charge' has been automatically added to your bill (although this is still uncommon in Wales). Tips are only left if the service is particularly good or at least satisfactory.
Restaurants, cafes and bars with table service Up to 10% for good service. If you order at the bar or counter, you're not expected to tip.
Taxis Fares are often rounded up.