Language:
The official language is English. There are many local dialects throughout the country, influenced by class, and town and country accents. In the larger cities, particularly London, there are many communities who do not speak English as a first language, or who speak patois.
National Emergency Numbers:
Dial 112 or 999 if you have an emergency.
Public Holidays:
The dates of certain public holidays change from year to year – refer below. If a public holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, then the Monday is also declared a public holiday.
Jan. 01 – New Year’s Day
Apr. 14 – Good Friday (Date varies every year, falls on the Friday before Easter)
Apr. 17 – Easter Monday (Date varies every year, falls on the Monday after Easter)
May 01 – Early May BankHoliday (Date varies every year, falls on the first monday in May)
May 29 – Spring Bank Holiday (Date varies every year, falls on the last Monday in May)
Aug. 28 – Summer Bank Holiday (Date varies every year, falls on the last Monday in August)
Dec. 25 – Christmas Day
Dec. 26 – Boxing Day
Social conventions:
The monarchy, though now only symbolic politically, is a powerful and often subconscious unifying force. Members of the Royal Family are the subject of unceasing fascination, with their every move avidly followed and reported by the popular press, both in the UK and abroad.
Handshaking is customary when introduced to someone for the first time. One kiss on the cheek is gaining popularity for close friends. Normal social courtesies should be observed when visiting someone's home and a small present such as flowers or chocolates is appreciated. It is polite to wait until everyone has been served before eating.
Clothing: Some nightclubs and restaurants do not allow jeans and trainers, otherwise casual wear is widely acceptable. For business, a suit and tie should be worn, although in some workplaces an open neck is acceptable.
Use of public places: Topless sunbathing is allowed on certain beaches and tolerated in some parks. Smoking is banned in all enclosed public places, including stations, pubs and restaurants, throughout the UK.
Time Zone:
The United Kingdom is on Greenwich Mean Time and is 5 hours ahead of USA Eastern Time Zone.
Tipping
Gratuities are left to your discretion and always appreciated. It is our recommendation that the quality of service should determine the extent of any gratuity. We are pleased to provide you with the following guidelines. Please feel free to offer more if you receive superlative service.
Driver guides
About €50 – €120 per day.
Biking guides would be at the higher end of this scale
Drivers & One Day Guides
About €35 – €50 per day.
Important the driver guide or driver will normally remove himself at meal times. However this time can be awkward for both guides and clients so if the clients would like to invite the guide or driver to join them they should make it very clear and would be expected to pay for the meal.
Hotels
Service is always included and in general no tips are expected but they are welcome nonetheless. For excellent or unusual services a few Euros (the classic "fiver", a €5 note) are appropriate left for the housemaid or the porter who brings your bags up.
Pubs
If you try to tip in a pub you'll more than likely earn a happy but incredulous stare!
Restaurants
Generally there are three options, outlined on the menu.
• A Service Charge of x % will apply" – this means what it says, your final bill will be subject to an additional charge; no further tips are necessary.
• "Service included" – this means that the prices are a flat rate, no tips are required and the prices are final. Again if the server has been attentive a €5 or €10 left on the table will always be appreciated.
• If none of these apply servers will usually expect a tip of around 10-15%
Taxis
Taxi drivers expect a 10% tip on the fare.
Transfers
For a short Airport Transfer €5-10 is sufficient. For longer transfers €10-30.
US Embassy
Mailing Address: 24 Grosvenor Square, London W1A 2LQ, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 20 7499 9000
Website: london.usembassy.gov