In England the standard voltage is 230 V. The standard frequency is 50 Hz. The power sockets that are used are type G which is compatible with three flat pronged plugs. You can use your electric appliances in England if the standard voltage in your country is in between 220V – 240V (as in the UK, Europe, Australia and most of Asia and Africa). If not, a voltage converter will be necessary.

Currency

Britain’s unit of currency is the Great British Pound (sterling) – abbreviated to GBP. The symbol for the pound sterling is £. British money is based on the decimal system – there are one hundred pence to each pound. Coins have the values of 1p, 2p, 5p, 10p, 20p, 50p, £1 and £2. Notes have the values of £5, £10, £20 and £50.

Foreign currency can easily be exchanged at banks, post offices, some hotels and Bureau de Change kiosks, which are found at international airports and most city centres.

Banking

Banks are generally open from 09:30 to 16:30 Monday to Friday. However, opening hours are can differ considerably from branch to branch. All banks are closed on public holidays. Many banks have 24-hour banking lobbies where you can access a range of services via machines. Visitors from overseas should check with their own bank whether they will be able to gain access to these facilities.

You’ll find ATMs at most banks, high streets and shopping centres. You can use international credit cards, debit cards and bank cards at ATMs providing they have a four-digit PIN encoded. As a general rule, any cash machine that displays the Visa badge can be used by Plus cardholders and those displaying the MasterCard badge can be used by Cirrus cardholders.

All credit cards that bear the Visa, MasterCard or American Express logo are widely accepted in Britain. If your card does not bear one of these logos, you should ask the retailer in advance if you can use it.

Standards of hygiene in relation to food health and safety in England are generally high in hotels, restaurants, pubs and nightspots. Restaurants are subject to food safety control legislation, which is implemented by local government. Regulations include certification and regular inspections by health inspectors to ensure hygienic standards are maintained.

It is safe to eat fresh fruit, vegetables and salads, and to put ice in your drinks. England's fish, meat and chicken are of excellent quality, so there is no need to limit yourself when enjoying the local cuisine.

The most recognizable meal is the traditional English breakfast, which includes: eggs, bacon, sausages, grilled tomatoes, mushrooms, tea, and toast with marmalade. You cannot talk about food in the United Kingdom without mentioning tea, as the average Brit drinks three cups of tea per day. Fish and chips have been a traditional meal since 1865. Lightly battered and then fried until crispy, cod and haddock are the most common types of fish used.

Tap water throughout England is safe to drink and cook with when taken from taps in urban areas. Not all tap water in rural areas is safe for consumption, so take precautions if necessary.

On the foodie front, specialties include jams, marmalades and fruit chutneys, whilst legendary cakes such as Victoria sponge and gingerbread are perennial favorites and tea is a national drink. Farmers' markets up and down the country are the places to buy home-grown treasures. Borough market in London, and the Bristol Farmers market on Corn Street are good hunting grounds, whilst Windchester farmer's market is the largest in the country.

Recommended Restaurants in London

Roast, (tel. +44 845 034 7300)

Based in Britain's oldest food market, Roast is dedicated to the best of British cooking using the country's finest seasonal produce. Dishes range from the traditional like roast beef and also features a wide selections of seafood and organic salads. Open for breakfast lunch and dinner Monday to Saturday, Brunch on Saturday and for Sunday lunch.

Simpson’s-in-the-Strand, (tel. +44 20 7836 9112)

Only the finest seasonal ingredients are used by Master Cook Gerry Rae in a Bill of Fare that offers a wide range of classical dishes, including Roast Beef and Lamb, and game in season. Roasts are carved at guests’ tables, from antique silver-domed trolleys, by Simpson's Master Carvers in a perfect example of restaurant theatre. Simpson's also serves the Great British Breakfast on weekdays, with the 'Ten Deadly Sins' for trencherman appetites.

Corrigan’s Mayfair, (tel. +44 (0)844 556 0706)

Fusing seasonal produce with Chef Patron Richard Corrigan’s unmistakable flair, Corrigan's Mayfair offers honest, no-nonsense food in one of the city’s most enviable postcodes. Inspired by Corrigan’s humble, rural upbringing, the homely dishes come in generous portions and are accompanied by an exciting wine list.

Spaghetti House, (tel. +44 (0)20 7437 2503)

This intimate restaurant is located in the heart of Oxford Street/Regent. From breakfast to snacks to full meals, the food and wine is of the highest quality, with outside seating to graze in the sun. Modern Italian with traditional 'home favorites'. Enjoy breakfast with Italian fruit breads, or crispy pancetta and egg. Throughout the rest of day sample pasta with home-made sauces, stone-baked pizza, healthy and hearty salads. Fish and meat mains from baked salmon or sea bass to lemon veal escalope. Don’t forget to try the delicious home-made tiramisu and gelati!

The Northall, (tel. +44 20 7321 3100)

Led by Executive Head Chef Garry Hollihead, The Northall celebrates the Great British Kitchen. Showcasing the breadth of Britain’s culinary strengths, the menu focuses on seasonality, sustainability, and traceability through close relationships with artisan producers. The breath-taking dining room sees plush burnt orange leather offset by glittering mirrored panels and expansive picture windows, whilst two Private Dining areas offer privacy for special celebrations and corporate events. The Northall Bar, featuring a marble island, offers the epitome of chic in London and offers an all-day light lunch and dinner menu for the casual diner.

Spring is from March to May and is cool and dry. Noonday highs can become quite warm, particularly as summer approaches. However, snow is still possible, right up until the middle of April. Temperatures range between about 32°F and 50°F during the English spring time.

Between June and August, England experiences its highest temperatures. While this is the driest season, localised thunderstorms can occur – usually in the southern, eastern and central parts of the country. The south eastern parts of England generally experience higher noonday temperatures, which reach around 90°F at the hottest, while most days average around 60°F to 70°F.

Autumn occurs between September and November and produces unstable weather conditions throughout England. Different pressure systems and cold air creates an increased amount of precipitation. Autumn temperatures range between about 32°F and 55°F.

The cold winter lasts from December until February. This is a very wet and windy season and snowfall is common in many parts of England. Temperatures can range from as low as 32°F to 50°F, with very chilly winds.

London Heathrow is one of the busiest airports in the world with many flights arriving daily from all corners of the globe. Travel to England is easy! And, once you're there, there are plenty of transport options to get you around.

If you want to get around England fast then you’ll find all the main cities are covered by a range of airlines. However, because England is a reasonably small country many people rent a car or take a train or bus to different regions. There are plenty of discount rail passes available to overseas travelers offering unlimited travel on the network.

All towns and cities have bus services, and many cities have rail as well as taxi services. London transport options are excellent and you can choose from the underground (tube), overground trains, buses, taxis, even boats and trams.

Like most of Western Europe there is no dress code as such and really anything is acceptable. Smart casual clothes will help you fit right in. In the UK jeans are worn by everyone – young and old alike – and, unless you are visiting more upscale restaurants, they are perfectly acceptable to wear everywhere. But a few upmarket London venues and country hotels do still have a 'smart' dress code which is enforced (no jeans or sneakers, jacket and tie for men) so check if you plan to dine in these places. Unless you are staying at a hotel with a swimming pool, or intend visiting a spa, or the beach in high summer – leave your swimsuit at home as you're unlikely to need it. If you are hitting the beaches, regular swimwear / a bikini is fine for swimming on the hottest days (July and August), but in spring and Fall wetsuits are popular (short or full length) to keep out the chill. From October to March it will be just too cold to swim, except for the very hardy!

Please consult your health-care provider 4-6 weeks prior to travel to ensure you are receiving all required vaccinations, and that the medication has enough time to take effect. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance with medical benefits, and that you bring any personal medication with you. Please also check with your health department prior to departure for any changes in health regulations.

Recommended Immunizations/Vaccinations:
• Routine vaccines – recommended for all travellers
• Hepatitis A – recommended for all travellers over one year of age
• Hepatitis B – if not previously vaccinated
• Rabies – recommended for travellers spending a lot of time outdoors

The United Kingdom is safe in general. We recommend normal precautions be taken as you would for any city in the world. Be aware of your surroundings and stay in well-lit areas. Don’t flash wealth. If you have items of sentimental value, leave it at home. Visitors should avoid all political gatherings and demonstrations.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Make copies of all your important documents such as passports, driver’s licenses, credit cards, etc. Keep copies with you and back at home. If anything is lost or stolen this will be a lifesaver.

Passport:
Passports must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended departure date. Please ensure you have at least one blank visa page (not endorsement pages) in your passport.

Visa:
U.S. citizens staying under 90 days do not require a visa. Non U.S. citizens should consult with your local embassy.

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