Ultimate Guide to Visiting England
Those planning a trip to England will have a lot to look forward to seeing and doing. The most important thing is that you prepare for the experiences that await you by understanding a few things that make England unique. Use this guide to visiting England as a tool for learning a little more about one of the most visited countries in the world.
What You Should Know Before Visiting England?
When traveling to England, you should first have a good understanding of the United Kingdom.
England is the country itself, Great Britain refers to England, Scotland and Wales, and the United Kingdom is all of Great Britain along with Northern Ireland
You don’t need a car when you are in England.
Nearly every place you would like to go can be traveled to via the Underground or by train.
Tickets are available in train stations (can be purchased in person or through an automatic machine) and you can find train times online.
It’s common knowledge that everyone drives on the left.
What you may not realize is that you should also walk on the left (this includes escalators & stairs).
When it comes to etiquette, you will want to make sure that you mind your manners.
This is especially true when you are lining up. Brits call waiting in line “queuing” and they have no tolerance for line jumpers.
You Will Need an ETA to Travel to the UK
Starting January 8, 2025, most people traveling to the United Kingdom for short visits, tourism, or business, including those just passing through UK airports, will need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) if they do not have a UK visa or legal residency in the UK or the Republic of Ireland.
The EA allows you to travel to the UK to visit for up to 6 months.
This change is part of the UK’s move towards a digital border system.
It costs £10 to apply.
What Currency Does England Use?
The official currency of England is the pound sterling (£). Bank notes are available in £5, £10, £20 and £50 denominations.
Each note has a distinct color. Coins come in 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 pence, £1 and £2 increments. Visa and Mastercard are also widely accepted.
Unlike in Europe, It is customary to leave 10-15% tip when dining out. No need to tip at a bar.
What are the different dialects in England?
While England does speak English, there are different regional dialects including Cockney, Scouse, and Geordie.
Think of it from an American perspective it is like having a Southern, Midwestern or Boston accent.
And while they do speak English, some words hold different meanings in England than they do in the United States.
Adapters for the UK
UK outlets use a Type G Plug.
Great Britain outlets typically use a three rectangular prong format in a triangular pattern whereas American plugs have only two flat prongs.
In order to get your device to charge or work, you will need the right converter.
If you are someone who travels with your hair dryer or straightener, you will need a separate voltage converter that can handle the wattage that it takes for heated appliances.
We usually purchase at least one universal adapter that has the ability to work for multiple countries outlets. That is because if you have a layover and need to charge your device, you will want to have one you can use in any airport.
Consider Purchasing the English Overseas Visitor Heritage Pass
When traveling to various sites in England, you might find that it is best to purchase the English Overseas Heritage Pass.
For a flat fee, you get entry to over 100 historic sites & 300 attractions.
This certainly pays for itself if you plan on visiting many of the most famous sites in England!
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