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Entry Requirements and Procedures
PASSPORTS & VISAS
- A valid passport is needed; a visa is not required
- Apply on-line: US State Department
What to Pack
WEATHER
- Jan. & Feb. are usually the coldest and snow is not unusual, particularly in Scotland and northern parts of England and Wales
- Summer temps. avg. 70-75 degrees F
- Dress codes similar to America's
VOLTAGE
- Electrical voltage is 230v, 50 cycles
- Three square-pronged adapter plug and/or electric converter for appliances required
COMPUTERS
- Many hotels have modem link
- Internal Laptop modems may require special software to detect foreign dial tones
OTHER
- Cancellation policy: Most hotels, guest houses and places that offer accommodation in Britain operate a strict cancellation period, based on their ability to re-book your room
USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS
- 999 - Emergency: Fire, Ambulance, Police
- 100 - Operator
- 123 - Time
- 150 - Customer Services
- 155 - International Operator
CELL PHONES
- US mobile cell phone will not work
- you can rent mobile cell phones through car rental
agencies i.e. AutoEurope Mobile phones can also be rented for use in Britain plus other European countries
CALLING HOME
- Phonecards available from post offices & other outlets such as newsagents
- To US direct, dial 00 1 followed by area code and number
- Or reach a USA operator through:
AT&T, USA Direct: 0800 89 0011
MCI, Call USA: 0800 89 0222
USA Sprint Global 1: 0800 89 0877
CALLING BRITAIN FROM THE US
- dial international code, 011, and then country code, 44, next drop the first "0" from the UK number you are calling:
e.g.: 011 44 020 7 xxx xxxx is dialled: 011 44 20 7 xxx xxxx from the US
New Telephone Codes
- Telephone numbers listed with prefix (0171) or (0181) are now (020) with "7" or "8" in front of last seven digits
- Other City code changes are:
Portsmouth
(01705) is now (023) 92 xx xxxx
Southampton
(01703) is now (023) 80 xx xxxx
Coventry
(01203) is now (024) 76 xx xxxx
Cardiff
(01222) is now (029) 20 xx xxxx
Northern Ireland
All codes for Northern Ireland will be replaced with (028)
Local 5 and 6 digit numbers will become 8 digits:
Belfast 01232) is now (028) 90 xx xxxx
INTERNET CAFES
- Check your email, send emails or just have a browse around the Internet. "Cyber Cafes" are springing up all over the country".
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Health & Safety
Calling for Help
The UK equivalent of 911 is 999
MEDICAL
- Make sure medical insurance covers you overseas, or take out additional insurance
- The National Health Service in Britain can only offer free treatment in the event of an emergency
- For prescribed drugs, carry copy of prescription (described by the generic name) & cover letter from doctor
Currency & Taxes
SPENDING MONEY
- No restrictions on amount of money you can bring into Britain
- Only pound sterling is valid for payment
- 100 pence to the pound sterling
BANKS & BUREAU DE CHANGE
- Most banks open from 9:30am until 4:30pm, Monday to Friday
THE EURO
- Countries accepting the Euro are: Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, the Republic of Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal and Spain.
British Information Services at the British Consulate also offers more information on:
British Currency and Postage
Tel: (212) 745 0277
CREDIT CARDS
- American credit cards--Visa, MasterCard and American Express--are widely accepted
- Credit cards may not be accepted by small B&Bs, small shops or even some larger stores like Marks & Spencer which operate their own store cards
- ATM machines are available all over the UK, but check with your local bank for compatibility and charges.
TIPPING
- Service often included for hotel, restaurant or bar bill
- If tip not included, 10-15% is customary
- Tip expected for: taxi rides--10-15%, a bell boy--£1 per bag or at a beauty salon
- It is not customary to tip bartenders in Pubs
TAX, VAT Refunds
- American visitors can reclaim the 17.5% VAT, minus the administrative fee, on purchases over a minimum limit (check with the store for their limit--usually £50-£100)
- Fill out form, which sales assistant will give you, keep goods in hand luggage & show both goods & forms to VAT desk at airport or seaport on departure
- Refund check will be sent to you by mail or have refund credited to your credit card account.
- VAT refunds cannot be processed after you arrive back home in the USA.
- Refunds only apply to goods being taken out of the country, not services
- For further information call: 1 800 KNOW VAT
- More info. on VAT Refunds at British Information Services at the British Consulate for Overseas Visitors, and Refunds on Business Expenses.
Tel: (212) 745 0277
Email: Public.Enquiriew@newyork.mail.fco.gov.uk
Public Holidays
- January 1 - New Year's Day
- March 29 - Good Friday
- April 1 - Easter Monday
- May 6 - May Day
- June 3 - Queen's Golden Jubilee Holiday
- June 4 - Spring Holiday
- August 26 - Late Summer Holiday
- December 26 - Boxing Day
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