Time Difference
The United Kingdom has one time zone GMT UTC +0. It is 4 hours ahead of New York.
Money
The currency in the UK is the pound sterling (£). Notes come in four denominations: £5, £10, £20 and £50 (although £50 notes may not always be accepted in smaller establishments). Coins come in one, two, five, ten, 20 and 50 pence pieces, as well as one and two pound coins.
Electricity and Plugs
230 volts. The UK uses a Type G plug, which is different from both the EU and USA sockets. Make sure to bring an adapter with you.
Local Amenities
Large chain supermarkets like Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Waitrose are usually open from 7am – 11pm up and down the country. They usually shut at 4pm on a Sunday, while smaller shops like Tesco Express and Sainsbury’s Local stay open until 10/11pm on a Sunday. Most other shops, including clothes stores, operate on a 9–5 basis.
Media
There are a multitude of newspapers to choose from, as well as several news websites such as the BBC. There are also plenty of news channels like the BBC and Sky News.
Post
Royal Mail is the UK’s premier multinational postal and courier company. You’ll find red post boxes in front all post offices and on pavements across the country. Stamps can be purchased at post offices, corner shops and supermarkets.
Phone
UK phone numbers have +44 before them. If you want to call someone the old fashioned way, head to a red phone box dotted around the UK’s major cities and towns and dial from there. They can be quite costly though.
Internet
WiFi is readily available in most restaurants, shops, hotels and even some public transport.
Mobile Coverage
Mobile coverage is excellent across the UK, although in some more rural areas it can be patchy.
Currency
GBP
