United Kingdom Currency Guide
The United Kingdom is one of the top tourist destinations for visitors from all over the world. Famous for its rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant nightlife, the United Kingdom is a truly magical place to visit. From the lively city of London to the stunning scenery of Scotland, the United Kingdom is sure to make you fall in love with its many charms, whether you’re looking to explore centuries-old castles or simply enjoy a pint of ale in a traditional pub.
Taking Travel Money to United Kingdom
If you’re travelling to the United Kingdom, you’ll need to exchange your Australian dollars (AUD) for British pounds (GBP) before you leave.
Is it better to convert currency in Australia or the United Kingdom?
When travelling to the United Kingdom, it’s generally better to exchange your currency in Australia. The Australian Dollar (AUD) is considered less common in the UK, which can lead to less favourable exchange rates and additional fees if you wait to convert overseas. By securing British Pounds (GBP) before you depart, you’ll get a better rate and avoid the hassle of searching for an exchange that accepts AUD. With your travel funds ready, you can enjoy your UK adventure from the moment you arrive, knowing your budget is optimised and set.
How much cash can I take to the United Kingdom?
If you plan to visit Northern Ireland and carry more than €10,000 (or equivalent) in currency, you must follow the regulations for transporting currency into Northern Ireland.
If you’re carrying cash of £10,000 or more between Great Britain (England, Scotland, and Wales) and a country outside the UK, you must notify customs.
If you’re travelling as a family or group with more than £10,000 in total (even if individuals are travelling less than the amount), you must still declare it. The deadline for making a declaration is 72 hours before your journey begins.
Where to convert currency?
Crown Currency Exchange is Australia’s largest and leading foreign exchange provider. With over 20 years of experience in ensuring our customers have the exact currencies needed to get the most from their travel adventures, we offer great rates on foreign currency and exceptional customer service. You can collect your foreign currencies from over 60 stores across Australia and get your travel money on the spot, locking in a fantastic exchange rate. Our stores are located nationwide in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Canberra, Adelaide, Tasmania & Perth.
What should you budget per day?
Budget
When travelling on a shoestring, you’ll need at least £80 GBP per day. You’ll be staying in hostel dorms, making all your own meals, limiting your alcohol consumption, riding the bus between towns, and taking advantage of the many free attractions across the country in order to stick to your budget (free museums, parks, beaches, etc.). To give yourself a little breathing room, we would recommend increasing your daily budget by an additional £10 to £15.
Moderate
If you have a daily budget of approximately £180 GBP, you can treat yourself to a private hostel room or Airbnb, take advantage of cheap eats at pubs or fast food stalls, cook some meals yourself, use public transportation for intercity travel (if booked in advance), allow for a few alcoholic drinks and the occasional taxi ride, as well as visiting paid attractions like The London Eye and the Tower of London.
Luxury
On a luxurious budget of £350+ per day, you can enjoy all the comforts and conveniences that the United Kingdom has to offer. Stay in a nice hotel or upscale Airbnb, take cabs or Ubers instead of public transportation, enjoy meals at restaurants (without worrying about the cost), and treat yourself to as many activities and attractions as you want. You can also splurge on shopping, nightlife, and other indulgences without feeling guilty. Literally, the sky’s the limit.
What is ATM access like in the United Kingdom?
You don’t have to worry about ATM access in the United Kingdom—ATMs are plentiful, and most accept international cards. Credit and debit cards are also widely accepted, although your bank may charge you a foreign transaction fee. If you’re planning on using cash, it’s a good idea to exchange your currency before you leave, as the exchange rate will almost always be better than what you’ll find in the United Kingdom.
Is tipping customary in the United Kingdom? How much is expected?
Tipping in London or any other part of the United Kingdom can be taxing if you aren’t knowledgeable about proper etiquette. Additionally, gratuitous tipping can unnecessarily waste money that could have been spent elsewhere during your trip; however, knowing when and how much to tip can be an excellent way to show appreciation for good service without overdoing it. So how many pounds should you tip in the UK?
Hotels: Most hotel personnel in the United Kingdom do not demand gratuities unless they provide exceptional service or if you are staying at a luxury hotel. You can tip around £3 to £5 per day for the maid service, depending on how many days you stay. If you receive exceptional service from the concierge, doorman, or porter, a gratuity of around £1 to £2 is appropriate.
Restaurants: A service charge of 12-15% may be added to your bill when dining out, though this is not standard practice in all restaurants in the United Kingdom. There is no need to leave a tip if a service charge has already been added to your bill. However, 10% is a good rule of thumb for gratuity if there’s none.
Taxis: If you’re ever in the U.K., it’s important to remember that tipping your cab driver is almost always expected. As a general guideline, rounding up to the nearest pound is usually sufficient, but 10% of the total fare for metered taxi rides would be a good tip. In rural areas or with minicabs, you might be charged a flat fare instead of by meter – in these cases, it isn’t customary to leave a tip.
Guides and drivers: 10–15% of the tour price is appropriate as a gratuity if you feel well cared for and entertained throughout the experience. Think about bringing at least £2 to £4 if you’re going on a trip by yourself, and £1 to £2 if you’re going with a family.
Spas and salons: Although tipping at spas is uncommon in the United Kingdom, if you feel like your service was outstanding, many spa and salon workers greatly appreciate a gratuity of 10%.
Can you bargain in the United Kingdom?
Sometimes, there’s a belief that haggling “simply isn’t British” or is “quite difficult,” but asking for a discount is not impolite; it’s simply playing the game. Retailers will always have some wiggle room on price, so it’s worth asking—especially if you’re buying in bulk or making a significant purchase.
Must-Do's in the United Kingdom
1
Marvel at the Tower of London
Located in the heart of historic London on the Thames River, the Tower of London is one of the United Kingdom’s most iconic and popular tourist attractions. This imposing structure has served as a royal palace, a prison, an armoury, and even a zoo over the centuries, and today it houses the world-famous Crown Jewels. A visit to the Tower of London is a must for any first-time visitor to the UK.
2
Take in the view from atop the London Eye
For unbeatable views of London and its many landmarks, hop aboard the giant Ferris wheel known as the London Eye. This popular attraction is located on the banks of the Thames River and offers riders a slow, 30-minute rotation in one of its 32 glass capsules. On a clear day, you can see up to 40 kilometres (25 miles) in all directions.
3
Explore Warwick Castle
Warwick Castle is a medieval castle located in the city of Warwick in central England. Built by William the Conqueror in 1068, Warwick Castle has been home to some of England’s most famous historical families, including the Newburgh family (11th – 13th century), De Beauchamp (13th – 16th century), Dudley (16th century), Rich (17th to 18th century), and Greville (18th century to 20th century). Today, the castle is a popular medieval tourist destination, with attractions that include a trebuchet, an archery range, and a dungeon.
4
Visit Stonehenge
Located in the county of Wiltshire in southern England, Stonehenge is one of the most famous prehistoric monuments in the world. This UNESCO World Heritage Site consists of a ring of standing stones that are thought to have been erected between 3000 and 2000 BC. Although the exact purpose of Stonehenge is still unknown, it is believed to have been used as a burial ground where ancient people would bury their dead. Today, Stonehenge is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the United Kingdom.
5
Take a ride on the Harry Potter Hogwarts Express
For Harry Potter fans, a visit to the United Kingdom is not complete without a ride on the Hogwarts Express. This historic steam train runs between the cities of London and Edinburgh, making stops at various Harry Potter-related locations along the way. The Hogwarts Express is a must-do for any fan of the popular book and movie series.