Visiting Scotland and want to know what to expect before you get there – here are some tips.
1. Accessible Travel
The majority of the different ways to travel in Scotland are fully accessible. They can be accessed by those with limited mobility as they have wheelchair ramps and features on buses to accommodate those in wheelchairs. Some of the newer stops have both visual and verbal communication systems that help those hard of seeing or hearing. ScotRail assists any passengers that are traveling with them. You can find a lot of information readily on their site.
Euan’s Guide gives reviews of different tourist attractions throughout the area from the perspective of someone that is disabled. You’ll find more information on VisitScotland on how those with disabilities are accommodated. There are many accessible hotel breaks in Glasgow. They also have a great selection of other accommodation too and you can filter according to your needs using a site like My Hotel Break.
Radar Keys is a service that offers those with disabilities access to publicly locked toilets in major cafes, bars, hubs, and more.
2. Banking
In Scotland, you will find most banks open from Monday to Friday with some of them even being open on Saturdays. The hours are typically between 0900 to 1700. You will also find Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) routinely available throughout Scotland with the majority of them linked to Mastercard and Visa International Money Systems. However, you will find access to ATMs much more limited in the more rural areas. Because of this, carrying enough cash on-hand to compensate if you can’t access an ATM is a good idea.
3. Bureau de Change
Bureau de Change facilities are accessible at various stations, airports, and city banks. You can find other places that have them as well including branches of Spencer and Marks.
4. Climate
Because Scotland is uniquely positioned with water on three sides, you will find the climate to vary based on where you are located. Things tend to be much drier in May and June versus July and August. The rainfall levels in Edinburgh are only a little bit more than what you will find in London. In general, the further East you go will be drier and the further West you go will be wetter.
5. Credit Cards
Whenever you travel to a new place, you want to ensure you have credit cards that can be used. The majority of shops, restaurants, and hotels in Scotland accept all of the major credit cards. This includes brands like Mastercard, Visa, and American Express. The majority have touchless technology too. However, smaller retailers may have more restrictions and they may not accept certain cards. Because of this, you want to check before placing any orders. As always, it’s a good idea to have free cash on your person.
6. Currency
You will find that a lot of Scottish banks issue notes in denominations that include £5, £10, £20, £50 & £100. This is the legal tender found throughout the entire UK. You’ll also find that Northern Ireland and the Bank of England are both legal tenders in Scotland. Scotland uses the Pound Sterling (£) which is the British currency that’s also known as GBP. The coins you get come in various denominations that include 1p, 2p, 5p, 10p, 20p, 50p, £1 & £2.
7. Driving
You want to be aware that the driving is done on the left. To legally drive in the UK, you need to have a driving license that is deemed current. You can use a foreign license and it’s valid for 12 months once in the UK. It’s a legal requirement to wear a seat belt in the front seat(s). Seat belts also must be worn in the back if your car has them.
If you are traveling via your vehicle, you need to have insurance. You are advised to check on your policy before driving. You can find a lot of useful information on driving in Great Britain by visiting The Automobile Association.
To get even more updated information on the roads and driving, you can visit Traffic Scotland.
8. Electricity
If you are heading to Scotland, you need to know that they use 240V AC as the standard. Thus, if you are coming from North America, your electronics and appliances will need both a transformer and an adapter. For those coming from Australia, you’ll only need an adaptor. You can find adapters and travel accessories widely available.
9. Embassies
You can always visit your local foreign embassy if you need assistance. They can help you with a lost passport or offer other assistance you might need. You can get contact information from your country’s embassy at the Consulate.
10. Emergency Services
You’ll want to dial 999 for the local police, ambulance, coastguard, or fire brigade.
11. Languages
While you will primarily find English being spoken, many different dialects are being used. Therefore, you could have a hard time understanding some people even if you speak English.
If you visit the Highlands or the Islands, you could find Gaelic being spoken. This language is only spoken by around 60,000 people. You can also find other languages and tongues being spoken in Scotland because of its diverse population.