Insider Tips
1. Scotland’s currency is the Great British Pound
Also called the sterling, this is used throughout Britain. It’s easy to obtain Great British pounds while in Scotland. You can change money in most Post Office branches. Often in Post Offices, you’ll get good exchange rates for foreign currency and currently there are no rates of commission. The majority of cash points are free to use but some, often machines found in pubs or newsagents, may charge a small fee for withdrawals. If your debit or credit card provider operates out with the UK, there may also be charges for using cash machines to withdraw money. All Scottish bank notes, though different from English notes, are normally accepted in the rest of Britain. Northern Irish bank notes are also accepted in Scotland. Most large shops, stores, hotels and restaurants will accept the majority of credit and debit cards including MasterCard, Visa, American Express and Diners. However, you must remember your PIN number when using your credit card in Scotland and throughout the UK. It is also advisable to carry some cash in case of difficulty as many smaller accommodation, pubs, tearooms and small shops may not accept any form of credit or debit card.
2. The Scottish Explorer Ticket
Available from any staffed Historic Scotland (HS) property and from many tourist information centers, allows visits to HS properties for 3 days in a 5-day period (£29) or 7 days in a 14-day period (£38). The Discover Scotland pass is available for 3 days (£25), 7 days (£30), or 14 days (£35) and allows access to all National Trust for Scotland properties. It’s available to overseas visitors only and can be purchased online and by phone, or at properties and some of the main tourist information centers.
3. Discover the history of whisky!
As Scotland’s national drink, it has been produced here for centuries. There’s so many ways to discover more about it, whether it be going behind the scenes on a distillery visit, trying single malts at special whisky festivals, sampling a fine dram at an expert-led whisky tasting session or enjoy one by the fire at renowned whisky bars.
4. Public Restrooms
Most cities, towns, and villages have public restrooms, indicated by signposts to the “WC,” “toilets,” or “public conveniences.” They vary in cleanliness. You’ll often have to pay a small amount (usually 30p) to enter; a request for payment usually indicates a high standard of cleanliness. Gas stations, called petrol stations, usually have restrooms (to which the above comments also apply). In towns and cities, department stores, hotels, restaurants, and pubs are usually your best bets for reasonable standards of hygiene.
