Money, Currency and Cards in United Kingdom
Local Currency
Pound Sterling (GBP)
General Advice
The pound sterling (symbol: £; ISO code: GBP), subdivided into 100 pence (singular: penny), is the currency of the United Kingdom, its Crown dependencies (the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands) and the British Overseas Territories of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, British Antarctic Territory and British Indian Ocean Territory.
Credit and bank cards are commonly used for purchases in the UK, along with cash for smaller expenses. ATM's are abundant throughout the UK.
Money Exchange
Currencies can be exchanged in banks, bureau de change and post offices. Airports have several exchange facilities. Major international currencies are easily exchangeable. Opening hours are decided by the individual banks and may differ considerably from branch to branch. Banks are usually open 9am - 5.30pm weekdays, although some in Scotland close for an hour at lunchtime. Some banks are open all day on Saturday and a few are now open on Sundays for limited hours.
ATM Availability
Cash may be drawn from machines (ATMs) in all cities and towns and many villages, and large petrol stations. Many branches also have 24-hour banking lobbies where a range of services can be obtained through machines. Visitors from overseas should check with their own bank whether they will be able to gain access to these facilities.
Credit Cards
All major internatonal credit cards are widely accepted throughout most shops, restaurants and entertainment venues in the UK. Payment by credit card for online purchases is common practice in the UK.
Travellers Cheques
Travellers cheques can be exchanged at banks and exchange bureaux and are usually accepted by major stores, hotels and other venues.
Other Information
Notes come in denominations of £5, £10, £20, £50 with Scotland and Northern Ireland also using £1 and £100 notes (but rarely seen). Coins come in 1p, 2p, 5p, 10p, 20p, 50p, £1, £2 denominations.
