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Language: English is the official language, though visitors will be astonished by the variety of regional accents.
Currency: The currency is the pound (GBP), which is divided into 100 pence. ATMs are available in all towns and Visa, MasterCard and American Express are widely accepted; visitors with other cards should check with their credit card companies in advance. Foreign currency can be exchanged at bureaux de change and large hotels, however better exchange rates are likely to be found at banks. Travelers cheques are accepted in all areas frequented by tourists; they
are best taken in Pounds Sterling to avoid additional charges.
Time: Local time is GMT (GMT +1 from last Sunday in March to Saturday before last Sunday in October).
Electricity: 240 volts, 50Hz. Flat three-pin plugs are standard.
Communications: The international country dialing code for UK is +44. The outgoing code is 00, or 048 for Northern Ireland, followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 001 for the United States). There are a wide range of city/area codes in use. Mobile phones work throughout the country; the network operators use GSM 1800 networks, which may not be compatible with some dual-band US cell phones. Internet cafes are available in major towns and cities, train stations and airports.
Duty Free: Travelers to the United Kingdom over 16 years with goods purchased in the EU for personal consumption do not have to pay duty on these goods provided they are for personal use or are gifts for family and friends. This does not apply to large quantities of alcohol or tobacco if the amounts exceed the following limits: 3,200 cigarettes, 400 cigarillos (up to 3g each), 200 cigars, and 3kg pipe or cigarette tobacco; 10 liters spirits with alcohol content higher than 22%, 20 liters alcohol less than 22% alcohol volume, 90 liters of wine (with no more than 60 liters sparkling wine) and 110 liters beer. Travelers to the United Kingdom over 17 years arriving from non-EU countries (including the Channel Islands and Gibraltar) do not have to pay duty on the following items: 200 cigarettes, or 100 cigarillos (up to 3g each), or 50 cigars, or 250g tobacco; 1 liter spirits with alcohol content higher than 22%, or 2 liters dessert wine not exceeding 22% alcohol volume and sparkling wine, and 2 liters of table wine; perfume up to 60cc or 250ml eau de toilette; and goods such as souvenirs to the value of ₤145. The import of firearms must be accompanied by an appropriate license or certificate. All handguns are restricted under UK law and are only allowed on a BA aircraft with prior permission obtained from the Security Duty Manager. Prohibited items include indecent or obscene books, films or videos.
Tourist OfficeUnited Kingdom Tourist Office: +44 (0)20 7808 3864 (London) or www.visitbritain.com
EmergencyEmergencies: 999
Embassies
British Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 588 6500.
British High Commission, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 237 1530.
British High Commission, Canberra, Australia: +61 (0)2 6270 6666.
British High Commission, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 421 7500.
British Embassy, Dublin, Ireland: +353 (0)1 205 3700
British High Commission, Wellington, New Zealand: +64 (0)4 924 2888.
United States Embassy, London: +44 (0)20 7499 9000.
Canadian High Commission, London: +44 (0)20 7258 6600.
Australian High Commission, London: +44 (0)20 7379 4334.
South African High Commission, London: +44 (0)20 7451 7299.
Irish Embassy, London: +44 (0)20 7235 2171
New Zealand High Commission, London: +44 (0)20 7930 8422.
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