Do You Tip in England?

Do you tip in England?

Tipping in England is customary but more restrained than in the United States. In restaurants with table service, a tip of around 10 to 15 percent is standard for good service, but always check the bill first, since many places, especially in London, add an optional service charge of 12.5 percent or so, in which case you need not tip again. The key pub custom is that you generally do not tip for drinks you order and collect at the bar; if there is table service, a small tip or rounding up is fine. Round up for taxis, and leave a pound or two for hotel housekeeping. Tipping rewards good service rather than being automatic.

What currency is used in England?

England uses the pound sterling (GBP), like the rest of the United Kingdom, and is not in the eurozone, so euros are not accepted; you will need pounds. Cards and contactless payments are accepted almost everywhere, including shops, restaurants, buses, and the London Underground, so you can travel largely cashless. Still, carry some pounds for small shops, markets, and rural areas. Withdraw pounds from a bank ATM, known locally as a cashpoint, for a fair rate, and use a card with no foreign transaction fees. Scottish and Northern Irish banknotes are valid in England, though an occasional shop may be unfamiliar with them.

What power adapter do you need for England?

England uses the Type G plug, with three large rectangular pins, on a 230-volt supply, the standard throughout the UK. Travelers from the United States, continental Europe, and elsewhere will need a Type G adapter, and note it is different from the round-pin adapters used across most of Europe, so a general European adapter will not fit. Check voltage too: at 230 volts, England is higher than the US 120 volts, so confirm your devices accept 230-volt input. Phone and laptop chargers are almost always dual voltage and just need the adapter, while single-voltage US appliances like hair dryers can be ruined without a converter.

Can you drink the tap water in England?

Yes, tap water in England is safe to drink. It is treated to strict standards and is clean and safe throughout the country, so you can drink from the tap, refill a bottle, and ask for free tap water in restaurants. Water in London and much of the south is hard, meaning high in minerals, which affects taste and causes limescale but is not a safety concern, while the north has softer water. There is no need to buy bottled water for safety. A reusable bottle is the easy, inexpensive way to stay hydrated as you explore, and refill points are increasingly common.