What Currency Is Used in Scotland?
QUICK ANSWER
Scotland uses the pound sterling (GBP), the same currency as the rest of the United Kingdom. Scotland also issues its own banknotes, which are valid throughout the UK. Cards are widely accepted, tipping is modest at around 10 to 15 percent, tap water is excellent, and you will need a Type G adapter.
Scotland shares its currency and much of its practical setup with the rest of the UK, but a few details, like those distinctive Scottish banknotes, are worth understanding. Here is what you need to know about the currency, tipping, power adapters, and tap water before you explore the Highlands and Edinburgh.
What currency is used in Scotland?
Scotland uses the pound sterling (GBP), exactly the same currency as England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, since Scotland is part of the United Kingdom. A distinctive feature is that Scottish banks issue their own banknotes, which look different from Bank of England notes but have the same value and are legal currency throughout the UK, though occasionally an English shop may be unfamiliar with them. Cards and contactless payments are accepted almost everywhere, so you can travel largely cashless, but carry some pounds for small shops, rural areas, and the Highlands. Withdraw pounds from a bank ATM for a fair rate, and use a card without foreign transaction fees.
Do you tip in Scotland?
Tipping in Scotland follows UK norms and is more modest than in the United States. In restaurants with table service, a tip of around 10 to 15 percent is customary for good service, but check the bill first, since some places add an optional service charge, in which case you need not tip on top. As in the rest of the UK, you generally do not tip for drinks you order and collect at a pub bar. Round up for taxis, and leave a pound or two for hotel housekeeping. Tipping is appreciated for good service rather than automatic, so a genuine, modest gesture is the right approach.
What power adapter do you need for Scotland?
Scotland uses the Type G plug, the large three-rectangular-pin design used across the entire United Kingdom, on a 230-volt supply. Travelers from the United States, continental Europe, and elsewhere will need a Type G adapter, and note that this is different from the round-pin adapters used in most of Europe, so a general European adapter will not fit. Check voltage as well: at 230 volts, Scotland 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 damaged without a converter.
Can you drink the tap water in Scotland?
Yes, tap water in Scotland is safe to drink and is often praised for its quality and soft, fresh taste, thanks to the country's abundant natural water sources. It is treated to strict UK standards and is clean and safe throughout, in cities and rural areas alike, so you can drink from the tap, refill a bottle, and use it freely. In the Highlands and countryside, the water is particularly well regarded. There is no need to buy bottled water for safety. For essentially every traveler, Scottish tap water is excellent, making a reusable bottle the easy, cheap way to stay hydrated as you explore.
Scotland uses the pound sterling, the same as the rest of the UK, and its own Scottish banknotes are valid throughout the country. Cards are widely accepted, tipping is modest at 10 to 15 percent for table service, you will need a Type G adapter and dual-voltage devices for the 230-volt supply, and the tap water is safe and famously good.
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