Translated by: John Agrafiotis
Last updated:
Currecny: British Pound (GBP), 1€=0.86 GBP
Driving license: EU citizens just need the European driving licence. Non EU citizens must have an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Visa – Passport: EEA nationals do not need a visa. There will be only a brief passport or identity card check on arrival in the United Kingdom (UK). For further information please check this site.
Border Crossing:The United Kingdom has just one external land border, located between the province of Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. There are no routine checks in place for those crossing this border, either by foot or vehicle owing to the complexity of patrolling it. Occasionally the Irish Police (“Garda Siochana”) will set up spot border checks on key arterial roads for customs purposes, but tourists will normally be waved through without any trouble.
Insurance: EU citizens just need a Green Card. For non EU citizens, make sure that your International Motor Insurance Card is valid for UK.
Fuel: Unleaded 95 is called «premium unleaded» and Unleaded 97 «super unleaded». Fuel stations in urban areas are open 24h per day. It’s difficult to find a fuel station in uninhabited areas, especially in Highlands. Unleaded 95 price is about ~1.34 (1.15 GBR) (12/2020). Fuel is more expensive in Highlands.
Equipment: Drivers and passengers must wear crash helmets.
Signs: In narrow roads with one lane, you will see “Passing Place” signs. There are referred to road plateaus, which are used for overtaking. Usually cars give priority to motorcyclists.
Time Zone: GMT +0
Maximum Allowed Blood Alcohol Level: 0,08% in England and 0,05% in Scotland
Hotels: You will find many B&B (Bed & Breakfast) for all tastes and budgets. About 99% of them have signs outside indicating their availability (Vacancies = available rooms, No Vacancies = full). Also in each city operates an Information Office in which you may find available rooms in the area.
Electricity: 230V, 50Hz AC. British plugs have three flat, rectangular pins which form a triangle.
Speed Limits: Built-up areas 30 mph (48 km/h), Single carriageways 60 mph (96 km/h), Dual carriageways 70 mph (112 km/h), Motorways 70 mph (112 km/h)
Specificities: Driving is on the left side of the road. Do not be anxious, it’s much easier than you think. In the Highlands there are several streets with one lane in which there regularly “openings” (passing places) for overtaking. In those passing places parking is prohibited.
Lights: They are mandatory during the day only on roads with poor visibility and in cities where the speed limit is 30 miles.
Fines: Fines for violating the permitted alcohol limit are huge. Up to 5000 pounds or 6 months imprisonment and 12 months of licence removal. Fines for non-English driving license holders are paid on the spot or they must deposit 300 pounds for security. Vehicles visiting the country should have set their lights for driving on the left or else they will be fined with 1000 pounds.
Parking: Be caution when parking especially in cities. The fines are in commonplace. Park only where it is permitted.
Tolls: Toll roads, bridges and tunnels, are listed in this page.
Useful Phone Numbers:
Police, Fire Department & Ambulance: 112 or 999
Useful Links:
Wikitravel United Kingdom
Wikitravel Scotland
Great Britain you are invited, official tourism page
Visit Scotland, Scotland’s national tourism organization
Undiscovered Scotland
Lonely Planet England
Lonely Planet Scotland
Related trips:
The course is against us – it’s set for the north (In Greek language only)
Highlands, castles, pub and … ghosts! (In Greek language only)
Isle of Man
A November in John O’Groats
A weekend at Highlands (In Greek language only)
Highland Riders (In Greek language only)
* If you are from United Kingdom or have been recently in United Kingdom and you would like to add some information or correct some of the above listed, do not hesitate to contact us.
