Arrival:

There are four main ways to arrive into the United Kingdom . By air, by sea, by land across the border from the Republic of Ireland , or by train, through the Channel Tunnel.

By air is much the same as any westernised nation, and all the major airports are efficient, clean, and well organised. They have good links to the cities they serve, and most provide a good choice of airport hotels, currency exchange, and other services. Be aware that both London Heathrow and Gatwick have more than one terminal (five in the case of Heathrow), so if you are being met, and when you are heading back to depart, you need to know which terminal you will travel through. There is some distance between them, and it can take half an hour or more to change if you get it wrong.

If you are arriving by sea, the customs and immigration procedures are much the same. If you're travelling as a foot passenger on a ferry, a cruise ship passenger or using the Eurostar trains through the Channel Tunnel, the process will eventually deliver you to the arrivals hall, just as at the airport. If you are coming on the car ferry with a vehicle you will need to ensure you also have all papers for the vehicle too, and that it conforms to British regulations. You also need to ensure you do not have in excess of the permitted amounts of restricted or taxable items. These limits and regulations are reviewed regularly, so it is advisable to check the most up to date information with the official UK Border Agency site - http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/travellingtotheuk/ - which includes allowances, regulations, applications and requirements regarding visa's, and just about anything you would need to know.

Crossing the road borders from the Irish Republic to Northern Ireland is a straightforward process at the roadside control point on the border, as long as you again have your papers, and documents for any vehicle you are taking in order.

All the border agencies are extremely security conscious, and very alert to any form of smuggling. They have an extremely high detection rate, the most sophisticated equipment in the world, and the power to stop and search anyone and any vehicle. In the most basic terms, don't take any chances, as you will almost certainly get caught, and penalties are severe.

You cannot bring animals into the UK without arranging quarantine for six months, due to the threat of rabies. That includes pets and small animals. Again, there are severe penalties if you attempt to smuggle any animals.

Tax:

The UK Border Agency will also assist you with queries regarding refund of VAT Value Added Tax) paid in the UK . Visitors from some countries may be entitled to a refund on some tax paid on goods purchased in Great Britain .

Money:

The United Kingdom is not a cheap place to come to, although there are bargains to be had if you search them out. Tourist attractions especially can be expensive, and the areas around them are seldom the best places to find value for money. Credit and debit cards are accepted almost everywhere, and are often requested as a means of deposit for car hire, hotel reservations, etc.

The currency is the Pound Sterling, shown by the symbol £. There are one hundred pence in the pound, and there are one and two pound coins, and five, ten, twenty, and fifty, pound notes.

There are different styles of notes in Scotland , and although all are officially acceptable anywhere in the UK , you may find the Scottish notes difficult to pass on south of the border.

In this modern competitive world, banks are opening increasingly longer hours. Most now open at 9am, Monday to Friday, and close around 4.30pm or 5pm. Saturday opening varies more, with those in bigger towns opening longer, and some smaller branches opening only until lunchtime.

If you are changing currency many travel agents and post offices also offer a comparable service, and open longer hours.

Prices are usually fixed, and bartering is not generally a feature of the British way of life.

Tips are discretionary, and mostly around 10% for things like taxi's, restaurants, and hotel service.

Shopping:

In the town centres shops generally open at 9am, and close at 5.30. The larger stores also open on Sundays from 10am until 4pm. Large out-of-town shopping centres are on the increase, and these often open for longer hours on weekdays – often until 10pm. Sunday opening is still restricted to six hours however. The large shopping centres are the best place for cheaper prices, but you will miss all the interesting, friendly, unusual, and bizarre shops that you find in the average British high street.

Eating and Drinking:

It may not have the reputation of French cuisine, of the choice of beer and wine that you would find in Germany , but the better British restaurants certainly hold their own against the best in the world. Amongst the more traditional fare that should be tried, are roast beef and Yorkshire pudding, a ploughman's lunch, and fish and chips. The standard, dark, home brewed English beer, commonly called ‘bitter', is sold in pints, or half's. It can be quite strong, and catch you out if you're not used to it, so take it easy until you have the measure of its potency.

As with most places, the cost of food and drink varies wildly, depending on the establishment you choose. Most have menus with prices outside so you avoid a nasty shock. Find time during your stay to seek out a traditional style English tea-shop, and spoil yourself with a ‘cream tea'.

Electricity:

All of the UK is 240v power, using a plug with 3 rectangular pins. Conversion plugs are available in airports, ports, and larger chemist shops.

Sports and Leisure:

The three main spectator sports in the UK are football (soccer), cricket, and rugby. Cricket is played in the summer months, when the other two traditionally are resting. Professional league games can be expensive, but attract big, loyal, and loud audiences. Cricket is more refined and the sport of gentlemen… or so they would have you believe. In truth, most people who come from nations where cricket is not played understand little of the complex rules. If that is the case with you, then avoid the big games, and seek out one of the many Sunday afternoon village cricket matches that take place across England throughout the summer. The game will be just as captivating, but the scenery, company, and atmosphere far better.

Motor sport is also very popular, as are equestrian pastimes, and swimming. Sports facilities are widely available, and tourist boards local to where you are staying will be able to provide details on almost any you wish to try.

Accommodation:

From campsites to castles, the choice of places to lay your head is enormous. Seaside resorts have lines of Victorian hotels, facing the beach, with pleasant if dated facilities. Modern hotels have more to offer, but less in the way of a personal touch or atmosphere. Luxury hotels are often tucked away in large manicured grounds, or are converted stately homes. There are holiday parks with chalets, mobile homes, or family sized tents, plus entertainment and all facilities on site, or if you want to do your own thing, self catering cottages, river boats, or even camper vans, are all available. If you are touring, the chains of motels around the major road networks are frequent, clean, and reasonable. They will also book the next one on your journey for you, as you leave in the morning.

Emergencies:

Fire, Police, Ambulance, Coastguard, and Mountain Rescue, can all be accessed through the UK-wide emergency number – 999.