UNITED KINGDOM
Prime Travel Data
London, capital city, postal codes, telephone codes, languages, electrical voltage,
holidays, embassy, consulates, USA embassy, guide books, maps, history.
Carpe diem. Vivere bene! Gratia Deo.
HOW TO EUROPE: The Complete Travelers Handbook - - Appendix: United Kingdom - -
This entire book is placed on-line gratis by the author, photographer, and webmaster. That's me, John Bermont. My DIY project comes with help from my daughter Stephanie. I welcome questions, comments, and complaints.
Last update . For contact information please see Your Blow Back at the foot of this page.
Your Go-To Travel Store
NEED TO KNOW
So here you are in England and you need to know some elementary stuff — like how to make a phone call, get local money, or contact the American Embassy to report your stolen passport. Here is a convenient source for that information, plus a bit more.
This web page originally appeared in the first editon of my book How To Europe: The Complete Travelers Handbook in a section titled "Country Data Sheets" over thirty years ago. I've updated and improved it for 2016.
| Important information about this data sheet. | |
|---|---|
| Native name |
United Kingdom
Officially known as the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Great Britain consists of England, Scotland, and Wales. |
| Capital | London |
| Postal code | GB |
| Telephone code |
+44
See chapter 19, Telephoning to, from, and within Europe. |
| Language | English |
| Currency |
Pound Sterling
See The Euro and Other Currencies. |
| European Union |
Member.
See chapter 25, Customs Duty, USA and Europe. |
| Schengen Agreement |
Not a Member.
See chapter 3, Passport and Visas. |
| Time zone |
GMT
See chapter 28, European Dates and Time Zones. |
| Electricity |
220 volts, 50 Hz. See chapter 11, European Electricity: Travel Voltage Fundamentals.. |
| Date | Holiday | |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 1 | New Year's Day | |
| Jan 2 | Bank Holiday (Scotland only) | |
| Mar 17 | St. Patrick's Day (Northern Ireland only) | |
| Good Friday | ||
| Easter Monday (except Scotland) | ||
| First Monday in May | May Day | |
| Last Monday in May | Spring Holiday | |
| Jul 12 | Holiday (Northern Ireland only) | |
| First Monday in Aug | Summer Bank Holiday (Scotland only) | |
| Last Monday in August | Summer Bank Holiday (except Scotland) | |
| Dec 25 | Christmas | |
| Dec 26 | Boxing Day |
| British Offices in the USA | |
|---|---|
| Embassy | British Embassy in the United States 3100 Massachusetts Ave. NW Washington, DC 20008 T 202-588-7870 |
| Consulates | Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, Orlando, San Francisco, Miami |
| Tourist Offices | Visit Britain 551 Fifth Avenue, Seventh Floor #701 New York, NY 10176 [email protected]. T 800-462-2748 |
| Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles | |
| American Offices in United Kingdom | |
|---|---|
| Embassy | Embassy of the United States, London 24/31 Grosvenor Square W1A 1AE London T 0171-499-9000 F 0171-409-1637 |
| Consulates | Belfast, Edinburgh |
| USA is known as: | USA |
|---|
Recommended books for further information:
These links take you directly to a page at Amazon.com for details of the book or map noted, plus ordering information. Amazon.com pays a commission to Enjoy-Europe.com on orders placed when you click here. You benefit when buying here because Amazon.com offers a discount on many items and has a free shipping deal; see details on their site. Thanks for your support.
The books that you see listed here are those that I have personnally used and am satisfied with, and/or are from publishers whose other travel books are reliable. I am a consumer when it comes to travel guides, and a critical one. Notice that I do not recommend any Frommers, Steves, Dummies, or other inferior guides. For some of the reasons please go to the hoi polloi.
Note: emphasis in the titles is mine -- to help you in finding the
information you need. Don't worry too much about publication dates. Many books are updated
every three to six years. The monuments and cathedrals haven't moved in centuries!
Have a good trip!
Prime Travel Data
HOW TO EUROPE
The Complete Travelers Handbook
Table of Contents
Chapter 1
Travel Like a Native In Europe
Chapter 2, Part 1
Travel Costs: How Much?
Chapter 2, Part 2
My Actual Expenses
Chapter 3
Identity and Travel Documents
Chapter 4
Travel Starts at the Airport
Chapter 5
Your Best Travel Clothes
for All Occasions
Chapter 6 Part 1
Travel Europe in Comfort and Style
Chapter 6 Part 2
Pack Your Toothbrush, Hair Blower, Toilet Paper, and Vinegar.
Chapter 7
Pack Light, Let It Roll
Chapter 8 Part 1
They're Everywhere
For the other 22 chapters and much more see
HOW TO EUROPE
The Complete Travelers Handbook