Language
The official language in United Kingdom (UK) is English.
Time Difference
The local time in the UK in winter is referred to as Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). In summer, the local time in the UK in summer is referred to as British Summer Time (BST) which is GMT+1.
Visa
Visit the UK Visas and Immigration Service website at https://www.gov.uk/visas-immigration for information on visas for tourists, work, study, and other related information or useful contacts.
Currency
The British Pound Sterling (GBP) is used in the UK.
VAT
The standard VAT rate is 20%.
Gratuity
Tipping is not required in the UK. All staff in the UK, must by law, be paid at least the National Minimum Wage whether they receive tips or not.
Business Hours:
Banks, in general are open as follows:
Mondays to Fridays, 09:00 to 17:00 hours
Saturdays (some branches), 09:00 to 14:00 hours
Offices, mostly:
Mondays to Fridays, 09:00 to 17:00 hours
Shops, may vary but generally:
Mondays to Fridays, 09:00 to 19:00 hours
Saturdays and Sundays, 11:00 to 17:00 hours
Shopping
London boasts many diverse shopping areas, each with its own character and specialties, including some of the world's finest department stores. You’ll find the highest quality fashion, cosmetics and furnishings in almost every one of these.
Telephone
The calling UK code is 44.
Electricity
The electrical current in the UK is 230V/50Hz.
Public Holidays
Public holidays in United Kingdom are called "Bank Holidays" and include:
-New Year's Day: 1st January
-Good Friday: varies
-Easter Monday: varies
-Early May Bank Holiday: 1st Monday of May
-Spring Bank Holiday: last Monday of May
-Summer bank Holiday: last Monday of August
-Christmas Day: 25th December
-Boxing Day: 26th December