Entry & Payment
Entry (Post-Brexit)
Since Brexit, new rules apply for EU citizens:
- Passport: A valid passport is MANDATORY. ID cards have NOT been accepted since October 2021.
- Visa: Not required for tourist stays up to 6 months.
- Border control: Upon arrival at the airport, you will go through border control (eGates for EU passport holders over 12 years). Questions about the purpose of your visit are possible but rare.
- Customs: Observe duty-free allowances for alcohol and tobacco (2 liters of wine, 1 liter of spirits).
Currency & Payment
The currency is the British Pound (£). Special feature: Scottish banks (Bank of Scotland, Clydesdale Bank, Royal Bank of Scotland) print their own pound notes, which look different from Bank of England notes. They are valid throughout Great Britain but are sometimes viewed skeptically or rejected in England — best to spend them before returning.
- Contactless payment: Possible everywhere — Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay, Google Pay. Hardly any place in Edinburgh where you can't pay by card.
- Cash: Preferred in many pubs and small shops. ATMs are everywhere, no fee at most bank machines.
- Exchange rate: Approx. 1 £ = 1.15–1.20 €. Best to withdraw locally at an ATM (cheaper than exchange offices).
Tipping
In restaurants: 10–12.5% on the bill (often already included as "service charge" — check before paying!). In the pub: No tip if you order at the bar. In the taxi: Round up to the next pound.
