Practical A–Z
Entry & Visa
EU Citizens (since Brexit)
Since Brexit (January 1, 2021), new rules apply: EU citizens need a valid passport to enter the UK. The identity card has not been accepted since October 2021! A visa is not required for stays up to 6 months (tourism).
Upon entry, you will go through the UK Border Control — passport control, sometimes questions about the purpose of the trip and the planned duration of stay. Automatic eGates are available to EU citizens, but they don't always work.
Swiss Citizens
Same rules as EU citizens: Passport required, no visa for up to 6 months.
Customs
Since Brexit, duty-free rules apply as for non-EU countries: Allowances upon return to Germany: 200 cigarettes, 1l spirits, 4l wine. Whisky tip: You can bring up to 1 liter of spirits duty-free — just enough for a good bottle of single malt within the allowance.
Currency & Payment
Pound Sterling (£)
The currency is the British Pound (GBP). Exchange rate: approx. £1 ≈ €1.15–1.20 (as of 2026). Scottish banknotes: Three Scottish banks (Royal Bank of Scotland, Bank of Scotland, Clydesdale Bank) print their own pound notes. They have the same value as English notes but are sometimes viewed with suspicion outside Scotland. In England, they are theoretically accepted, but practically they occasionally cause discussions at the checkout.
Payment
Scotland is almost completely cashless: Card payment (debit, credit, contactless) is accepted everywhere, even for small amounts. Apple Pay and Google Pay work. You only need cash for: small rural pubs, street musicians, and tips. ATMs are everywhere in cities, less common in the Highlands — if in doubt, withdraw cash in the next town.
Tips
In restaurants: 10–15%, if no service charge has been added. In pubs: No tip at the bar (the bill is settled at the counter), but 10% for table service. Taxi: Round up. Hotel: £1–2 per night for housekeeping.
Midges — Scotland's smallest monster
Forget Nessie — Scotland's real monster is the Highland Midge (Culicoides impunctatus), a tiny biting midge that can become an absolute plague from late May to September in the Highlands, on the west coast, and on the islands. Midges are only 1–2 mm in size but appear in swarms of millions. Their bites itch for days.
When and where?
Worst time: June–August, especially in humid, windless weather in the evening hours. Worst places: West coast, Highlands, Skye. Few midges: East coast (Edinburgh, St Andrews), Orkney (too windy), cities. The Scottish Midge Forecast (smidgeup.com) shows the current load.
Protective measures
- Smidge: The local insect repellent (DEET-free, actually works). Available in every supermarket and outdoor store.
- Avon Skin So Soft: Actually a skincare product, but legendary in Scotland as a midge repellent. The British military officially uses it.
- Head net: For serious cases — looks silly, but it works.
- Wind: Midges can't fly in wind (from about 7 km/h). Open, windy places are safe.
- Light clothing: Midges are attracted to dark colors.
Achtung
Don't underestimate the midges! During a "Midge Attack" in the Highlands, hundreds of bites can land on unprotected skin within minutes. Always have repellent with you and, if in doubt, wear long sleeves, long pants, and a head net.
Packing List & Clothing
Year-round: Layers, Layers, Layers
The Scottish weather is unpredictable — four seasons in one day is no exaggeration. The solution: Layering.
- Base: T-shirt or merino wool functional shirt
- Insulation: Fleece or lightweight down jacket
- Outer layer: Water- and windproof jacket — THE most important piece of clothing! Gore-Tex or equivalent.
- Pants: Hiking or travel pants (quick-drying). Jeans are the enemy in Scotland: wet, heavy, never dry.
- Shoes: Waterproof hiking boots for the Highlands, comfortable shoes for the cities.
Summer Extras
- Midge repellent: Smidge or Avon Skin So Soft (buy in Scotland).
- Head net: For Highlands and west coast (Jun–Aug).
- Sunscreen: Even when cloudy — the UV index can be surprisingly high.
- Light hat and gloves: It can be cold on the mountains even in July.
Winter Extras
- Warm hat, scarf, gloves: Essential from November.
- Thermal underwear: For outdoor activities.
- Boots with good soles: Against ice and snow in the Highlands.
Always have with you
- Travel adapter: Type G (British 3-pin plug) — don't forget!
- Reusable water bottle: Tap water is drinkable everywhere and excellent.
- Passport: Since Brexit, the identity card is no longer sufficient!
Tipp
In Scotland, there's no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing — that's what the Scots say themselves. Invest in a good waterproof jacket, and you'll be prepared for anything. The best clothing can be found locally: Trespass, Mountain Warehouse, and Cotswold have branches in every city and often good sale offers.
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