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.