Practical A–Z

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.

Edinburgh is a safe city — significantly safer than London and comparable to other central European capitals. Violent crime against tourists is extremely rare.

What to watch out for

• Pickpockets: As in any tourist city: be cautious at hotspots (Royal Mile, Princes Street, Waverley Station). Keep your backpack in front, no valuables in the back pocket.
• Cowgate at night: The Cowgate (party mile under the George IV Bridge) can get rough on weekends after 2 am — drunken groups, occasional conflicts. Normal attention is sufficient.
• Arthur's Seat: The hike is safe, but the rocks can be slippery when wet. No flip-flops, sturdy shoes, avoid the summit passage in storms.
• Weather as a hazard: The wind can be surprisingly strong — especially on Calton Hill, Arthur's Seat, and the bridges. Hold children's hands.

Emergency number: 999 (police, fire, ambulance) or 112. Non-emergency: 101 (police).

English — with Character

In Edinburgh, English is spoken — but with a Scottish accent, which can range from mild to incomprehensible. In the city center and tourist areas, you'll be easily understood and understand everything. In Leith or with locals after the third pint, it can be more challenging. Don't worry — the Scots are warm-hearted and patient with visitors.

Scots

Scots is not a dialect but a distinct Germanic language — closely related to English but with its own vocabulary. You'll hear and read some words:

• Aye — Yes
• Wee — Small (ubiquitous! "A wee dram" = a small whisky)
• Braw — Great, beautiful
• Loch — Lake (not pronounced "Lock"!)
• Ken — Know (you know = ye ken)
• Canny — Clever, cautious
• Bonnie — Beautiful (bonnie Scotland!)
• Cheers — Cheers / Thanks / Bye (the most versatile word in Scotland)
• Auld Reekie — "The Old Smoky" — Edinburgh's nickname

Year-round

• Rain jacket: Essential. Edinburgh is not extremely rainy (less than Glasgow), but showers come without warning. Lightweight, packable, always have it with you.
• Sturdy shoes: Edinburgh is HILLY. Cobblestones in the Old Town, rocks on Arthur's Seat, stairs everywhere. Comfortable hiking shoes or sturdy sneakers. No heels!
• Layers: The weather changes constantly — fresh in the morning, mild at noon, windy in the evening. Sweater + jacket + T-shirt as a base.
• Scarf/Buff: Against the wind on Castle Rock, Calton Hill, and Arthur's Seat. Useful year-round.
• Plug adapter: British type-G plug (the large one with three pins). DON'T forget — German plugs do NOT fit.
• Reusable water bottle: Scottish tap water is excellent — never buy water.
• Small backpack: For day trips, camera, rain jacket, and the spontaneous whisky bottle.

Summer (June–August)

• Sunscreen & sunglasses: When the sun shines (and it shines more often in summer than you think), it can surprise you with the long days.
• Festival outfit: In August, the city is one big party — comfortable clothing that takes you from afternoon comedy gigs to evening pub crawls.

Winter (November–February)

• Warm jacket: Edinburgh in winter is cold (1–7°C) AND windy — the perceived temperature is often much lower.
• Hat & gloves: Especially for Arthur's Seat, Calton Hill, and the Hogmanay street party.
• Thermal layer: If you're standing outside at Hogmanay, you'll need all the warmth you can get.