United Kingdom travel money tips
Heading to United Kingdom? Here's a quick rundown of how to handle money on the ground — tipping etiquette, when to use cards versus cash, the best ATMs to use, and the most common pitfalls travelers run into. The local currency is the British Pound (GBP, £).
Tipping
10–12.5% in restaurants if no service charge is added. Not expected in pubs ordering at the bar. £1–£2 for taxis.
Cards vs cash
Effectively cashless. Contactless cards work on London buses, the Tube, and almost every shop.
Payment methods accepted
ATMs & cash tip
'Cashpoint' ATMs at high-street banks (Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds) are free. Avoid pink/yellow Cashzone machines.
Heads-up
- Many restaurants auto-add a 12.5% service charge — check the bill before tipping again.
- Black cabs are pricey; Uber and Bolt are 30–50% cheaper for the same trip.
About the British Pound (GBP)
The British Pound (GBP, symbol £) is the official currency of United Kingdom. Knowing the live GBP rate against your home currency helps you sanity-check menu prices, taxi fares, and souvenir markups while traveling.
More travel tips
See all country tips →Tips are general guidance for travelers, not legal or financial advice. Customs vary — confirm with local sources for important plans.