ABOUT GREAT BRITAIN

Welcome to the land of tea, scones and royalty, with its rich history and culture, stunning countryside and bustling cities, England is a destination that offers something for everyone. Whether you're a motorsport enthusiast, a history buff, a foodie or simply looking for a new adventure, England is the perfect place to explore. Grab a cuppa and get ready to hit the road. 

Entry to the UK

EU nationals can enter the UK without a visa if they are staying temporarily for tourism or to visit family or friends. The visa-free stay can last up to 6 months. You can only enter the country with a passport that is valid for the duration of your stay.

Currency

In England, you pay with the pound. Most merchants now routinely accept all the payment cards from the world's key card associations. However, if you plan to rent a car, for example, carry a credit card, not just a regular debit card, which may not be enough.

There is a very dense network of ATMs in all cities. However, we recommend that you only withdraw money from those operated by banks. If you come across ATMs operated by other operators, such as Euronet, you will probably be charged a withdrawal fee.

Electricity

British sockets are different from those in the EU. They are three-pin plugs and to use electrical appliances you need an adaptor, which you can get almost anywhere, even at the airport. But it's good to be prepared. 

Mobile services

There are four main mobile operators in the UK. They are EE (Everything Everywhere), O2, Three and Vodafone. European Union citizens can use the standard tariff that applies in their home country, but data charges may differ. 

Important telephone numbers

The UK international dialling code is +44
Emergency calls (police, paramedics and firefighters):112, 999

Interesting facts about the UK

The monarchy is an essential part of England's cultural and historical identity. England has had a monarchy for over a thousand years and the current monarch is King Charles III. He took over after the death of Queen Elizabeth II , who was the longest reigning monarch in the history of the United Kingdom. Visitors to England can witness traditions such as the changing of the guard and visits to historic royal sites. The monarchy is a fascinating aspect of England's culture that extends into the daily lives of its people. 

The flag of Great Britain is commonly known as the "Union Jack". Each cross on the flag represents one of the countries of England, Ireland and Scotland. Although Wales is associated with England, it is not usually represented on the flag.

The first destination for tourists is the city of London, the capital of Great Britain. Here you will find countless historical monuments, museums and other attractions. Sightseers cannot miss Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge, the Tower of London or Big Ben. Want to go to a gallery? Visit the National Gallery, the Natural History Museum, Madame Tussauds and many more. For a good time, head to the London Eye, Harry Potter Studios or Camden Market. You won't be bored in London. 

The English are famous for their love of tea. Per capita, they drink the most tea in the world, almost three times more than the Japanese. Tea is a staple of English culture and is often drunk several times during the day. It is served with milk and sometimes sugar and can be enjoyed on its own or with biscuits or cakes. The English tradition of drinking tea has become an important part of their identity and is celebrated around the world.

English cuisine is often associated with hearty dishes such as fish and chips, roast beef and shepherd's pie. However, there are many interesting dishes such as black pudding, a spicy sausage made from pig's blood, oatmeal and spices. The English are also known for their love of pies, including steak and kidney pies.

English writers have made significant contributions to world literature, from the classic works of William Shakespeare, Charles Dickens and Jane Austen to the modern works of J. K. Rowling and Kazuo Ishiguro. 

England has a significant role in world cultural and scientific affairs. Musicians such as David Bowie, Freddie Mercury and Adele have left an indelible mark on the music industry. In science, Stephen Hawking has made pioneering contributions to theoretical physics. English sportsmen such as David Beckham, Lewis Hamilton and Jonny Wilkinson have brought fame to their sports.