Practical information for travelling in the United Kingdom and Ireland

March, 2026

◷ 4-minute read

Practical information for travelling in the United Kingdom and Ireland

Preparing for a stay travel to the United Kingdom It requires some essential information. Entry requirements, currency, transportation, tipping, climate, and local customs: knowing these things will allow you to travel with peace of mind. This guide gathers all the practical information you need to organize your trip to the United Kingdom and Ireland in the best possible conditions.

At Brightside Travel LTD, we support each traveler in preparing their itinerary thanks to our perfect knowledge of the United Kingdom and Ireland.

Traveling to the United Kingdom: General Information

The United Kingdom is located in northwestern Europe and comprises four nations: England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

Question 1 of 5

For this trip, you especially want…

Question 2 of 5

What's your ideal rhythm?

Question 3 of 5

How do you get around?

Question 4 of 5

You prefer to invest in…

Question 5 of 5

Your ideal program

For its part, the island of Ireland is made up of the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.

Together, these destinations offer a wide diversity of landscapes, including mountains, lochs, lakes, cliffs, green valleys and spectacular coastlines.

Some figures:

Population of the United Kingdom: approximately 67 million inhabitants.
Population of the Republic of Ireland: approximately 5 million inhabitants.
Capital of the United Kingdom: London.
Capital of Ireland: Dublin.

Traveling to the United Kingdom: the flags

Each nation has its own flag.

England: St. George's Red Cross.
Scotland: White Cross of St. Andrew.
Wales: red dragon.
Ireland: green, white and orange flag.

Furthermore, the famous Union Jack brings together several of these symbols.

Traveling in the United Kingdom: local customs

The British and the Irish are renowned for their politeness.

Saying "please", "thank you" or "sorry" is naturally part of everyday life.

Furthermore, queuing is a widely respected rule of etiquette.

Traveling to the United Kingdom: what to wear?

Most of the time, the outfits are casual.

However, some restaurants, hotels or events require a more elegant dress code.

Furthermore, as the weather is often changeable, it is advisable to bring waterproof clothing and several layers.

Traveling in the United Kingdom: Tipping

Tipping is never mandatory.

However, it remains popular.

In restaurants, it is common to leave between 10 and 12 % when service is not included.

Furthermore, in taxis, it is customary to round up the fare.

Finally, guides and drivers usually receive a tip based on the quality of service.

Traveling in the United Kingdom: transport and infrastructure

The United Kingdom and Ireland have excellent infrastructure.

The road network is modern and well-maintained.

In addition, trains make it easy to reach the main cities.

Finally, public transport is particularly efficient in large urban areas.

Traveling in the United Kingdom: Public Holidays

The main public holidays are:

New Year
Saint Patrick
Easter
Early May Bank Holiday
Summer Bank Holiday
Christmas
Boxing Day

However, some dates vary depending on the different nations of the United Kingdom.

Traveling in the United Kingdom: currency

In the United Kingdom, the official currency is the pound sterling (£).

In the Republic of Ireland, the currency is the euro (€).

Today, bank cards are accepted almost everywhere.

Traveling to the United Kingdom: exchange rates

The exchange rate between the euro and the pound sterling fluctuates regularly.

It is therefore recommended to consult the course before your departure.

Furthermore, it is best to avoid currency exchange offices located in highly touristic areas.

Traveling to the United Kingdom: budget to plan

For your information:

Coffee: between £3 and £4.
Meal in a pub: between £15 and £25.
Restaurant: between £25 and £50.
Entrance to a castle or museum: between £10 and £25.

These prices can naturally vary depending on the region.

Traveling in the United Kingdom: Languages spoken

English is the main language.

However, several regional languages are still spoken:

Scottish Gaelic.
Welsh.
Irish Gaelic.

Thus, each region retains a very strong cultural identity.

Traveling to the United Kingdom: Useful Numbers

In case of emergency, dial 999 or the 112.

Both of these numbers work throughout the UK and Ireland.

Plan your trip with Brightside Travel

For travel to the United Kingdom Even in the best conditions, good preparation remains essential. Our local experts will assist you before your departure to create an itinerary tailored to your desires, budget, and pace.

Discover our tailor-made trips as well:

Voir nos voyages sur mesure en Écosse

For official travel advice, please also visit the UK government website:

gov.uk

BRIGHTSIDE TRAVEL