Overview

• Language: The de facto official language of the United Kingdom (UK) is English, although in some corners of the country you may encounter Welsh or Gaelic.
• Useful phrases: Hello, Thank you
• Currency: British Pound (see current exchange rates here).
• Payment methods: Most everywhere accepts major credit cards; however, I always like to have a few pounds on me just in case. ATMs are common and the easiest way to get cash upon arrival.
• Electric plugs: The UK uses type G electrical outlet plugs. Type G is not overly common in other countries, and there are no alternative plugs that you can use here. Additionally, standard voltage is 230V with a standard frequency of 50Hz. This voltage is common in Europe, but if you are coming from the Americas, you will likely need a converter. Check out my favorite converter and adaptor!
• Measurement systems: Like most of the world, the UK uses the Metric System, measuring distances in kilometers and temperature in Celsius.
• Weather: The UK is famous for its dreary weather, especially in the fall and winter, so make sure to pack a rain coat and umbrella! Otherwise, the weather is typically mild, with warmer winters than mainland Europe (around 35°F) but cooler summers (around 65°F).
• Bonus tip: Many people get confused when thinking about the United Kingdom – what is the difference between the UK, Britain, England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland? Aren’t they all countries? Technically yes, although the UK is the sovereign state that handles certain governing matters; England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland are all countries that, while semi-autonomous, are ultimately ruled by the UK; and Britain is the name of the largest island in the UK, where Wales, Scotland, and England reside. The more you know!

Logistics

• Visa needs: Most citizens from the United States and Europe do not need a formal visa and can enter the UK via a transit visa obtained at the airport. This will allow you to stay for up to six months in the UK; therefore, you must have at least six months validity left in your passport upon entry. For additional details and a full listing of countries requiring formal visas, click here.
• Getting there: London’s Heathrow airport (LHR) is the major international airline hub within the UK and Europe, and is often a layover for flights going on to Africa or Eastern Europe.
• Getting around: The UK has fairly decent public transportation, making it easy to get around the country by train, tram, or bus. There are also many flights from discount airlines such as EasyJet or RyanAir that fly out of London’s lesser known airports, and can be very affordable means of transport within the country and Europe.
• Driving: Residents of the UK drive on the left side of the road. Visitors from the United States and Europe typically do not require an International Driving Permit to rent a car in the UK.

LGBTQ+ Safety

Overall safety ranking: A-

To be honest, the United Kingdom has a complicated history regarding LGBTQ+ rights. UK colonization spread anti-homosexual laws to many countries that previously had more open and fluid cultures – and many of those countries still have those laws in place today.

That being said, present-day UK is very progressive both culturally and legislatively, making it a great country to visit and just be yourself.

• Are same sex relations illegal? No
• Is same sex marriage legal? Yes
• Are there protections against discrimination? Yes
• Is there the right to change physical gender? Yes

Check out this post for more safety tips for queer travelers!