UK

General Information

Location: Europe
Local Time: GMT
From 30 Oct 11 to 25 Mar 12 GMT
From 25 Mar 12 to 28 Oct 12 GMT +1
From 29 Oct 12 to 30 Mar 13 GMT
From 31 Mar 13 to 27 Oct 13 GMT +1
Capital City: London
Population: 62 million
Area: 244,820357,021 square km, 94,530 square miles.

Language(s): English
Dialling Code: 44
Emergency: Police, Fire & Ambulance: 999

TV Standard: PAL
Driving: Driving is on the left. National licence required. Minimum driving age is 17
Electricity: 240V AC 50Hz

Business & Currency

Currency: Pound Sterling (GBP 1 = 100 Pence)
Notes: GBP: 5, 10, 20, 50. Scotland: 1, 5, 10, 20, 100
Coins: GBP: 1, 2. Pence: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50

Credit Cards/Travellers Cheques: Credit cards and travellers cheques are widely accepted
Opening Hours

Bank: 0930-1530 Mon-Fri (some open Sat morning)
Office: 0900-1700 Mon-Fri
Shops: 0900-1730 Mon-Sat

Public Holidays

2012

01 Jan : New Year’s Day
02 Jan : (for 2nd January - Scotland)
17 Mar : St Patrick’s Day (Ireland & N Ireland)
06 Apr : Good Friday
09 Apr : Easter Monday (Except Scotland)
07 May : Early May Bank Holiday
04 Jun : Spring Bank Holiday
05 Jun : Queen’s Diamond Jubilee
13 Jul : Battle of the Boyne (N Ireland)
06 Aug : Summer Bank Holiday (Scotland & Ireland)
27 Aug : Summer Bank Holiday (Except Scotland)
29 Oct : Bank Holiday (Ireland)
30 Nov : St Andrew’s Day
25 Dec : Christmas Day
26 Dec : Boxing Day
26 Dec : St Stephen’s Day (Ireland)

If the date falls on the weekend, the public holiday will be observed on the next working day.
Business/Social Hints: Business is conducted in English, not many executives speak a second language. Smoking is banned in all pubs, restaurants, clubs and workplaces. On social occasions, eg invitation to restaurants and clubs, punctuality expected. Dress as for business meetings unless otherwise indicated.
Tipping: If a service charge has been added to bill, tips are not necessary, additional discretionary tips in restaurants & for taxis around 10%