These are by no means exhaustive, but should give you a flavour of what to expect, and I’m sure most of them are already know to you.

Travel

• Public Transport – Extensive train and bus systems are available. Using a contactless card or phone is often the easiest way to pay for city transit, such as the London Underground.

• Trains are reliable and easy to navigate
• Book train tickets in advance for the best fares
• Uber is very limited in rural Lincolnshire
• Taxis are reliable, but not always immediately available
• We recommend pre-booking your taxi from Grantham. Pre-booking = peace of mind
• No car required for short stays, but a car is useful for exploring further afield
• Drive on the left
• Look out for speed cameras
• Distances are short, but travel can take longer than expected

• Vehicles drive on the left side of the road, so look both ways when crossing a street on foot)
• A valid US driver’s license is sufficient for driving rentals.

Money

• Currency: British Pound (£)
• Avoid exchanging money at airport kiosks, which often have high fees.
• Contactless card payments (credit/debit) are accepted almost everywhere, including public transit.
• Not all shops and restaurants take cash
• A 10-15% tip is appreciated at restaurants if a service charge is not already included, and is not really expected elsewhere.

Language differences

• the loo or the toilet= washroom or bathroom
• queue= line-up
• petrol= gas
• quid= pound/unit of currency (e.g., 5 quid = 5 pounds)

Cultural Tips and Laws

• Safety: The emergency number is 999 – you’ll be asked which service you want – Police, Ambulance or Fire.
• Drinking Age: The legal age for purchasing alcohol is 18.
• Electricity: The UK uses Type G plugs (three rectangular prongs) and 230V, so you will need a plug adapter and possibly a voltage converter for US devices.