In the United Kingdom, the currency is the GBP pound sterling (£). Foreign currencies can be exchanged for GBP at banks, travel agencies and Post Offices, as well as at airports and major train stations.  For the current exchange rate or value please use a currency converter: http://www.xe.com/

£1 = 100 pence (p).

Coins: £1, £2 and 1p, 2p, 5p, 10p, 20p and 50p.

Notes: £5, £10, £20, £50.

Credit cards – especially Visa and Mastercard – are widely accepted in London’s restaurants, bars, cafés and shops. American Express and Diners Club cards are less commonly accepted.

Edinburgh enjoys a moderate year-round climate and does not experience violent extremes of weather that could interrupt a meeting schedule or social calendar.

Scotland is likely to experience temperatures ranging from around 8°C (46°F) to 14°C (57°F) from September to November. The eastern part of the country, including Edinburgh, enjoys an annual rainfall that is actually similar to (or less than) New York, Barcelona, Rome or even Rabat in Morocco.

It’s always worth packing a sweater and raincoat just in case!

The UK dialling code is +44 (which replaces the 0). Please remember to check your own country’s code before you travel.

Complimentary open WiFi connection for general browsing purposes will be available throughout the conference venue. Most hotels, cafes, venues and selected tube stations provide free WiFi.

Emergency Services (police, fire and ambulance): 112 or 999

To report non-urgent crime, call the police on 101 from within the UK.

The National Health Service (NHS) is the main healthcare provider in the UK.

Please note that registration fees do not include insurance of any kind.

NHS treatment is free for UK residents. Overseas nationals are not eligible for free NHS treatment except if they need emergency treatment while in the UK. You are strongly advised to take out travel insurance to cover any medical expenses.

If you come from a country that holds a UK healthcare agreement, you are entitled to free or reduced-cost medical treatment if needed immediately for a condition that started after your arrival in the UK.

Find out more on the Department of Health website.

Official Visitor Guide: https://www.meetingedinburgh.com/attending-a-conference

Find a list of all Embassies and Consulates in Scotland and the UK here: https://www.visitscotland.com/about/practical-information/embassies-consulates/

The main Accident & Emergency Unit is at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, a large general teaching hospital, located 15 minutes from the city centre.

UK appliances are fitted with three-pin plugs that can be connected to the UK mains supply through wall sockets. UK power sockets deliver an average voltage of 230v. Unlike the sockets in many other countries, these have a switch to turn the power supply on and off – make sure you have turned it on if you are trying to charge your appliance!

From 26^th March to 29^th October 2023, the UK observes British Summer Time (BST), which is one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).

(Source: Meeting Edinburgh)