Currency

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 London's airports and major train stations.

• £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.

For the current exchange rate or value please view a currency converter.  

Weather

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

From April to September, temperatures are mild and compare favourably with other European cities; annual rainfall is less than Frankfurt, New York and Rome.

Phone and internet on your smartphone

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

Complimentary open Wi-Fi connection for general browsing purposes will be available throughout the venue.

If you're using a smartphone to browse the internet and receive emails, be aware that your network will charge you to access this data while you are in London. Many cafes, venues and selected tube stations are WiFi-enabled.

Be aware that while some hotels provide free Wi-Fi, others will charge for this service.

Useful phone numbers

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

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

Insurance

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

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

Plug, socket and voltage in the UK

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've turned it on if you're trying to charge your appliance!

Time zone

During the summer months (including September), the UK observes British Summer Time (BST), which is one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).

Useful websites

Official visitor guide: Visit London

Find a list of all Embassies and Consulates in Scotland and the UK.