In Scotland

[phylkat]

My friend in coming to the UK & has asked me when in Scotland do they accept Pounds & Euro's or just thier own currency ?
Any lovely Scot out there that can tell me ? Thankyou.

[harrys13]

scotland is still part of the uk and we do not have the euro but pounds yes.

[heathfield]

Your friend will find that many of the major stores will accept euros, and some will even have price-tags showing the price in both pounds and euros.

[phylkat]

Thankyou harrys13, I've heard though Scotland has its own notes that arn't accepted in England, is that right ?
But Scotland accept English notes, !!
pk

[mushroom25]

scottish bank notes are not legal tender in England, but are often accepted by large organisations, eg post office, major stores and firms associated with transport (railways, motorway services, etc). they may also be accepted by other traders at their discretion - I've yet to have one refused at a city-centre pub, for instance.

[nickmo]

Hi P - as a picky technical point, if it says 'Sterling' on the note they are legal tender in England and Wales - Northern Ireland and Scottish banks produce their own 'promisary notes' - not 'legal tender' - in pounds sterling.

But for actually spending money, nowhere in the UK is one countries' money not actually accepted for buying stuff..... some retailers as above will display Euro as well as GBP prices and take both currencies and a lot of hotels etc take Euros.

If travelling and shopping oputside the main centres of population, GBP should be used - stops all the blank stares and head scratching...

Just a note - Isle of Man banknotes are also Sterling, but as IoM is outside the UK - honest! - their notes are refused more often than Scottish notes. Same problem for Channel Islands notes. They both have currency 'linked' to the GBP...if your'e bored, GBP info here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GBP with a few links to while away the day...

[spudqueen]

nickmo - if we're being picky check out the Bank of England website which states that Scottish and Northern Irish notes are not legal tender in England - only English notes are.
http://www.bankofengland.co.uk/banknotes/about /faqs.htm

phylkat - Basically, your friend will probably come across more Scottish notes in Scotland than English ones, though both are in use. There is no difference to the coins. If your friend should travel to England then they will be best just taking English notes as many shops and businesses in England do not accept Scottish notes.

[phylkat]

Question Answered, Thankyou to -- mushroom25, --nickmo -- spudqueen -- you've all been most helpful.

My USA friend has been contacted and informed, some ?? told him the UK has changed to Euro's. Doh!!

[KARL]

At most times and in most places in Scotland, English notes are a rarity - cash machines will generally ONLY deliver Scottish notes. As almost all business can be conducted using plastic, and this saves changing money and carrying cash plus worrying about what to do with any leftovers, a credit card is likely to be the most practical solution.

[phylkat]

KARL, You're a diamond, thankyou for that, will pass it on.

lol pk

[nickmo]

Thought re using c/card - check the rates for foreign currency transactions - it might be cheaper to exchange USD for GBP - a lot of places offering commission free for example - though the c/card will certainly be easier to handle. You may be able to get notes as change or cashback with a purchase too which might be useful..

And if travelling around, a few GBP notes/coins will always be useful of course.... try using a c/card for the northbound toll on the Forth Road Bridge and see the reaction of the guy behind you - hilarious!!!!

[phylkat]

Thanks again nickmo, nice of you to take so much interest.
Have taken all on board and will pass on your advice.

lol pk

[nickmo]

Hi P - glad to help -

just a thought - is your friend coming in August? Edinburgh will be heaving for the Festivals and if they haven't booked any accommodation they will possibly have to stay out of town. Rates are bumped up as well due to the demand...

Info on the Festivals here if of use: http://www.edinburgh-festivals.com with listings, links and reviews. and the VisitScotland site will give some useful details for visitors about whats on and where else to go around the country: http://www.visitscotland.com

Cheers for now..

[phylkat]

Thats a good thought nickmo but arriving Glasgow on 28th June, on to Edinburgh for a week at the 'Marriott'.
July 3rd will be in Shakespear Country, then Somerset, on to London for 1 week then south to Portsmouth, Back to Essex & me, then Gatwick & home.
PHEW! I'm worn out already.

lol pk