Travel Documents & Preparations

Passport

First, the obvious—you need a passport. However, it must be valid for at least six months after your planned return date to the U.S. To prepare for the unlikely but possible event of loss, take a picture of the key passport pages on your phone or carry a paper copy.

Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)

New in 2025, U.S. citizens traveling to the United Kingdom for short visits—whether for tourism, business, or even just transiting through UK airports—must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). This applies if you do not have a UK visa or legal residency in the UK or the Republic of Ireland.

The ETA is a digital authorization linked to your passport, allowing UK authorities to screen visitors before arrival. If you plan to visit both the UK and any part of the European Union (such as Ireland), you will need both a UK ETA and the EU equivalent, known as an ETIAS.

The UK ETA costs £10 and allows multiple visits to the UK for up to six months at a time over a two-year period (or until your passport expires, whichever comes first). For more information and to apply, visit the UK Government website.

The easiest way to apply for an ETA is through the official UK ETA smartphone app, available on the App Store (iPhone) and Google Play Store (Android). Simply search for "UK ETA" to download it.

Travel Guideline and Preparation

Communication & Connectivity

Before traveling, check with your carrier about international plans or roaming fees. While carrier plans are often the most convenient, they are typically the most expensive. For example, Verizon’s TravelPass ($10 per day) allows you to use data and make local phone calls with your existing number. However, keep in mind that people in the UK may hesitate to call you back, as it would be an international call for them.

A SIM card (a physical card) or an eSIM (a digital alternative) can be a more affordable option for local calls and data.

• SIM Cards: These is inserted into your phone and can be purchased before you leave (Amazon options here). You can also buy SIM cards at most major airports—Heathrow has SIM-card vending machines in the baggage claim area, as well as retail stores selling them in the arrivals hall. Outside the airport, you can purchase SIM cards from major UK carriers such as Vodafone, EE, O2, or Three at their retail shops. A SIM card provides both data (internet) and a local phone number for calls.

• eSIMs: These are more convenient, as they are downloaded as apps before you leave home. However, most eSIMs are data-only, meaning they work for websites, Google Maps, and messaging apps but do not support traditional phone calls or may only include a small number of minutes (e.g., 20 minutes). This can be frustrating if you need to make frequent calls such as to local taxis or restaurants. Some eSIM providers do offer call-enabled plans, so check carefully. Follow the instructions carefully so that when you arrive, your phone automatically switches to the eSIM.

For a 7-day visit, 3GB of data is typically sufficient and costs around $10–15. My personal preference is Airalo, which offers both data-only and data/phone options.

A good introduction to using eSIMS can be found on this blog by Intentional Travelers, the post does focus on Asia but all the same principles and tips apply anywhere in the world. Click here to view

Note: Your phone must be unlocked and able to work with a eSIM, this will be the case for most newer phone. For an iPhone, go to

Settings > General > About

If "No SIM restrictions" is shown your phone is unlocked and you are good to go.

Messaging Apps

WhatsApp

If you have internet data access (such as with a SIM, eSIM card or carrier international service), consider downloading WhatsApp. This FREE messaging app works similarly to the iPhone iMessage app but is far more widely used in Europe and the rest of the world given the End-to-End Encryption (E2EE).

WhatsApp is owned by Meta (formerly Facebook), so you may already have an account. To make calls or send messages via WhatsApp, the recipient also needs to be on the platform. Fortunately, many small businesses, hotels and restaurants in the UK, as well as most individuals—especially younger people—already use WhatsApp.

Google Voice

Although Google Voice has been around for over a decade, it remains relatively underused. However, for planning a trip to the UK and for use while traveling, it can be invaluable but you must have a Gmail account. Google Voice is FREE to set up. When you set up Google Voice, you will be assigned a new US telephone number. Important: The Google Voice number must be linked to an existing U.S. phone number (landline or cell) for verification. And a Gmail account. Once set up, you can use it anywhere with Wi-Fi or mobile data.

Incoming calls can be forwarded to your linked U.S. number or sent to voicemail, with transcribed messages forwarded to your email. You can also assign certain numbers to be directed to your cell phone while the others sent to voicemail.

Using Google Voice to call the UK from the US prior to your travel

Google Voice allows you to make international calls at very low rates—typically 1–2 cents per minute for calls to UK landlines but more expensive to call mobile/cell phones. When dialing a UK number, you must include the country code (+44) and the area code (STD code) without the leading zero. For example, 01938 111234 would be dialed as +44 1938 111234. You can use Google Voice from a laptop from the list of apps on Google.com or with the Voice app on a smart phone. Obviously when traveling, the smartphone app will be more convenient so I suggest you download before you leave.

Using Google Voice while in the UK

You can make calls or send text messages over Wi-Fi or mobile data using the full international number as if you are in the US again using the app or on a laptop.

Note: People in the UK calling or texting your Google Voice number will be making an international call so they might hesitate.

Google Voice does not support UK emergency numbers (e.g., 999,112).

Personally, I have used Google Voice for many years and I have calls go directly to voicemail, and read the Google transcription that arrives within a few minutes.

Messaging Apps

WhatsApp

If you have internet data access (such as with a SIM, eSIM card or carrier international service), consider downloading WhatsApp. This FREE messaging app works similarly to the iPhone iMessage app but is far more widely used in Europe and the rest of the world given the End-to-End Encryption (E2EE).

WhatsApp is owned by Meta (formerly Facebook), so you may already have an account. To make calls or send messages via WhatsApp, the recipient also needs to be on the platform. Fortunately, many small businesses, hotels and restaurants in the UK, as well as most individuals—especially younger people—already use WhatsApp.

Google Voice

Although Google Voice has been around for over a decade, it remains relatively underused. However, for planning a trip to the UK and for use while traveling, it can be invaluable but you must have a Gmail account. Google Voice is FREE to set up. When you set up Google Voice, you will be assigned a new US telephone number. Important: The Google Voice number must be linked to an existing U.S. phone number (landline or cell) for verification. And a Gmail account. Once set up, you can use it anywhere with Wi-Fi or mobile data.

Incoming calls can be forwarded to your linked U.S. number or sent to voicemail, with transcribed messages forwarded to your email. You can also assign certain numbers to be directed to your cell phone while the others sent to voicemail.

Using Google Voice to call the UK from the US prior to your travel

Google Voice allows you to make international calls at very low rates—typically 1–2 cents per minute for calls to UK landlines but more expensive to call mobile/cell phones. When dialing a UK number, you must include the country code (+44) and the area code (STD code) without the leading zero. For example, 01938 111234 would be dialed as +44 1938 111234. You can use Google Voice from a laptop from the list of apps on Google.com or with the Voice app on a smart phone. Obviously when traveling, the smartphone app will be more convenient so I suggest you download before you leave.

Using Google Voice while in the UK

You can make calls or s`end text messages over Wi-Fi or mobile data using the full international number as if you are in the US again using the app or on a laptop.

Note: People in the UK calling or texting your Google Voice number will be making an international call so they might hesitate.

Google Voice does not support UK emergency numbers (e.g., 999,112).

Personally, I have used Google Voice for many years and I have calls go directly to voicemail, and read the Google transcription that arrives within a few minutes.

Electronics and Electrical

Voltage & Adapters

The UK uses 230V, and U.S. plugs will not fit UK outlets without an adapter. You will need a Type G adapter, but if you plan to visit other parts of Europe, a universal adapter may be a better choice.

• A highly recommended universal adapter is the EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter (recommended by Wirecutter).

• If you only need an adapter for the UK and Ireland, the Anker International Plug Adapter is a great choice—it includes 2 USB-C ports and 1 USB-A port for charging multiple devices.

• Depending on your adapter, you may need a USB wall plug adapter (like the power brick you use to plug into U.S. outlets)

Charging Phones & Devices

• Smartphones, Kindles, laptops, and iPads - most modern devices work with dual voltages (110V/230V), you do not need a voltage converter—just an adapter. For older models, check first.

• If you have multiple devices, consider bringing a multi-port USB charger to avoid a nighttime charging bottleneck with just one adapter.

Hair Dryers & Other Devices

• Do not bring a standard U.S. hairdryer—it will not work and could burn out unless it’s dual-voltage (220/110V). Most hotels provide hairdryers, so it’s best to leave yours at home.

Battery Pack for Phones

• You will likely use your cell phone a lot—for navigation, taking photos, looking up restaurants, and reading reviews—so keeping it charged is crucial.

• A portable battery pack is a smart travel essential. The Belkin Portable Charger (recommended by Wirecutter) strikes a good balance between capacity and portability.

Packing Tips

Layered Clothing

The UK’s weather can be unpredictable, and rain can happen at any time of year—even if the temperatures aren’t very cold. Pack for rain, wind, and cooler evenings. A light, foldable rain jacket (called a cagoule or kagoule in the UK) is a great choice. It’s easy to carry and perfect for brief showers that can last 5–10 minutes and often disappear as quickly as they came.

Tip: While umbrellas can be helpful, they can also be cumbersome, and some airlines don’t allow umbrellas with pointed ends. A collapsible umbrella is often more travel-friendly since it takes up less space.

Comfortable Shoes

Comfortable shoes are essential for walking tours. Castles and historic sites were never designed for easy walking, and centuries of use haven’t made it any easier. Cobblestone streets are charming but not ideal for high heels. If you plan on hiking or exploring trails, sturdy walking shoes or boots are recommended, as rain can make some paths muddy.

Packing Tip: To save space, wear your boots on the plane if you're traveling light.

Tracking Devices for Your Luggage

If you have an Air Tag (for iPhone) or a SmartTag (for Android), it’s wise to place it in your luggage. This allows you to track your bag’s location when it’s loaded onto the plane or if it’s left behind at a hotel.

Medication & Health Supplies

Bring enough prescription medication for the duration of your trip, plus extras in case of any delays. It’s also a good idea to carry a travel-size pack of Tylenol or Advil, something you’re familiar with in case you overdo it on a country walk or a session at the pub. Don’t forget a few band-aids (called plasters in the UK) for blisters, and sunscreen—yes, the sun does shine in the UK!

If you pack any over-the-counter (OTC) medications, keep them in their original packaging, and ensure the name and dosage are clearly visible.

Money Matters

Currency

The UK uses pounds sterling (£), and the country is becoming increasingly cash-free, so you won’t need to carry much cash. ATMs are widely available, and local withdrawal rates generally offer better exchange rates than travel bureaus at airports. Be sure to check which ATMs your bank has agreements with to avoid extra fees. Typically, it’s cheaper to withdraw cash with a debit card rather than a credit card, depending on your card issuer.

Credit Cards

Most places, including restaurants and attractions like castles, will accept debit and credit cards. Contactless cards are becoming the standard for smaller transactions, though Chip and PIN is widely used. Check with your bank to set a PIN code for your credit card. If your contactless payment is rejected, don’t panic—simply insert the card into the reader. Here are the general rules for PINs numbers for credit cards:

• Contactless payments (tap-to-pay) are widely accepted, with a limit of £100 per transaction before a PIN is required.

• Occasional PIN entry: Even for contactless, banks may randomly ask for a PIN.

• Online and phone payments: May require additional verification like a one-time passcode (3D Secure).

Many credit card machines will detect you are using a US Dollar card and ask whether you want to charge in local currency (pounds sterling) or USD. It’s generally better to choose local currency. This is because:

• Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) (charging in USD) often comes with additional fees and less favorable exchange rates compared to what your card issuer would offer.

• If you choose local currency, your credit card company will handle the conversion at their typically better exchange rate, which can save you money.

So, unless you have a specific reason to pay in USD (e.g., avoiding foreign transaction fees on your card), local currency is usually the more cost-effective option.

Restaurants and Pubs

Restaurants typically process and charge your credit card at the table. Most restaurants prefer to process payments at the table for security reasons and convenience, especially with the widespread use of contactless payments. They rarely, if ever, take your card away from the table. Side note: European visitors to the US are often surprised when restaurants take the card away to process it.

Tipping in restaurants is usually between 10-15%, but check your bill first—many places have "Service Included", which means the tip is already added. If a service charge is included (usually around 12.5%), there’s no need to tip extra unless the service was particularly exceptional. It is not unusual for locals to ask if service is included, this is not considered rude or frugal.

While restaurants and pubs typically serve lunch and dinner, food options are often limited in the mid-afternoon. Some pubs may not offer food at all, so it’s best to check ahead. The busiest time to eat in UK is usually about 7pm. In addition, many restaurants in rural areas may not open on Mondays and occasionally Tuesdays.

In pubs, order at the bar. Unlike the US, there’s no table service at most pubs. If you wait for a server, you might still be there when your flight home takes off. This can also apply to the pub food menu so check at the bar if you are unsure. Bartenders don’t expect tips— if the bar tender was especially helpful or friendly, you can buy them a drink instead. Just say, "And one for yourself," and watch them become your new best mate.

At the end of the evening, pubs announce “Last Orders” about 10 minutes before closing time (usually 11pm). You have until 10 minutes after closing to finish your drink and leave.

Transportation

Local Buses: Local buses are available in most areas and generally run on published schedules. They’re a safe and inexpensive way to travel, especially for short distances within towns and cities. However, services can be limited on Sundays, so it’s a good idea to check schedules in advance. Some buses still require exact change and do not give change but many now accept contactless payment.

Trains: Many parts of the UK are accessible by train. It’s almost always cheaper to book your ticket in advance, rather than buying one at the station on the day of travel and you can use an app to do this (see below). The UK has multiple train companies, which can be confusing for first-time travelers, but there are apps available that provide comprehensive train options. For an excellent guide to navigating the UK train system, check out The Man in Seat 61, which offers detailed information on routes, fares, and booking tips.

UBER and Taxis: UBER is available in most cities and towns in the UK, and you’ll also find plenty of local taxi companies. Taxis are a reliable option, especially if you're traveling in areas with limited public transportation options but check in advance. In some rural areas, taxis may insist on cash. It’s often possible to book a taxi in advance via phone or app. For taxi tips, add 10% for a tip.

Car Rental: Smaller towns may not have car rental offices, and those that do may only be open for limited hours, typically closing at noon on Saturday and reopening on Monday morning. If you’re planning to rent a car over the weekend, airports are generally your best option, as they offer more flexible hours and availability.

Driving: If you’re planning to drive in the UK, be sure to check out our Driving Guidelines (Navigating the UK by Car) page for essential tips on road rules, driving distances, and advice on navigating rural areas.

Useful Smart Phone Websites and Apps

National Rail: National Rail is the official body representing UK train operators. It provides an official service for train schedules and ticket prices and owns and maintains the tracks nationwide. While it doesn't operate the trains, it serves as a one-stop shop for train information. The site offers details on ticket types, timetables, and redirects you to the train operator's website to purchase tickets.

Trainline: Trainline is a private online ticketing platform that sells train, bus, and coach tickets across the UK and Europe. As an independent service, it provides booking services for multiple train companies and charges a small booking fee. Trainline’s app is user-friendly, and it offers price prediction technology to help you book tickets at the best possible fares.

Omio: Omio is another popular app and website for booking train travel, as well as buses and flights across Europe. Similar to Trainline, Omio acts as an aggregator and allows you to compare prices from various transport providers.

Direct Train Operator Sites: Websites like Great Western Railway, Avanti West Coast, and Trains for Wales may offer lower or even no booking fees. These are the companies that actually run the services. However, if your trip involves multiple train companies, you can book the entire journey with one operator, such as Transport for Wales, which offers tickets for all rail services nationwide (except sleeper services).

National Express: National Express is the UK’s largest long-distance bus/coach operator, running intercity and airport coach services across the UK.

Local Bus Services: For local bus travel, apps like UK Bus Checker and Moovit provide timetables, bus stop locations, and, on some routes, the estimated arrival time for the next bus.

Shopping

Main Stores: Most stores in the UK close earlier than in the US. Larger stores typically close between 5:30 and 6:00 pm, with even earlier closing times on Sundays, around 4:00 pm.

Banking Hours: Banks in the UK generally close earlier as well, typically around 4:00 or 5:00 pm on weekdays and are closed on Sundays. ATMs are widely available for cash withdrawals, but if you need to visit a bank, it's best to locate one and check their hours ahead of time. In the UK just like the US, bank branches are closing especially in rural areas.

Grocery Stores: Many grocery stores (like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, or Asda) may have later hours on weekdays, often staying open until 10:00 pm or later, but check individual store opening times.

Sunday Shopping: Sunday trading laws in the UK limit larger stores to opening for only six hours between 10:00 am and 6:00 pm, which can sometimes make planning purchases a bit tricky if you're used to 24-hour availability.

Late-Night Options: If you’re looking for something open later, supermarkets and 24-hour convenience stores like Tesco Express or Co-op can be great options for snacks, essentials, and some toiletries. Gas/Petrol stations are often the last option.

Health & Safety

• Emergency Numbers & Services

  • 999 and/or 112 for emergencies (police, fire, ambulance). The triple 9 (999) number is the traditional emergency number but 112 has become the standard across Europe.

  • 111 for non-urgent medical advice (free, 24/7).

  • 101 for non-emergency police assistance (e.g., reporting minor theft or lost property).

• Hospitals & Urgent Care

  • A&E (Accident & Emergency): For serious medical conditions. Wait times can be long unless it’s life-threatening.

  • Minor Injury Units & Walk-in Centres: These can treat many issues faster than A&E (e.g., minor cuts, burns, infections, broken fingers).

  • Private Urgent Care Clinics: Available in major cities (e.g., Bupa, Babylon Health, or London Doctors Clinic) but can be expensive.

• Pharmacies & Medication

  • Chemists like Boots, Superdrug, and Lloyds Pharmacy are common. Many offer consultations for minor ailments.

  • Some large supermarket pharmacies (Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury’s) have longer opening hours.

  • Prescription Medications: UK doctors cannot accept foreign prescriptions. You may need to see a local GP or private doctor to get UK-approved medication.

• Health Insurance & Costs

  • Emergency NHS care is available to everyone, but non-emergency treatment is not free for tourists unless your country has a reciprocal healthcare agreement with the UK.

  • A private consultation (for minor illnesses or prescription refills) costs £50–£200, depending on the clinic.

  • Travel insurance with medical coverage is highly recommended to avoid large bills for private treatment.

• Late-Night Pharmacies & 24-Hour Services

  • Late-night Boots branches exist in big cities, but in rural areas, 24-hour pharmacies are rare.

  • NHS 111 can help you locate an open pharmacy outside normal hours.

  • Some hospital A&Es have 24-hour pharmacies for urgent prescriptions.

• Additional Travel Health Tips

  • Tap water is safe to drink everywhere in the UK.

  • If hiking in remote areas, carry basic first aid supplies.

  • Consider downloading the What3Words app, used by emergency services to locate people in remote areas.

Miscellaneous

Queueing (Waiting in Line): The UK has a strong queueing culture—cutting in line is frowned upon. Cutting in line is social suicide. Even in an emergency, it's safer to faint dramatically and hope someone lets you go ahead.

The UK weather forecast is more of a polite suggestion than a guarantee. It might say "light showers," but that could mean anything from a gentle mist to a full monsoon.

If a British person asks, "Fancy a cuppa?" the correct answer is always "Yes, please!" Even if you don't drink tea, accept it—this is a social contract, not a beverage offer. Regular tea comes with milk (always) - but there is a debate whether milk before or after tea.

The weather is the #1 topic of conversation. If you’re stuck, just say, “Bit chilly today, innit?” and you’ll blend right in.

Brits apologize for everything. If you accidentally step on a Brit’s foot, they will say “Sorry” before you do.

The pub is the one place Brits will actually talk to strangers. Don’t lose that opportunity

Navigation

Google Maps

Google Maps works well in most parts of the UK, but in rural areas of Wales, Scotland, and the Pennine Mountains, cell reception can be spotty. We recommend downloading offline maps of the areas you plan to visit so you can navigate even without data coverage.

Important: Google Maps does not require data access to display your current location. While offline maps may lose some detail, they will still allow you to navigate effectively.

For instructions on downloading offline maps, visit Google Maps Support.

Other Map Options

• Waze is available in the UK but doesnt have offline maps and is not ideal for walking, cycling, or public transport.

• Apple Maps is not yet as detailed as Google Maps and more limited for public transport options outside major cities

• Ordnance Survey (OS Maps) (Best for Hiking & Rural Areas) is the most detailed maps for rural UK areas and works offline (subscription required for premium features) so is best for hiking, camping, and countryside navigation, It is not good for driving or public transport and a paid subscription is needed for full access. There is generally a free trial period of 14 days but a credit card is required and auto renews to an annual subscription if you don not cancel when you leave Click here for the OS Map website

• What3Words - this is not a true mapping app but its useful to know about if you are planning to get off the beaten track and hike. This app is a geolocation system that divides the world into a grid of 3m x 3m squares, assigning each square a unique three-word address. This makes it easy to pinpoint and share precise locations, even in places without traditional street addresses. As an example, the White House in Washington can be located by saying "goods.enjoyable.loft" and the front of Stokesay Castle in Shropshire is "pebble,increases.sedated". Now, this app, while virtually unknown and unused in the US, emergency services in the UK will definitely be aware of and use it.

Whether you are a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, there are a few things to keep in mind when planning your trip to the UK. Be aware that some things are very different in the UK than in the US. For example, the currency, electrical outlets and voltage, what side of the road to drive on. and even parts of the language but surely that's part of the fun. So, read through our hints, we hope they answer some questions and have a jolly good time across the pond.