Currency and Foreign Exchange - Information, Everyday Tips

Currency and Foreign Exchange

The British currency is the Pound Sterling (Approximately $1.55), and this is divided into 100 pence. 1p and 2p coins are copper; 5p, 10p and the seven-sided 20p and 50p coins are silver; the £1 coin is gold and the £2 coin is silver in the centre with a circle of gold around the edge. The notes are £5 (blue), £10 (orange), £20 (purple) and £50 (red). All notes and coins bear a picture of The Queen one side.

Bank opening hours in the UK are generally 09:30-15:30 Monday to Friday. However, some do open on Saturday mornings from 09:30-13:00. Most cash point machines (ATMs) will accept all major credit cards with a 'PIN' number.

There are a number of foreign exchange offices, where you will be able to buy pounds sterling at relatively competitive rates.