Money | Scottish Travel Guide (2024)

FAQs

What is the best form of money to travel with? ›

Credit Card, Pre-paid Credit Card, and Gift Card

Credit cards are often considered one of the safest ways to travel with currency.

Using cash on vacation

Cash, on the other hand, works anywhere. It's also easy to stick to a budget when you only have cash on you since there's no way you can possibly overspend. Also, cash offers its own form of security by not leaving a digital trail.

Bank of England notes are the only banknotes that are legal tender in England and Wales. Scottish, Northern Ireland, Jersey, Guernsey and Manx banknotes are not legal tender in England and Wales. However, they are not illegal under English law and creditors and traders may accept them if they so choose.

You will find that all major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard & American Express) and debits cards are widely accepted. The same is true of Travelers cheques which should be in GBP to avoid extra exchange rate charges. There are also a multitude of ATMs available throughout Scotland so you will have easy access to cash.

Should You Use Cash or Credit When Traveling to Europe? Most international travelers will end up using a combination of cash and cards when visiting Europe. While credit cards are accepted in most situations, currency can be more convenient for public transportation and small vendors.

Benefits of using cash while on vacation

If you only have a certain amount of money to spend, you're less likely to be frivolous with it if you mainly use cash. Carrying cash may also make you more aware of the exchange rates, which can help you have a better idea of how much you're spending.

If you are traveling on an international flight and have $10,000 or more in your possession, you must disclose the amount of U.S. Currency in your possession on a FinCEN 105 form. Those disclosure rules do not apply on a domestic flight.

Cons of Travelling with Cash

If you don't have a safe place to store your cash, this may cause concern on your holiday. Pre-Booking & Pre-Authorisation: Some places like hotels or transportation companies may require you to secure your booking via bank card. This may be difficult if you are only carrying cash with you.

Q: Is a Scottish £1 worth the same as an English £1? A: Yes! It's the same currency (British Pounds Sterling. You will often see the currency code of GBP).

Is there a difference between Scottish and English money? ›

In Scotland, the unit of currency is the pound (£), which is used throughout the entire UK. All major credit cards can also be used across Scotland, with Visa and MasterCard being most widely accepted. Scotland has its own bank notes that look different to those in the rest of the UK, however their value is the same.

However, if you're stuck with hard-to-shift Scottish notes after a trip to Scotland, it's best you head to a self-service machine. They'll give you not trouble at all.

Tipping. There are no hard and fast rules for tipping in Scotland. If you are happy with the service, a 10-15% tip is customary, particularly in a restaurant or café with table service. A tip is not necessary if a service charge has been added to the bill by the establishment.

Credit Cards and Debit Cards are used widely in Edinburgh and across Scotland with Visa and Mastercard being the most commonly accepted. American Express can be used but may not be accepted by all retailers, so bringing an alternative card is encouraged.

The best time to visit Scotland is during spring (late March to May) and fall (September to November). Temperatures are warmer by spring, with averages of 43°F to 59°F, although there will still be snow in the mountains of the Highlands and the Cairngorms.

Paying in local currency

Research shows that in most cases you can save by opting to spend in the local currency. For example, that would mean choosing euros in Spain or dollars in the US.

Get Cash at Your Bank Before Leaving the US

One of the best ways to minimize currency exchange fees is to visit your bank or credit union before you leave the U.S. to exchange dollars for the currency of your destination.

Key Points About: The Pros and Cons Of Cash Vs. Credit Cards. Paying with paper money can encourage mindful spending and budgeting habits, but cash lacks the convenience of credit cards, like making purchases online. Credit cards have greater security than cash and may give cash back rewards.

Ultimately, TSA uses the money to maintain and improve security operations. Travel Tip: To keep from leaving your money behind at the checkpoint, place it in a zip top plastic bag, pouch or favorite fanny-pack and store in your carry-on bag for X-ray screening.