Edinburgh

Currency

Pound sterling. Scottish banks issue their own banknotes — they are valid everywhere in the UK, though some English shops hesitate. Contactless is universal.

ATMs & cards

Bank of Scotland, RBS, Clydesdale and the big English banks all offer free withdrawals. Avoid fee-charging machines in corner shops on the Royal Mile.

Scottish banks issue their own notes — valid across the UK, though some English shops hesitate.

Wherever you are: if the machine offers to charge you in your home currency, decline. That is dynamic currency conversion and the rate is set by the ATM's operator, not your bank.

Safety

Very safe. The weather is the real hazard: it can shift from sun to horizontal rain within an hour, and Arthur’s Seat gets slippery. August during the Fringe means triple prices and full accommodation.

Our own assessment, not a sourced index.

Entry & visa

Health & emergencies

Required to enter

No vaccinations are required for entry from Europe or North America.

Worth having

• Routine vaccinations up to date

Getting treated

Emergency treatment in A&E is free to everyone regardless of nationality. Follow-up care, admission and repatriation are not, so insurance still matters. Pharmacists can treat many minor problems without an appointment.

Orientation, not medical advice. Entry rules change and what you need depends on your own history and where you have been — check with a travel clinic or your national health service four to six weeks before you go.

Food tip

Try haggis properly cooked before dismissing it, ideally with neeps and tatties. Scotland does seafood exceptionally well — and a whisky flight is worth doing with guidance.

Getting around

• Walking — the Old Town and New Town are compact, though steep in places
• Bus — Lothian Buses cover everything, £2 flat fare, exact change or contactless
• Tram — one line from the airport through the New Town to Newhaven
• Train — Waverley station is central and connects the whole of Scotland
• Airport: Tram or Airlink 100 bus to the centre (30 min, ~£7)

Must-see

Things to do

• Tour Edinburgh Castle
• Hike up Arthur’s Seat at sunrise
• Walk the length of the Royal Mile
• Visit the free National Museum of Scotland
• Climb Calton Hill for the skyline
• Do a whisky tasting

Nearby day trips

Say a few words

British English — local usage

• Hello, informallyYou alright?
• ThanksCheers
• Yes, definitelyYeah, no worries
• That is expensiveThat is a bit steep
• The bill, pleaseCould we get the bill, please?
• Sorry (used constantly)Sorry
• Very goodBrilliant
• A drink before dinnerA swift half

Religion

Church of England, and largely secular

The Anglican church is established by law with the monarch at its head, while actual attendance is low. Cathedrals often charge entry but are free during services.

Do's and don'ts

Do

• Queue, properly and without comment — jumping one is the closest thing to a national taboo
• Say sorry constantly, including when someone else bumps into you
• Stand on the right on escalators
• Buy a round if you are drinking in a group, and buy yours in turn

Don't

• Do not skip your round; it is noticed and remembered
• Do not ask what someone earns or what their house cost
• Do not take "we must do this again sometime" as a firm plan
• Do not expect table service in pubs unless the sign says so — order at the bar