Money & Tipping

The UK uses pounds sterling (£), and card and phone payments are accepted almost everywhere — many smaller businesses now operate card-only, so carrying a little cash is a backup rather than a necessity.

Tipping

Tipping in the UK is customary but more modest than in the US. In restaurants, 10–12.5% is standard if a service charge isn't already added to the bill — check the bill first, since many restaurants add it automatically, in which case an extra tip is a bonus rather than an expectation. In pubs, tipping isn't expected when ordering and paying at the bar, though it's common to offer to "get the bartender one" for good service instead of a cash tip. Taxi drivers are usually tipped by rounding up the fare rather than a fixed percentage.

Card Payments

Contactless is the default across shops, restaurants, transport and even many street food stalls and market vendors. Chip-and-PIN is used as a fallback for larger transactions or when contactless limits are reached.

Tips

• Check your restaurant bill for an already-included service charge before adding a tip.
• Bar-service pubs don't expect a cash tip — "buy the bartender a drink" is the local equivalent.
• Contactless and phone payments work almost everywhere, including on public transport directly.
• Carry some cash as a backup for smaller independent stalls, particularly at markets.