C. John Weborg Center for Spiritual Direction
2025 Pilgrimage to Lindisfarne and Iona
Scotland for Americans FAQ
1) What side of the road do Scots drive on?
Left. Please note that this also translates to pedestrian traffic—you typically walk on left side of a sidewalk or set of stairs. If you’re renting a car, just always remember that the driver sits closest to the middle of the road, as is true everywhere.
2) What is the emergency number?
999.
3) What is the international dialling code for the UK?
+44.
4) What type of electrical adapter will I need?
Type G.
5) What type of currency is used in Scotland?
Pound Sterling—note that paper currency in Scotland is issued by various banks, not the government, so not all bills look alike.
6) Do I need to tip?
Although there isn’t a big tipping culture in Scotland, it is quite common to tip 10%-15% in restaurants or taxis. If at the pub, tip the bartender a quid (pound). At the hotel, tip the porter £2.
7) Where can I exchange money?
At various Post Offices across Scotland which offer travel money and foreign exchange services.
9) Are English pound notes accepted in Scotland?
Yes, though some merchants will act like they’re not thrilled about it. :)
10) Are ATMs available in Scotland?
Yes, but you’ll want to check with your bank about international fees.
11) Can you drink the tap water in Scotland?
Yes, unless otherwise noted. Scottish tap water, in some areas, tastes better than bottled water.
12) Is the Scottish accent/slang difficult to understand?
It can be, especially if spoken quickly. Here’s a couple helpful guides: “Words You Dinnae Ken” and “Guide to Scottish Slang.”
At a quick service restaurant you will often be asked, “Sittin’ in or takeaway?” Although it’s easy to figure out in print, hearing it aloud can be a little confusing at first.
Some of the terms discussed are somewhat delicate, but this video can be very helpful to avoid embarrassing situations in conversation with people from the UK: “8 Words NOT to Say when Traveling in England” (and yes, all of these apply to Scotland as well).
13) Is Scottish weather really that unpredictable?
Yes. Expect some cold weather (especially near the sea), some warm weather (hopefully), some wet weather, and some dry weather (hopefully). Scottish comedian Billy Connolly has said, “There are two seasons in Scotland: June and winter.” That’s an overstatement, but just keep in mind that Scotland is at the same approximate latitude as Alaska, Moscow, and Norway.
14) How is distance measured in Scotland?
Although Scotland uses the metric system, this doesn’t apply to driving. Road signs display distances in miles and speed limit signs are posted in miles-per-hour. If you’re going to rent a car, it’s a good thing to remember.
15) What’s a great souvenir to bring home from Scotland?
Most tourists lean towards something tartan, especially if it turns out they have items in your family tartan (research that here). One great souvenir that doesn’t get mentioned enough is the quaich, a traditional “friendship bowl” for clan gatherings. They’re available in almost all souvenir shops and come in quite a few different sizes, including very small ones that don’t take up much room in a suitcase.
16) What’s a little-known tip for tourists that most travel websites and guidebooks miss?
Scottish businesses and restaurants do not keep “American hours,” so you can often struggle to find places that are open late, especially in smaller towns. Thankfully Edinburgh and Glasgow are exceptions to this because of their size and tourism industries, but even then don’t assume if you wander out in search of a late-night snack or a convenience store that has toothpaste that you’re going to find it.
17) What’s one tip for touring Scotland that people should take to heart?
Emphasize quality over quantity. In cities like Edinburgh and Glasgow there are a lot of things to see and do, but don’t try to fit as many in as you can. Part of the culture in the UK is all about lingering, not rushing, and it’s a philosophy worth embracing.