Fast Facts for Edinburgh
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Climate
The most predictable thing about Edinburgh’s weather is its unpredictability. Sunny mornings can quickly give way to rainy, blustery afternoons while a chilly, misty beginning can become a beautiful day. If you are out for the day sightseeing it is always wise to carry a light jacket and umbrella. In general summers are fine but short, while winters can be long and damp with a good proportion of frosty days. December, January and February are the rainiest months and as with many places the nicest time to visit can be the spring when the evenings are drawing out, the temperatures rising and the trees and flowers coming into blossom.
When not to go
Because Edinburgh is essentially a sightseeing destination it is always fairly busy. However there are a few times in the year when it is absolutely packed and unless you are there for the events that are taking place it would be better to avoid it at these times. The first and most well known of these events is the Edinburgh festival which takes place every summer in August. During the Festival the entire city will be heaving with people, hotels will be crammed and expensive, restaurant tables hard to come by and the pubs packed.
Hogmanay is the other very busy time with a New Years Eve street party that takes over the city centre and fireworks at midnight. It is possible to enjoy the build up to the party by wandering around in the afternoon listening to bands practising on the open air stages watching the city slowly being readied for the evening before escaping to your hotel, but if you’re not there for the (tickets only) event then there isn’t much point in paying the inflated hotel and restaurant prices.
Currency
Scotland is part of the United Kingdom so the currency is Pounds Sterling. Don’t be confused by the fact that you will undoubtedly receive and be using Scottish Pounds; these are perfectly legal tender in the rest of Britain if you are travelling over the border.
Language
English (with a wee bit of an accent).
Voltage Guide
240V AC, 50Hz. Plugs have 3 square pins, adaptors are widely available. Appliances from USA will need a transformer and adaptor, those from Australasia will just need an adaptor.
Dialling Codes
Country: +44
City: (0)131
Visa Requirement
Valid passports are the only requirement for a stay of up to 6 months for USA, Canadian, Australian, New Zealand and South African Nationals. Citizens of the European Union do not require a visa.
Vaccinations
None
Tipping
Good service in a restaurant would normally merit a tip of around 10% but check first if service is included in the bill. Taxi drivers also appreciate tips of 10% but don’t be afraid to give less. Tipping is not compulsory in the UK and are not relied on to supplement wages so just use your judgement.
Public Holidays 2009
1 January: New Year’s Day
2 January: Second of January
25 January: Burns Night
10 April: Good Friday Bank Holiday
13 April: Easter Monday Bank Holiday
4 May: Early May Bank Holiday
25 May: Spring Bank Holiday
3 August: Summer Bank Holiday
30 November: St Andrew's Day
25 December: Christmas Day Bank Holiday
26 December: Boxing Day Bank Holiday
31 December: Hogmanay
Useful links
VisitScotland Edinburgh
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