Last updated: 07 April 2012
Visiting
Business hours
Usual business hours are open between 9.00am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday.
Banks and government offices are open between 9.00am and 5.00pm, Monday to Friday, but this may vary in country areas.
Most shops are open between 9.00am to 5.30pm, Monday to Saturday, and 10.00am to 4.00pm on Sunday.
Many shops stay open longer during the week, with urban supermarkets offering 24-hour shopping. Generally Thursdays are late night shopping.
Public holidays
January 1 – New Year's Day
March 21 – Good Friday
March 24 – Easter Monday (except Scotland)
May 5 – May Day
May 26 – Spring Bank Holiday
August 25 – Summer Bank Holiday (except Scotland)
December 25 – Christmas Day
December 26 – Boxing Day
Climate
The UK has a maritime climate controlled by Atlantic Ocean weather patterns. The best weather is usually between May and September. Weather forecasts are available on TV and in all newspapers.
For weather details in the UK, please visit the World Meteorological Organization.
Currency
Oanda currency converter
The currency is the pound sterling (£).
Time zones and time differences
United Kingdom is 10 hours behind Australian Eastern Standard Time.
To find out the current time in London, view the World Clock.
Dialling codes
United Kingdom's country code is 44.
For calls to United Kingdom from Australia dial: 0011 + 44 + area code + telephone number.
For calls from United Kingdom to Australia dial: 00 + 61 + area code + telephone number.
For further information (eg. area codes) please visit the White Pages - international dialling codes.
Electricity and water
United Kingdom’s power supply is 220 volts, 50Hz. The 13-amp square-pin plugs are the standard. European round pin adaptors will not work.
Links and resources
Travel and tourism
London Entertainment Guide (Evening Standard) – www.thisislondon.co.uk/home
London Underground – www.tfl.gov.uk/tube
London Town – www.londontown.com
Northern Ireland Tourist Board – www.discovernorthernireland.com
Scottish Tourist Board – www.visitscotland.com
Transport for London – www.tfl.gov.uk
Visit Britain – www.visitbritain.org
Visit Wales – www.tourism.wales.gov.uk
Please note: this list of websites and resources is not definitive. Inclusion in this list does not imply endorsement by Austrade. The information provided is a guide only.