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Scotland Travel Information
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Once you have made up your mind to visit a place, then it's always advisable to get as much practical information as you can, to guarantee your trip is as pleasant and stress free as it possibly can be.
The Scotland travel information contained here should prove helpful and hopefully answer any questions or concerns you may have. You will find some excellent advice and links to other sites containing information on passport and visa requirements, currency, health and disability, our weather, useful travel links and more. I've no doubt you'll love your visit to Scotland, just be sure to plan it properly before you go, then you can relax and have a fabulous time.
Scotland Travel Information & Tips
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Passports & Visas : If you're travelling from outwith the UK this is the first thing you need to know about. All overseas visitors will need a passport. Europeans can stay for up to three months without the need for a visa, but for EU citizens there is no limit on the length of time you stay here. If you're from the US, Canada, Australia or New Zealand, you can stay for up to six months. From anywhere else a visa is required. You should check with the UK Tourist Office for more information.
Travelling to Scotland : So how exactly do you get here? Well, depending on where it is you're coming from, you may have more than one option available to you as to your method of transport. You should have a look at Travelling To Scotland for some information on how to get here.
Flights & Airports : If you're flying and have not yet arranged your flight then it should be worth looking at the Search Flights page. This fantastic search facility shows around two hundred results and price comparisons from major companies to offer you the lowest possible air fares.
On your arrival at the airport you will be required to go through
passport control. The Official BAA Glasgow Airport website will give you all the Scotland travel information you need for customs and baggage etc.
Accommodation : Scotland travel information includes first class accommodation, and you have a great choice when visiting Scotland, with hotels and guest houses, holiday cottages, holiday rentals, Scottish castles and hostels. Details on the Scotland Accommodation page.
Health & Disability : No vaccinations are required for visiting Scotland or any other part of the UK. We have a 'no smoking' policy for indoor public places including restaurants and pubs. Hotels and guest houses can allocate dedicated rooms for smoking if they wish, although few do.
We welcome visitors with disabilities, and many establishments offer good provisions. Visitors with a disability can find helpful Scotland travel information on the Capability Scotland website. Another site you may find helpful is Update, Scotland's National Disability Information Service.
Travel Insurance : I believe proper insurance cover is imperative for travelling anywhere, and this has been endorsed by some of the horror stories I have read about people who have had an unfortunate accident or taken ill while abroad, and were not insured. Even the most simple and basic hospital treatment can amount to thousands of pounds, and when insurance is available from just £6.99 per week for a single trip, it's not worth taking the risk. You can find rates like these and buy online from Essential Travel
(UK residents only) who will insure you up to the age of seventy four. Travellers from outwith the UK should see JS Insurance.
Travel Guides And Maps : If you are planning a self guided tour of the country, then a good travel map is essential. In some remote parts, like the Highlands for example, you could find yourself waiting a while to see someone to ask directions. Maps International offer a great selection.
Money : The monetary unit of Scotland is the Great Britain Pound. At the time of writing, one pound is equal to approximately two US dollars. To give you an idea of how much you may need, you can have a look at the Currency Converter on this site to see how far your money goes.
Getting Around Scotland : All the Scotland travel information you need for getting around, with links to rail, bus and ferry travel, and everything you need to know about driving here, see Travelling In Scotland
Scottish Weather : Your Scotland travel information would not be complete without a mention of the weather. The good news is that we are not known for hurricanes, earthquakes or monsoons, so the Scottish weather is not too extreme. On the downside, it can be somewhat changeable, with dry spells and rainfall, and you could even experience four seasons in one day. A T-Shirt, umbrella, and a bag containing a hat, scarf, gloves, three fur coats, a snorkel and flippers should do the trick. (Just kidding, it's not THAT bad). See the Four day weather forecast, to check conditions for your arrival date, so you know what to expect.
The Scottish Midge : A good follow-on from the weather this one. Sorry if this is bad Scotland travel information. Midges are tiny flying insects, more often called "the Highland Midge", persistent little creatures, found in swarms mostly in the north and west of Scotland. They love damp conditions and you'll most likely get them at dusk and at dawn. Now don't be calling me a chauvanist, but the ones who bite are the females, because they can only lay eggs after they've had a meal consisting of blood. THAT'S YOU! The good news is that you can buy a repellent from the pharmacist, and the midge is not harmful, just plain annoying.
The Water : Our water is of a fairly good quality and is safe to drink, although the taste can vary throughout the regions. The quality of the water is measured by the Drinking Water Quality Regulator for Scotland, but most people now drink bottled water, which is reasonably cheap.
Making Phone Calls From Scotland : To call home from the UK you will have to use the international telephone code '00' followed by your country code and area code. If you're not sure what your country code is, check it with Country Calling Codes before you leave home. When you are in the UK, if you need to find a number abroad, telephone 152. To use your moblie phone (cell phone) you should call your service provider BEFORE YOU LEAVE HOME, to make sure your phone is set up for roaming. They'll give you all the information you need on how to make calls abroad.
Emergency Services : Hopefully you won't need them, but you should at least know how to contact them. A free 999 call will connect you to an operator who can alert the Police, Fire and Ambulance Services. Other services like the Coastguard, Lifeboats and Mountain Rescue can also be alerted. The most important thing is to stay calm, and don't panic.
Miscellaneous : Our time zone is GMT. Electrical plugs are 3 pin 240V 50Hz. Population is just under 5 million. Weights and measures are metric.
Travel Tips : Up to this point we've looked at the Scotland travel information you need, or will find helpful. Here I've thrown in some little tips for extras that are not necessary, but great if you are not on a tight budget, and can afford to make your holiday a bit more luxurious.
Airport Transfers : If you'd like to arrange your own airport transfers, check out Holiday Taxis for any type of transfer for any size of party.
Lounge Passes : You could start your holiday off in style with an Affordable Lounge Pass, and find a quiet spot in a busy airport.
Personal Porter : Have suitcases transferred from your door to your destination. Book Personal Porter and travel with just hand luggage.
Clothing : If travelling here for outdoor activities, you'll find huge savings at Outdoor Megastore
for all the proper clothing you will need.
Well, that's it, I do hope you found at least some of this Scotland travel information helpful for planning your trip, and I wish you a safe journey. See Best Time to Visit Scotland to see when's the best time for you.
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See Scotland Car Hire and arrange your car rental with no fuss. Good rates are available along with quick search, easy booking and many extras including satellite navigation hire.
Scotland-welcomes-you.com makes no representations regarding the accuracy of Scotland travel information from other sites. Please verify all info before you travel.
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