British Money

British Notes and Coins

There are 100 pence (p) to the pound.

Notes come in denominations of £5, £10, £20 and £50.

Coins come in 1p, 2p, 5p, 10p, 20p, 50p, £1 and £2.

Currency Exchange Rates

The pound is a generally stable currency. For exchange rates see xe.com

Bureaux de Change in London

There are numerous bureaux de change in Central London – often located inside banks, travel agents or Post Offices, as well as at London's airports and major train stations.

It's worth shopping around to get the best deal – compare the exchange rates on offer and don't forget to ask about the commission. A good tip is to ask how many pounds you will receive in total after all charges have been deducted.

Using Credit Cards in London

Credit cards – especially Visa and Mastercard – are widely accepted in London's restaurants, bars, cafés and shops. American Express and Diners Club cards are less commonly accepted.

Cash Machines in London

There are plenty of cash machines (also known as cashpoints or ATMs) dotted around London. Most accept international cards with the Visa, Plus, Mastercard, Cirrus or Maestro symbols.

Some other systems are also recognised, but it's a good idea to check with your bank or card company before you travel.

If you have a non-UK account you will almost certainly have to pay a charge when you withdraw cash. Again, contact your bank before travelling to find out details.

You might see cash machines in some corner shops and small supermarkets. Check before using them as they are likely to charge a fee for every transaction.

Many cash machines also provide the facility to top up your mobile phone credit.

Money Talks: Speak Like a Londoner

You will usually hear British people say "pee" rather than pence, as in 50p (50 pee).

More colloquially, a pound is known as a "quid", a five pound note is a "fiver" and a ten pound note a "tenner".