United Kingdom flights and travel guide

Language

English is the official language, though visitors will be astonished by the variety of regional accents and may sometimes feel they need an interpreter when speaking to locals.

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Communications

The international country dialling code for UK is +44. The outgoing code is 00, or 048 for Northern Ireland, followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 001 for the United States). There are a wide range of city/area codes in use. Mobile phones work throughout the country; the network operators use GSM 1800 networks, which may not be compatible with some dual-band US cell phones. Internetcafes are available in major towns and cities, train stations and airports.

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Tipping

10 to 15 per cent is expected in restaurants and upmarket hotels if a service charge hasn't been included. Hotel service staff receive an optional amount. Taxi drivers are usually given 10 to 15 per cent of the fare. Other services are discretionary.

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Safety

It is generally safe to travel throughout the UK, although travellers are advised to take special care of their personal belongings in Central London, where pick-pocketing are often reported. There is a risk of international terrorism, as demonstrated by the deadly terrorist bomb attacks in Central London on three tube trains and a bus on July 7, 2005 that killed more than 50 people and injured about 700. On July 21, 2005, four attempted bomb attacks on three underground tube stations and a bus mirrored the attacks of July 7, but no injuries were reported. Following the counter terrorist operation in the UK on August 10, 2006, the threat level has been downgraded from critical to severe, but delays are still expected at all UK airports due to tightened security. Several people in the London area were arrested in connection with a terrorist plot to blow up planes in mid-flight from the United Kingdom to the USA.

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Health

There are no specific health risks associated with travel to the UK and food and water can be considered safe. The British National Health Service is excellent; emergency treatment is free to visitors, but charges are made for routine medical care. A number of countries have reciprocal health agreements with the UKincluding Australia, New Zealand and EU countries. Visitors from other countries (including Canada, South Africa and the US) are advised to take out good medical insurance.

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Electricity

240 volts AC, 50Hz. Square three-pin plugs are standard.

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