Going to en Ecosse: Formalities and administrative steps
Organize your stay en Ecosse
Money en Ecosse
Banks: Banks are generally open Monday to Friday from 9am to 4pm/5pm. The traditional Scottish banks are the Royal Bank of Scotland, the Bank of Scotland and the Clydesdale Bank which issue £5, £10, £20, £50 and £100. There are also foreign banks in Scotland (mainly in Edinburgh and Glasgow). They are listed in the yellow pages (you can get their contact information by visiting www.yell.com).
Currency exchange: in general, please note that exchange fees can be multiplied by five from one exchange office to another (these fees are often already included in the posted exchange rate) in France and abroad. Therefore, you should use a bank card. For withdrawals, but also for payments by card, the exchange rate used for the operations is generally more interesting than the rates charged in the exchange offices.
Loss or theft of your bank card: in case of loss or theft of your card abroad, your bank will offer you adequate solutions so that you can continue your stay in complete peace of mind. To do this, remember to take note before you leave of the assistance number indicated on the back of your bank card or available on the Internet. This service is available 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. In case of opposition, it is immediate and confirmed as soon as you can provide your bank card number. Otherwise, the cancellation is recorded, but you must confirm the cancellation to your bank by fax or registered letter.
Advice before departure: remember to inform your bank advisor of your trip. He or she can check with you to see if your payment and withdrawal limits have been set. If necessary, ask for an exceptional authorization to increase the limit. This precaution is also useful to avoid having your account blocked, because your bank will have mistaken your withdrawals abroad for piracy.
Withdrawals: In general, the way ATMs are used is the same as in France. If the French language is not available, select English. "Withdrawal" is then called " withdrawal ". If you are asked to choose between withdrawing from a checking account, a credit account or a savings account, choose checking account. Between a debit or credit transaction, select "debit". (If you make a mistake in these options, don't worry, the only risk is that the transaction will be refused). ) Indicate the amount you would like to pay and confirm (" enter "). To the question " Would you like a receipt?", answer " Yes " and keep your receipt carefully.
Withdrawal fees: as the euro is not the currency of the country, a commission is retained for each withdrawal. Withdrawal fees vary from bank to bank and generally consist of a fixed fee of 3 euros on average and a commission of between 2 and 3% of the amount withdrawn. Some banks have partnerships with foreign banks or allow you to benefit from their network and offer you advantageous fees or even free withdrawals. Ask your bank advisor for more information. Please note that some ATMs may charge a commission, in which case it will be mentioned at the time of withdrawal.
Cash advance cash advance: if you have reached your withdrawal limit or your card is malfunctioning, you can benefit from a cash advance. This service is offered by most major banks and allows you to withdraw cash by simply presenting your card at the counter of a bank, whether it is your own or not. You will often be asked for identification. In general, the cash advance limit is the same as the withdrawal limit, and the two are cumulative (if your limit is set at €500, you can withdraw €1,000: €500 at the ATM, €500 in cash advance). As for the cost of the operation, it is the same as for a withdrawal abroad.
Budget & Tips en Ecosse
Some online bank cards offer free foreign withdrawals. No commission or fixed fees will be applied, which can represent a very interesting saving.
Passport and visas en Ecosse
Please note that since October 21, 2021, a passport is mandatory for a stay in Great Britain. It must be valid for the duration of your stay.
Those under 18 years of age traveling without their parents must not only have a valid passport, but also an authorization to leave the territory issued by their police station or town hall.
Driver's license en Ecosse
License: French driver's license is sufficient, provided the driver is over 23 years old and has held the license for more than 4 years. A fee will be charged for those under 25 years old. With some car rental companies, the age limit may be 25 years old.
Car rental: Most car rental companies require a "credit" on the credit card or a surcharge will apply. Exorbitant deductibles may also offset a low rental price. Our smart advice is to go with Arnold Clark (www.arnoldclark.com) and the big names in international car rental (Sixt, Avis, Alamo, Hertz, Europcar). Avoid discount car rental companies where unpleasant surprises and extra costs can quickly add up.
Health en Ecosse
To receive advice before your trip, do not hesitate to consult your doctor. You can also contact the travel medicine society at the Pasteur Institute medical center at ✆ 01 45 68 80 88 (www.pasteur.fr/fr/sante/centre-medical) or go to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website under the heading "Advice to travelers" (www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/voyageurs).
Mandatory vaccination en Ecosse
For more information, you can visit the Ministry of Health website (www.sante.gouv.fr) to find out which vaccination centers are near you.
Time difference en Ecosse
There is only a one hour time difference in the UK. Summer and winter, there is one hour less in our neighbors across the Channel. So we gain one hour at the arrival, practical.
Spoken languages en Ecosse
In Scotland, we obviously speak English and Scottish Gaelic, but we learn French at school.
Electricity and measurements en Ecosse
Electricity: The voltage in Scotland is 230 volts, hotels and B&Bs are usually equipped with 220-110 volt plugs for electric shavers. These plugs are three-pronged and therefore require an adapter.
Weights and measures: 1 mile: about 1.609 km - 1 pint: 142 deciliters - 1 pound: 470 g - 1 pound: 453 g. The rather recent adoption of the metric system is becoming more widespread.
Luggage en Ecosse
As the weather is variable in Scotland, it is best to take a K-way for rain in any season. It is often said, but you can have the 4 seasons in one day. It is necessary to take hiking shoes, it would be a pity to miss the enchanting panoramas. If you are afraid of mosquitoes or midges, take long sleeves.
Daily life en Ecosse
Hello? en Ecosse
To call Scotland from France: dial 00 (or +) 44 then the local 10-digit number (without the 0). For example, to contact the National Trust of Scotland on +44 (0) 131 458 0303, dial 00 44 131 458 0303.
To call from Scotland to France: dial 00 (or +) 33 and the number of the person you are calling without the 0. So if you want to contact a number starting with 01 77..., dial 00 33 177..
Cell phones: Mobile phone networks operate throughout the country, but it's a good idea to check with your operator to make sure yours is compatible. Likewise, out-of-pocket tariffs are no longer applied in the EU, but exceptions may persist depending on the operator.
Accessibility en Ecosse
Scotland is better equipped in terms of disabled facilities than France or the rest of the continent! Whether in town or deep in the Highlands, in hotels or campsites, this is also true in pubs or restaurants: the path to the toilet is often flat, and a support bar is installed next to the toilet. It's easy to plan a trip to Scotland if you have a disability, and all the more so if you can count on the friendliness of the Scots to help you if you have any problems. Sensory, mental and autistic disabilities are also widely catered for. Scotland is very attentive to inclusion.
Health en Ecosse
Before you leave, make sure you have your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), and check that it is still valid. To obtain one, simply apply on the Assurance Maladie website (www.ameli.fr). It is issued within 15 days. A paper receipt to print out is issued at the time of request, and can replace the card if you do not receive it in time. You can consult a general practitioner free of charge at Medical Centres.
Emergency numbers en Ecosse
999: Vital emergencies
101 : Non-vital emergencies
Securty en Ecosse
Scotland is a safe country where you can walk without fear. As in all major cities, pickpockets and thieves are always to be found at the exits of subway stations and restaurants. Apart from that, towns and country lanes are safe, even late at night. However, avoid strolling through the old mining districts at night, especially in Edinburgh and Glasgow.
LGBTQ en Ecosse
LGBTQ culture is booming in Scotland. The Scots are mostly tolerant, but it's important to remember that public displays of affection can be upsetting. Attitudes are changing fast, with a Scottish world exclusive: the introduction of LGBTQ history and inclusion courses in elementary school, to combat discrimination.
Embassies and consulates en Ecosse
The Consulate General of France is located in Edinburgh, on West Parliament Square, in the heart of Old Town. You can contact the Consulate by email: [email protected]. In the event of an emergency related to health or safety, priority should be given to the local emergency services (101 for non-vital emergencies, 999 for vital emergencies). The consular emergency number is +44 (0)7 702 252 555. It should only be dialled in the event of a genuine emergency falling exclusively within the scope of consular protection for French nationals living in or visiting Scotland.
Mail en Ecosse
Poste restante operates from post offices in medium and large towns (often with a bureau de change service) and by arrangement in villages. As in France, letter boxes are available everywhere. As for stamps, there's no change either: you'll find them wherever there are postcards!
Local media en Ecosse
In addition to the British press, there is also a national Scottish press.
Scotsman edinburgh's most comprehensive national daily, providing national and international news, art and finance.
The Daily Record scotland's best-selling daily tabloid.
The Herald the Herald: The second largest national daily, along with the Scotsman, based in Glasgow.
The National pro-independence daily.
The Dundee Courier dundee Courier: Dundee's newspaper. It also publishes the Sunday Post.
The Press and Journal aberdeen's local newspaper.
Daily newspapers are published in the evening in Scotland's four main cities. They report sports and local news.
Many weeklies cover specific regions, but there are few magazines, except for the monthly The Scottish Field and The Scots Magazine. The Edinburgh Review is a major literary magazine, while The List announces all the cultural events in Edinburgh and Glasgow.
In Scotland, you can listen to BBC Radio Scotland, Radio 4 (news and entertainment), Radio 2 (entertainment and sports) and, for classical music, Radio 3. BBC Radio 1 and local stations run by the BBC and commercial companies broadcast pop music and news flashes. Local stations broadcast mainly variety and useful information, especially on traffic. The BBC and several commercial channels share the small screen. BBC 1 offers mainly news and consumer programs, while BBC 2 has a more cultural vocation. ITV(Independent Television) is the BBC's competitor, making its living from the advertising it broadcasts. Channel 4 is also a commercial channel, offering quality programs.
