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Britain’s currency is the pound sterling (£), divided into 100 pence (p). Scotland’s three banks each produce different-faced notes but these, along with Bank of England and Northern Ireland notes, are all legal tender throughout the UK. Scottish notes come in £1, £5, £10, £20, £50 and £100 denominations. Coins come as 1p, 2p, 5p, 10p, 20p, 50p, £1 and £2.

Banks tend to offer the best exchange rates and are open 9am–5pm Mon–Fri. In remote areas you may find a mobile bank parked and open for business. Bureaux de Change work longer hours in the main cities and at airports but their commission charges can be high.

ATMs, or “holes-in-the-wall” as they are affectionately called, can be found widely throughout the country, even in the Highlands and islands. Also, most supermarkets offer a cashback service when you purchase provisions with a debit card carrying the Switch or Cirrus logo.

Credit cards are widely accepted across Scotland but many small shops, cafés and most B&Bs deal only in cash or cheques in sterling. VISA and Master-card are the most commonly presented cards. Certain outlets also accept Diners Club and American Express.

Traveller’s cheques are still the safest means of carrying money and, if in pounds sterling, you can use them directly to pay for goods and services. Check on commission charges when purchasing or cashing your cheques, as practices vary. Keep your receipts separate from the cheques as you will need them in the event of loss or theft.

Internet cafés are relatively common in the cities. EasyEverything has 400-terminal cafés in the centres of both Glasgow and Edinburgh. Internet access is harder to find elsewhere, but most towns will have at least one café, or some libraries and hotels may provide this service.

Public phones are dotted about all over the place. Some accept credit cards, but the majority require either coins or a phonecard which can be purchased at many shops. To call an operator dial 100.

Coverage for mobile phones now extends across most of Scotland but there are still pockets in the Highlands and Islands outside the range of signals. Vodaphone and BT Cellnet currently have the most effective networks in Scotland.

The mail is still regarded as an honourable and sacred institution. Mail boxes may be free-standing or set in walls, and a notice specifies the collection times. These are reliable. Post offices work normal business hours. Many shops also sell stamps. Main post offices operate a Poste Restante service and will hold mail for one month.

Most entertainment venues, visitor attractions and travel services offer discount (often termed “concessions”) to students on production of an appropriate ID. Some organizations, eg the National Trust for Scotland, also offer cheaper entry to holders of Youth Hostel cards. Discounts for the elderly are sometimes available but are less common. It’s always worth asking.