Tap water
Tap water is generally safe to drink.
Europe country brief
United Kingdom travel essentials
United Kingdom uses Type G power outlets at 230V, 50Hz. The general emergency number is 999 / 112. Tap water is generally safe to drink.
Last reviewed
Verify visa and entry rules with official authorities before travel.
Quick answer
United Kingdom uses Type G power outlets at 230V, 50Hz. The general emergency number is 999 / 112. Tap water is generally safe to drink.
P
Power and plugs
- Plug types
- Type G
- Voltage
- 230V
- Frequency
- 50Hz
United Kingdom runs at 230V. Travelers from 100–127V regions (US, Japan) need a voltage converter for devices that aren't dual-voltage.
E
Emergency numbers
General
999 / 112
Police
999 / 112
Ambulance
999 / 112
T
Travel notes
Tipping
Tipping is appreciated but less automatic than in the United States. Restaurants may add a service charge; if not, 10-12.5% is common for good table service. Tipping in pubs is not usually expected.
Best season
Late spring through early autumn offers the longest daylight and the best chance of mild weather. May, June and September are especially good for city breaks because they avoid the busiest school-holiday weeks.
Visa basics
Visa requirements depend on nationality, length of stay and purpose of travel. Some visitors can enter visa-free for short tourism trips, while others need a Standard Visitor visa or an Electronic Travel Authorisation. Confirm through the official UK government visa checker.
✓
Before you go: United Kingdom checklist
- Pack a Type G plug adapter for United Kingdom.
- United Kingdom runs at 230V. Travelers from 100–127V regions (US, Japan) need a voltage converter for devices that aren't dual-voltage.
- Bring a refillable bottle — tap water in United Kingdom is generally safe.
- Save the emergency number 999 / 112 in your phone before you arrive.
- If you'll drive, remember traffic keeps to the left in United Kingdom.
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Reference
Emergency numbers by country
Browse emergency numbers across all published TravelReady Guide country briefs.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Can I drink tap water in United Kingdom? ⌄
Yes. Tap water in United Kingdom is considered safe to drink.
What power plug and voltage are used in United Kingdom? ⌄
United Kingdom uses Type G plugs running at 230V, 50Hz. United Kingdom runs at 230V. Travelers from 100–127V regions (US, Japan) need a voltage converter for devices that aren't dual-voltage.
What is the emergency number in United Kingdom? ⌄
Dial 999 / 112 for general emergencies in United Kingdom. Police: 999 / 112. Ambulance: 999 / 112.
When is the best time to visit United Kingdom? ⌄
Late spring through early autumn offers the longest daylight and the best chance of mild weather. May, June and September are especially good for city breaks because they avoid the busiest school-holiday weeks.
Which side of the road do they drive on in United Kingdom? ⌄
In United Kingdom, traffic drives on the left side of the road, so the steering wheel is on the right. Visitors from right-hand-drive countries should take extra care.
What is the country calling code for United Kingdom? ⌄
The international dialing code for United Kingdom is +44. Dial this prefix after your exit code (e.g. 00 or +) to call a United Kingdom number from abroad.
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Sources
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