TIPS ABOUT WHAT YOU NEED TO DO ON A TRIP TO UK

Whether you are travelling to the UK for business or for leisure, there are a number of tips that you could make use of to ensure that your trip is not only safe, but also fun and exciting. There are certain things that are expected of visitors to the UK, and this article will help you know what to do in different situations. Let us look at each of these factors:

What should you know about tipping when in the UK?

Unlike many countries across the world, tipping is not usually anticipated. This is so for the simple reason that the law requires that all workers are paid a minimum wage regardless of whether they receive tips or not. What’s more, the employer is not, under any circumstances, to use tips as an addition to the wages paid. Consequently, the choice to tip is really a matter of personal preference.

What services should you expect from the restaurants?

Restaurants will offer different services- for instance you may go to a restaurant where you pay for your meals before food is brought to you. Tipping in such a scenario is rare, unlike a situation where you have a waitress take your order and serve your food. If you are keen on fine dining where personalized service is offered, it is usually expected that a visitor will tip, although this is not mandatory. It is important, however, to know that tipping is not the norm when the service availed is poor. Secondly, some establishments will include a service charge that is indicated on the menu. When this is present, extra tips are not usually expected.

• Etiquette is important for anyone visiting the UK as it will ensure that you stay on the right side of the law. As a general rule, steer clear of conversations that border on religion, politics, racism and homophobia as they tend to be very emotive.
• Do not use the middle finger sign as it is deemed offensive in the UK.
• During conversations, especially when you are requesting for help or inquiring for directions, you want to make sure that you maintain eye contact. It gives away a level of sincerity. While at it, avoid staring as it is not only rude, it also comes across as spooky, and especially for visitors from different parts of the world.
• It is illegal to smoke in non-smoking zones and especially in indoor places that are open to the public such as libraries, the bus station and the train station. Doing so only means risking a fine, or in some cases, arrest.
• While this is not a written rule, you will realize that many young people prefer to be addresses using their first names. With older people however, a little more formal approach is expected. When in a formal setup, you must behave accordingly, and so it is expected that you will not shout when having a phone conversation. You will also address other people as is expected in such a forum, usually by using the words Sir and Madam.
• When using public transport in the UK, you need to know that it is expected of you to allow people to alight before you board. Failure to do so may cause the conductor to restrict your entry. This is not a good thing as it creates furore where there need not be.

In addition, it is expected that should the need arise, you will give up your seat to a disabled person or a blind person. It really is basic courtesy.

With these tips, we expect that you will have a great trip in the UK.