TRAVEL GUIDE

Currency:

The British Pound Stirling, or GBP, is the currency of Scotland. Currently, 1 Pound is equal to $1.34 USD, or $1 USD is equal to 0.74 GBP. Up-to-date conversion rates can be found at XE.com

Language:

The primary language spoken in Scotland is English (though sometimes through a thick accent!)

Time Zone:

During your trip, Scotland will be operating on Western European Time. Therefore, the time difference during your trip will be 6 hours ahead of Biloxi time, and 7 hours ahead of Valle De Santiago time.

Travel Documents:

U.S. Citizens: You must have a valid passport for your trip. Without a valid passport, which must agree with the name on your electronic ticket confirmation, you will not be permitted to board your flight.

The UK requires passports for U.S. citizens to be valid at least six months beyond the date of intended departure from Scotland back to the U.S.

· If you do not have a valid passport, please apply for one immediately and refer to the U.S. Department of State for necessary documentation. In addition, you may contact the National Passport Information Center (NPIC) toll-free at 877-487-2778 (TDD: 888-874-7793).

· Processing time: Routine passport processing time currently ranges from 6-8 weeks (subject to change). Please click here for the latest updates.

· To EXPEDITE processing of first-time or renewal passport applications, contact CIBTvisas at CIBTvisas or 800-929-2428. Note: CIBTvisas charges a fee to assist you in expediting your passport application/issuance of the passport.

Now in effect, U.S. citizens transiting to the United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland)are required to apply online for a UK ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) and be approved prior to their trip.

The application fee is approximately $20 USD per person, which must be paid online or via the UK ETA app. You are responsible for these costs.

TRAVEL TIPS:

Listed below are helpful travel tips to consider when preparing for your trip:

Electric Current: In Scotland, the standard outlet type is Type G, and the standard voltage is 230V at a frequency of 50Hz. You will need an adaptor for anything that has built in converters (cellphone and laptop cords), but for anything needing a converter (hairdryers, etc.) you will need a voltage converter as well as the adaptor. For more information and to view images of each plug type, please visit World Standards Plug & Socket Types.

ATM/Debit Cards: For locations where you can use your ATM/debit card to obtain cash, contact the financial institution that issued your card or visit Mastercard or Visa.

Obtaining local currency through an ATM can be less expensive than exchanging money at a currency exchange office. Check with your local bank to make certain your PIN will be valid in Scotland, to learn about restrictions on amounts that can be withdrawn within a 24-hour period and for what fees may be charged.

Travel Funds: We strongly recommend that you bring most of your personal travel funds in the form of a credit card, which is easy to replace if lost. Please notify your credit card company prior to your departure that you will be traveling to avoid delays with card authorization.

Cellphones and Wi-Fi: If you plan to use your cellphone while traveling, contact your individual provider regarding service and/or roaming charges.

Carlisle: Everyone will be arriving into Carlisle on Monday the 15th, so here are some links with fun things to do there!

- Carlisle Castle

- Fun things to do in Carlisle