Scotland Travel Guide
Things you should know before your pilgrimage to Scotland
General Information
Capital city: Edinburgh
Largest city: Glasgow
Official language: English
Do people speak English? Yes. Although Scotland has legislation protecting and promoting the use of other languages, including Scots, Gaelic, and British Sign Language, English is still the main language by custom and usage. In time, one or more of these other languages may become a second official language of Scotland, but that designation is still in process. There are also various regional dialects that may sound different and/or be difficult to understand. It is ok to ask someone to repeat themselves or to ask for further clarification if there are any misunderstandings.
Largest city: Glasgow
Official language: English
Do people speak English? Yes. Although Scotland has legislation protecting and promoting the use of other languages, including Scots, Gaelic, and British Sign Language, English is still the main language by custom and usage. In time, one or more of these other languages may become a second official language of Scotland, but that designation is still in process. There are also various regional dialects that may sound different and/or be difficult to understand. It is ok to ask someone to repeat themselves or to ask for further clarification if there are any misunderstandings.
Scotland
Money
Currency used: Pound sterling
You can exchange money prior to departure or take money out of an ATM upon arrival. We do recommend having some pounds on hand during your pilgrimage for smaller purchases. There are three banks in Scotland that produce their own pounds, which some merchants in England do not want to accept, although they are all considered Great Britain Pounds. If your journey begins in Scotland and continues to England, we suggest not having too much cash on hand in case you run into any issues in England. You may also exchange Bank of Scotland pounds for Bank of England pounds at any large bank.
Current exchange rate: Current Exchange Rate
Can I use US dollars: no
Can I use credit cards: yes
You can exchange money prior to departure or take money out of an ATM upon arrival. We do recommend having some pounds on hand during your pilgrimage for smaller purchases. There are three banks in Scotland that produce their own pounds, which some merchants in England do not want to accept, although they are all considered Great Britain Pounds. If your journey begins in Scotland and continues to England, we suggest not having too much cash on hand in case you run into any issues in England. You may also exchange Bank of Scotland pounds for Bank of England pounds at any large bank.
Current exchange rate: Current Exchange Rate
Can I use US dollars: no
Can I use credit cards: yes
- We recommend Visa and Mastercard. Discover is not as common overseas. American Express is becoming more popular in Scotland, but still not widely accepted.
- Notify your credit card company prior to departure that you will be using your card overseas, so your purchases aren’t flagged.
- Check your card’s foreign transaction fees so you aren’t surprised by extra costs with your foreign purchases.
Electricity
Plug and Socket types used: G
Voltage: 220-240
Will I need an adapter: yes
For more detailed information, please click here
Voltage: 220-240
Will I need an adapter: yes
- An adapter enables our American plugs to be plugged into foreign sockets.
- You can find travel adapters online or at local shops such as Target and Walmart.
- If your electronic device is dual voltage, you will not need a converter, just an adapter. This includes most smartphones, tablets, laptops, and other electronics with a boxy charger. Most CPAPs are also dual voltage, but please check with your manufacturer/ doctor to make sure yours is compatible.
- One way to know if you need a converter is to check the label on your devices. If the label states “INPUT: 100-240V, 50/60 Hz,” then the device can be used in any country, including Scotland.
- If your device is single voltage, you will need a converter, as the higher voltage coming from Scottish sockets will burn out your device. This includes hair dryers, straighteners and curling irons as well as many electric toothbrushes and shavers.
- Most hotels do have hair dryers. You will be able to double-check your specific hotels after receiving your pilgrim packet prior to departure.
- Nearly all converters are also adapters, but not all adapters are converters. If you need a converter, please read the product description carefully to make sure you purchase what you need.
For more detailed information, please click here
Clothing
Unless your pilgrimage has a very specific fancy activity, you will be able to dress as you would normally at home.
Our recommended packing list can be found here: Recommended Packing List
For churches and other holy sites, it is expected that your knees and shoulders be covered. This applies to both men and women. Bare midriffs are also generally frowned upon. Modesty and respectfulness are key.
You will not need a head covering and women do not need to wear skirts/dresses, unless that is your preferred style. Jeans are acceptable, unless your priest has told you differently.
Our recommended packing list can be found here: Recommended Packing List
For churches and other holy sites, it is expected that your knees and shoulders be covered. This applies to both men and women. Bare midriffs are also generally frowned upon. Modesty and respectfulness are key.
You will not need a head covering and women do not need to wear skirts/dresses, unless that is your preferred style. Jeans are acceptable, unless your priest has told you differently.
Luggage and Packing
We recommend packing lightly and leaving room for gifts/souvenirs. Although porterage is included at all hotels, you are responsible for your own luggage in airports and on trains.
Group airline tickets will include one checked bag, one carry-on (that fits in the overhead compartment of the airplane), and one personal item. For more information, please click here. Luggage Information
Group airline tickets will include one checked bag, one carry-on (that fits in the overhead compartment of the airplane), and one personal item. For more information, please click here. Luggage Information
Weather
You can find historical records of typical weather for your location by doing a quick internet search along the
lines of “What’s the weather like in (destination) in (month of pilgrimage)?” This will give the historical temperature averages and the likelihood of precipitation.
Sample Search
In addition, you may want to look at the weather for your destination right before leaving to determine any last-minute packing needs. If, for example, your pilgrimage destination is experiencing unseasonably low temperatures, you’d want to be prepared with warmer layers.
Sample Search
In addition, you may want to look at the weather for your destination right before leaving to determine any last-minute packing needs. If, for example, your pilgrimage destination is experiencing unseasonably low temperatures, you’d want to be prepared with warmer layers.