Useful Information

We have put together some useful information below that you may need when travelling to Bath & Bristol.

Jump to : Airport | Currency | Electricity | Emergency Services | Health | Population | Sales Tax | Smoking | Visa Requirements

Airport

Bristol Airport serves the entire region and access to the urban centres of Bath, Bristol and Weston-super-Mare is easy via regular shuttle bus services or taxi. Private coaches can pick up close to the terminal building by prior arrangement. Major car hire firms are based on-site, just a short walk from the terminal building. See our 'How to get to Bath and Bristol' page for further details.

Currency

Pound Sterling is used throughout the UK. There are currency exchanges within the city centre areas. All major credit cards are widely accepted and increasing numbers of businesses can accept Apple Pay, Alipay and others. For the latest currency conversion rates, see xe.com

Electricity

The standard electrical current in the UK is 50Hz 230 volts. Some appliances may require a converter. Plug adaptors are readily available in retail outlets and many hotels offer USB charge points.

Emergency Services

Dial 999 to access Police, Fire, Ambulance and Coastguard emergency services. Accident and Emergency (ER) hospitals are located in Bristol and Bath city centres and are clearly signposted.

Health

For non-emergency health advice, visit a pharmacy or telephone NHS Direct on 111.

For the latest health advice on visiting the UK during the Covid-19 pandemic see: Travel to England from another country during coronavirus (COVID-19)

Population

Bristol is the largest city in the West of England with a population of 467,000. Bath has around 95,000 residents and Weston-super-Mare has 84,000.

Sales Tax

VAT is charged on all non-essential items and services at a rate of 20%. Prices quoted to consumers would usually include VAT.

Smoking

Smoking has banned in enclosed public areas in the UK since July 2007

Visa requirements

Some of the rules on entering the UK after Brexit have changed, Browse the pages below to find out more about visas and entry requirements.

International visitors coming to the UK

Visiting family and friends

Chinese groups visiting the UK

Students