We spent two and a half weeks in the UK this summer, driving from London to the Isle of Skye and exploring cities, villages, castles, and the countryside in between. This was our first time visiting the U.K. as a family, and it quickly became one of our favorite destinations in Europe.
If you’re planning your trip across the pond, here are my tips for visiting the U.K. for the first time, covering everything from new entry rules and mobile data to driving, weather, and family-friendly transport hacks.
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Apply for an ETA before visiting the United Kingdom
Before booking your flights to the UK, make sure your passport is valid for the entire duration of your stay.
Starting January 8, 2025, travelers from 48 visa-exempt countries, including the United States and Canada, will need a U.K. Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to enter the country.
The U.K. ETA for Americans is a mandatory digital travel authorization, not a visa, required for short visits up to six months, whether for tourism, business, or study.
Here’s what you need to know about applying for an ETA to visit the UK:
- How much does the UK ETA cost for US citizens: around $22 per person
- Validity: 2 years, or until your passport expires
- Entries: Multiple entries allowed
- Processing time: We received approval in just 1 minute
- How to apply: Through the U.K. ETA app (iOS/Android) or GOV.UK, simply upload a photo, provide passport details, and answer short security questions
- Important: Every traveler, including children and infants, must have their own ETA. It’s electronically linked to your passport, so you must travel with the same passport you used for the application.
How to use your phone in the UK
While traveling internationally, we use eSIMs, so we’re online as soon as we land, no hunting for Wi-Fi or local SIM cards after a long flight.
For our U.K. trip, we used Airalo, which worked perfectly across England and Scotland. It costs around $7 for 2GB valid for 15 days, and you can use my code IRINA8735 for $3 off your first purchase.
You can buy and install the eSIM for U.K. travel before your flight and activate it once you arrive, so you’re instantly connected for maps, Uber, and WhatsApp. Plans are available for both the United Kingdom and broader Europe, which is ideal if you’re visiting multiple countries in one trip.
Airalo is one of the easiest ways for Americans traveling to the U.K. to stay connected without switching SIM cards or dealing with expensive roaming charges.
What credit cards to bring to the UK
The U.K. is almost entirely cashless, and tap-to-pay is accepted nearly everywhere. Most places in the U.K. accept cards, even at small shops, pubs, and parking meters. We rarely used cash during our 2.5-week trip, so having the right credit card for international travel makes all the difference.
Bring at least two no foreign transaction fee credit cards, one Visa and one Mastercard, just in case one isn’t accepted. We used our Chase Sapphire Preferred and Capital One Venture X, which both worked everywhere from London to the Scottish Highlands.
If you need to withdraw cash in the UK, open a Charles Schwab Checking account before your trip. It’s one of the best options for travelers because Schwab refunds all ATM fees worldwide, meaning you’ll pay no ATM fees in the U.K. and get the best exchange rate available. Plus, Schwab charges no foreign transaction fees, making it one of the best debit cards for travel.
Set your no-foreign-transaction-fee card as a Transit Card
For the first part of our trip, we spent 6 nights in London, and getting around the city was easy once you know this trick. Add your credit card to Apple Pay or Google Wallet and set it up as a Transit Card.
This lets you tap in and out on the London Underground (Tube), buses, and trains without needing an Oyster card or paper ticket.
Just make sure it’s a no foreign transaction fee card, like the Chase Sapphire Preferred or Capital One Venture, to avoid extra charges.
Kids under 11 ride free on most Transport for London (TfL) services, and those aged 11–15 get discounted fares.
How to drive in the UK as a tourist
Can you drive in the U.K. with a U.S. license as a tourist? Yes! You can legally drive in the U.K. with your valid U.S. driver’s license for up to 12 months, and you do not need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Just remember: the driver’s seat is on the right-hand side of the car, and vehicles drive on the left side of the road.
Roundabouts flow clockwise (the opposite of what you’re used to in the U.S.), and speed limits are posted in miles per hour (mph).
Driving in the U.K. takes a little adjustment; roads are narrower, and you’ll encounter plenty of roundabouts.
Opt for an automatic rental car if you’re not comfortable with manual transmissions, and avoid driving in big cities like London. The freedom of having a car, though, is worth it in the countryside, especially for exploring the Cotswolds, Lake District, or Scottish Highlands.
Layer up for unpredictable weather in the UK
The U.K. is famous for its unpredictable weather, and it’s true, you can experience all four seasons in one day. Even in summer, mornings can be cool, and rain can appear without warning.
Pack layers, a light waterproof jacket, and comfortable walking shoes for cobblestone streets, countryside trails, and misty coastal walks. We had sunshine, drizzle, and fog, all in one afternoon in Scotland!
If you’re visiting in summer in the U.K., expect mild temperatures (60s–70s°F) but bring rain gear just in case.
Book popular attractions in advance (and take advantage of free museums)
Some of the most popular U.K. attractions sell out fast, especially in summer, so it’s worth booking a few key spots ahead of time. Edinburgh Castle tickets, for example, often need to be reserved days in advance, and the same goes for places like the Tower of London or the Roman Baths in Bath.
But the good news? Many of the best museums in London are free, including the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum, and the British Museum.
If you’re visiting with kids, these free museums are perfect for rainy days and easy to pair with nearby parks or afternoon tea spots. Planning a mix of ticketed attractions and free things to do in the U.K. helps keep your itinerary flexible.
Learn local etiquette and tipping culture in the UK
You don’t need to tip in the UK like in the U.S., 10–12% at restaurants is standard if it’s not already included. There’s no need to tip at pubs or coffee shops. British etiquette is polite and reserved, so saying “please,” “thank you,” and waiting your turn in queues goes a long way.
Where to stay in the UK on points and miles
The U.K. is packed with family-friendly hotels you can book on points, from the Park Hyatt London to the Hilton Edinburgh Carlton.
On our trip, we stayed at five hotels for $0, using a mix of Hyatt, Marriott, and Hilton points. Redeeming points not only saves cash, it can also get you breakfast, suite upgrades, and prime locations for exploring.
Bottom line
Visiting the U.K. for the first time can feel both exciting and a little overwhelming, but with the right planning, it’s one of the easiest international trips for U.S. travelers.
From applying for the U.K. ETA, setting up your eSIM and contactless payments, to learning how to drive on the left side, these U.K. travel tips for Americans will help your trip run smoothly.
Whether you’re exploring London, road-tripping through Scotland, or wandering the Cotswolds villages, these tips for visiting the U.K. cover everything you need to know before you go.
