Scotland and Money

Although many just show up and go to an ATM - I've done this myself a few times - it is still a tough call. I am more relaxed when I have adequate cash on me.

I won't advocate for one position or the other. I'm sure you'll be fine if you just show up and use an ATM at the airport, but it's nice to not have to think about it.

Quick tip though: If you think you will return to a place that uses the local currency, bring some home at the end of your trip. I have envelopes in my safe with modest amounts of foreign currencies. So when I show up to Europe, I have enough Euros in my pocket to at least eat a couple of meals and buy a modest hotel room for a night in case something somehow went really sideways with credit and debit cards. But I don't have to worry about a bad exchange rate or making time for going to the bank ahead of time in the US.

Your situation is complicated in that you actually need some pretty big amounts of cash pretty quickly on your trip. You might want to call your bank and see what the daily limits will be when you get to Europe, or search it up online. If you need a lot of cash pretty quickly, and there is a problem with the ATM or a problem with the limits, your caddy might end up giving you bad advice 🙂

Even in Scotland you'll find that your need for cash is minimal, with most places accepting credit cards. However ATMs are plentiful in St Andrews (not to mention Edinburgh). And a quick look at Google Maps showed 5 different banks in town. You will likely get a much better exchange rate there than at home. Have your bank raise your daily withdrawal limit if necessary before your trip.

St Andrews is not that small - about 20000 people and a large University population.

There are at least 12 cashpoints in St. Andrews

So there is no issue.

Although I would be using a card, rather than withdrawing large sums of cash.

I never ever bring currency with me. I haven't done that since the days of American Express Travelers Cheques.

I rely exclusively on ATMs to pull out local currency, though I try to use credit cards when possible. I was just in Scotland for five weeks. I pulled out 200 GBP at the beginning of the trip, which I used for tipping and incidental cash expenses, which were minimal. I started paying for meals with cash the last few days and still had enough cash left over to buy some gifts at the airport. Though I was annoyed to learn that the duty free shop at EDI does not accept cash. It's credit card only.

You will have no problem whatsoever finding ATMs where you are going.

I suggest bringing a backup card or two. I always bring a backup credit card and a backup debit card in case something goes wrong. Those I carry in a money belt along with most of the cash reserves, my passport, my Mexican resident card, and other items I won't need while I'm traveling. I usually don't actually wear my money belt, but bury it in my luggage. I didn't see a hotel safe in any of the places I stayed.

This is my experience. But you do you!

Last September/October when came across few cash only places. As already stated, most transactions are contactless payment. I think your £500 figure for food, drink, etc., is way more than you’ll need.

I just spent 3 weeks in Scotland and the only time I needed cash was for one B&B and one restaurant that did not accept credit cards. Otherwise everything was tap and pay. That said, if you do need to use cash, I would recommend using ATMs rather than getting money before you leave, as you will definitely pay more for that privilege. ATMs are prevalent all over Scotland and I never had any problem finding them.

How about tipping the hotel maid and tour guides? Probably need money for that.

How about tipping the hotel maid and tour guides? Probably need money for that.

Tipping is completely different here. We pay an albeit bad minimum wage.

Now for cash, there are businesses that are cash only, my barber and my garage for example. Most will accept cards or prefer cards. This includes the likes of McDonalds, Burger King, that are card preference.

However, the other reason for getting ATM cash is Scotland has different banknotes to the rest of the UK, my preference is RBS, and they can be cheap souvenirs. Plus there is an element here of dreading the US and Canada because of tax and tipping.

If a meal at Disneyland Paris is 50€, 50€ is what you pay, at Disney World the price says $50, you are expected to pay over $60.

MC, thanks a lot for your insights. Yeah, the tipping is ridiculous around here. Even take-out pizza expects tips. For what?

If I read correctly the minimum wage in Scotland is about $13.50. Fine for a high school kid but not for someone trying to survive on their own. The Federal minimum wage is $7.25, but most states are around $10 or more. Washington DC leads the way with $16.10. Many states are still at $7.25, but even in a poor state like West Virginia places like Subway and Wal Mart pay $12 starting, and $12 here will get you a lot more than $16 in a city.

So it's not expected to tip a maid or tour guide?

So it's not expected to tip a maid or tour guide?

Most tour prices include tips, so you would not need to tip the guide, and there is no need to tip a maid in Europe. And if you wanted to, just ask the hotel to add it to your card when you pay.

Generally would not tip the hotel maid. You can if you wish, generally this is not a tipping culture and even then tips are not generally high. If you tip the pizza delivery driver it would only be £1 or £2.

So it's not expected to tip a maid

in Europe

Not me. I don't carry cash.

Some do, some don't. I think they love to hear a North American accent because they think there will be presents for them from the rich Americans.

Big Mike, don't compare wages in the US and the UK. As an example, I know some of the housekeepers at my current hotel in Scotland. They are from Scotland. One lives in a council house which means it is owned by the local council and she pays depending on her income. Additionally, she gets health care by paying an 8% tax of her income.

Prescription medication prices are limited. Food is less expensive. Public transportation is plentiful.

Nigel and Frank II, thank you for the background.

It's a cultural thing and many Americans have a guilt complex about not tipping. For example on a bus tour of Martha's Vineyard the driver/guide had a "tips are welcome and expected" sign up front near him. I forgot to get cash and felt bad just walking away at the end. I realize Scotland and Europe in-general has a better social safety net than America, especially health care.