**Q:** What is the capital of England? **A:** London.
**Q:** What currency is used? **A:** The Pound Sterling (GBP, £).
**Q:** Do I need a visa to visit? **A:** It depends on your nationality. Many nationalities can visit visa-free for up to 6 months. Always check the official UK government website before traveling.
**Q:** What is the difference between England, Great Britain, and the UK? **A:** England is a country. Great Britain is the island comprising England, Scotland, and Wales. The United Kingdom (UK) is the sovereign state comprising Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
**Q:** What is the emergency number? **A:** 999 or 112.
**Q:** Which side of the road do people drive on? **A:** The left side.
**Q:** What kind of power plugs are used? **A:** Type G (three rectangular pins). The standard voltage is 230V.
**Q:** Is tipping expected? **A:** It is customary to leave a 10-15% tip in sit-down restaurants, though many automatically add a 'discretionary service charge' to the bill. Tipping in pubs is not required.
**Q:** What is the best time to visit? **A:** May to September offer the best chance of warm, dry weather, though English weather is famously unpredictable.
**Q:** Is the tap water safe to drink? **A:** Yes, everywhere in England, unless explicitly labeled otherwise.
**Q:** How do I travel between cities? **A:** The National Rail network connects most towns and cities. Coach services like National Express or Megabus offer cheaper alternatives.
**Q:** What is the national dish? **A:** Traditionally a Sunday Roast or Fish and Chips, though Chicken Tikka Masala is widely cited as a modern national dish.
**Q:** What is the national animal? **A:** The Barbary Lion (often referred to simply as the Lion).
**Q:** Who is the patron saint? **A:** St. George.
**Q:** Is healthcare free for tourists? **A:** Emergency care in A&E departments is free, but you may be charged if you are admitted to the hospital or require non-emergency outpatient treatment. Travel insurance is highly recommended.
**Q:** What is a pub? **A:** A 'public house'—a traditional establishment serving alcoholic drinks and often food. Pubs are the focal point of community life in many English towns and villages.
**Q:** Do they use the metric or imperial system? **A:** A mix. Distances and speeds on roads are in miles/mph. Beer and milk are sold in pints. Weather is in Celsius, and groceries are sold in grams and kilograms.
**Q:** Can I use the Euro in England? **A:** Generally no. You must use Pounds Sterling, though credit/debit cards are accepted almost everywhere (contactless payment is standard).
**Q:** What is the weather like? **A:** England has a temperate maritime climate. It rarely experiences extreme heat or extreme cold, but rain is possible year-round.
**Q:** Are museums free? **A:** The permanent collections of all major national museums and art galleries in England (like the British Museum, National Gallery, and Tate Modern) are free to enter.
