Essential info for the United Kingdom

Time: UK local time is set at GMT, although with daylight savings time is set at GMT +1 from last Sunday in March to Saturday before last Sunday in October.
 

Electricity: 230 volts, 50Hz. Flat three-pin plugs are standard.
 

Language: Predictably English is the official language, although with strong regional accents visitors might be convinced the locals are speaking some other dialect. In Wales, Welsh is commonly spoken.
 

Tipping: It is normal to tip 10 to 15% of the bill in restaurants, hotels and taxis if a service charge hasn't already been levied.
 

Safety Information: The UK is a very safe destination for expats, although robberies and muggings do occur in larger centres, and alcohol fulled violence is not uncommon in bars and at sporting venues. As in all major international cities there remains the threat of international terrorism. UK airports and main transport hubs have extremely tight security as a result; expect delays and close scrutiny.

Local Customs: Handshaking is normal when meeting someone new. As of 2008, smoking is forbidden and illegal in all enclosed public spaces, which includes pubs and restaurants. When it comes to escalators stand on the right, walk on the left or pay the price in rude stares and visual admonitions. Londoners are atypical of the British in general, and more rushed, aggressive and impersonal.

Business: Politeness and punctuality are highly valued in maintaining good business relations, and initial meetings are often conducted formally and impersonally. It is normal to exchange business cards during introductions. Business dress code is formal, with dark suits preferred. Business hours are normally 8am to 5pm Monday to Friday with an hour taken at lunch.

Communications: The international country dialling code is +44. The outgoing code is 00, or 048 for Northern Ireland, followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 001 for the United States). There are a wide range of city/area codes in use. Mobile phones work throughout the country; the network operators use GSM 1800 networks, which may not be compatible with some dual-band US cell phones. Broadband internet access is cheap and widely available, and internet cafes are available throughout the country, and in train stations and airports.

Climate: The United Kingdom has a famously changeable and unpredictable climate, much maligned by its expat residents. Winters are renowned for their duration and cold and wet conditions; snow is common in high-lying areas although is quite rare in London. Summers are generally warm with frequent showers, as cricket supporters can verify. London’s climate is temperate, so expect modest daily highs during summer (apart from the odd heat wave) and winter lows that hover around freezing level. Rainfall is a regular occurrence, commonly in the form of a chronic drizzle which can occur throughout the year.

Emergency Number: 999