If you need to change your currency for English Pounds, beware that rip-offs abound. Most currency changing places and banks either charge large commissions or a “handling” charge, in addition to giving you a lousy exchange rate too. I cashed a traveler’s check for US$100 and ended up paying a 7½% fee for the exchange, in addition to an exchange rate that was about 4% over the interbank rate. I ended up with £57 for that $100. That’s at least £5 less than I would’ve got using an ATM.

If you plan on using cash, which is inevitable in certain situations, I suggest you withdraw funds from your home bank at ATM machines. You won’t be charged an extra fee, just what your bank usually charges. Although now it seems you won’t get the best exchange rate like you used to get. Credit cards likewise are a good deal since you’ll only lose 1-2% on the exchange.

Euros are being accepted in more and more places, but again, be careful because you’re still likely to pay more than using pounds. Until the UK decides to embrace the Euro (they’re pretty split on it right now), you’ll still have to pay to play the currency exchange game.

Also you need to learn the coinage in the UK, since the size of the various denominations isn’t in keeping with most countries’ standards. That is some coins are larger than you would expect, like the 10 pence, which is very large for its value. So examine the coins carefully to become familiar with them, so they don’t slow you down when you’re in a hurry.