Know Before You Go Scotland
Scotland offers a marvelous array of sights, sounds, scents, and flavors. Your visit can encompass historic landmarks, the scenic Scottish Highlands, friendly neighborhood pubs, stately castles, and so much more. We cannot wait to say fáilte (welcome!) on the trip of a lifetime.
HEALTH
Brendan recommends that you consult your physician prior to departure to discuss your personal health requirements. If you are on a regular course of medication or if there are medicines that particularly suit you, we recommend that you bring an adequate supply for your entire trip. For easy access when traveling, please keep all your medication in your hand luggage, not in your suitcases.
LANGUAGE
English is spoken throughout Scotland, with Gaelic still in use in some small towns.
CLIMATE & CLOTHING
Scotland’s climate is generally cool and wet, so even in mid-summer we advise you take some warm clothes and rainwear.The temperature averages between 4°C and 10°C, with summers hovering around a comfortable 15°C to 21°C.
ELECTRICITY
The standard voltage throughout Scotland is 230v AC and 50hz with a type G outlet. You will need a converter and adaptor for any electrical appliances you bring.
LOCAL CURRENCY
The currency in Scotland is the British pound sterling.
ATM outlets are very common throughout Scotland. It is possible at ATMs to draw cash on presentation of your credit card, though this may incur fees/interest payments—check with your bank before departure. It is a good idea to deposit sufficient funds into your accounts prior to departure and then use your Personal Identification Number (PIN) to access them. Check with your bank card company regarding possible ATM availability.
Credit cards, mainly Visa, MasterCard and American Express, are also widely accepted throughout Scotland. We recommend calling or visiting your bank and credit card companies online to advise them you will be travelling, as some will block the card when they notice unusual international activity.
SHOPPING & TIPPING
Global VAT Refund for Scotland: VAT is Value Added Tax and is included in the sale price of goods in European Union countries. Non-European Union residents may qualify for a refund of part of the VAT portion of purchases made in Europe by submitting your claim form and receipts to a VAT refunds desk at your European departure airport. Please visit www.gov.uk for details.
Tipping is expected everywhere in Scotland. For restaurants, 10 – 15 percent is customary, unless a service charge has been automatically added to your bill. For taxi drivers, it is appropriate to round the taxi fare up.
GETTING AROUND
Edinburgh has excellent bus and tram systems, and taxis are convenient for short trips in any Scottish city. Between cities in Scotland as well as other destinations in the United Kingdom, BritRail will get you efficiently to a variety of places.
PASSPORTS & VISAS
Passports are needed when travelling outside of your home country. Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond the conclusion of your trip.
You are responsible for obtaining all necessary visas prior to the departure of your guided vacation. Depending on your nationality, you may need visas to enter certain countries included on your trip. Please note that obtaining visas can take up to six weeks prior to your departure. It is strongly advised that you consult your Travel Agent and the local Consulate or Embassy of the country you are visiting well in advance to determine which visas they require and how to obtain them.
ASSISTANCE ABROAD
Should you encounter any difficulties while abroad, please contact your Brendan Vacations Representative or the consulate for assistance.
IMPORTANT: This information sheet is for guidance only and although accurate at time of printing, cannot be guaranteed
Important Information For Your Trip
To help make your Brendan Guided Vacation hassle-free from the start, please read this information before you leave home.
YOUR DOCUMENTS
All your airport transfer and pre-departure accommodations details can be found in your travel documents wallet—please read this information and check your booking details carefully. If you have any concerns, please contact your Travel Agent or Brendan Vacations’ consultant before you leave home.
Will I need a visa?
You are responsible for obtaining all necessary visas prior to the departure of your guided vacation. Depending on your nationality, you may need visas to enter certain countries included on your trip. Please note that obtaining visas can take up to six weeks prior to your departure. It is strongly advised that you consult your Travel Agent and the local Consulate or Embassy of the country you are visiting well in advance to determine which visas they require and how to obtain them.
Why do I need to register on MyBrendan?
Every travel moment counts and to ensure that your trip runs seamlessly, as well as making sure we can contact you in the unlikely event of an emergency, we require all our guests to register before they travel. This is easily done on our travel portal, MyBrendan.
Your luggage allowance
Please consult your Brendan Vacations Specialist on luggage allowance.
When will I receive my booking documents?
Travel documents are usually sent 21 days prior to your trip's departure.
Will I need any vaccinations?
This will depend on the destinations you are travelling and your personal health circumstances. Be sure to speak to your Travel Agent or doctor to find out if vaccinations are required. If you are taking medication or suffer from any form of illness, ensure you have an adequate supply of medication before departing for your vacation.
