Weather

Edinburgh enjoys a moderate climate, with mild winters and cool summers, but the weather is generally changeable and unpredictable. For more information check the BBC weather page . Day temperatures in June-July average around 15-20°C, but it is normally much cooler in the evenings.

Currency

Pound sterling (£) is the UK currency. Please note Scotland has its own distinctive banknotes, which are not always accepted by shops and other businesses in the rest of the UK but can be exchanged at banks. Most hotels, restaurants and shops accept major credit cards. Sterling travellers' cheques can be cashed at all banks, post offices and most travel agents and hotels. Most ATM machines will accept Visa and MasterCard credit cards for withdrawal, though such transactions will usually incur an additional charge.

Visas

Visitors from some countries outside the European Union may require a visa to enter the UK. For information on this, please visit the Foreign Office website.

Electricity

British electrical standards are 50Hz, 240 Volts. Appliances set up for 110/125V will require a transformer if they don't already have built-in voltage adjustment. Britain also uses a specific 3-prong plug.

Insurance

The organizers of EPAC do not accept liability for individual medical, travel or personal insurance, and participants are strongly advised to take out their own personal insurance. Reciprocal agreements for free treatment exist with certain European countries.

Tax

Value Added Tax (VAT) is charged on all purchases in shops, hotels and restaurants at the current standard rate of 17.5%. There are no other taxes on purchases. All visitors residing outside of the European Union are entitled to claim back the VAT on most purchases made.

Smoking

As of Spring 2006 there will be a complete smoking ban in all public places in Scotland.

"We look to Scotland for all our ideas of civilization."

(Voltaire)