Organize your stay Wales
Money Wales
In 2002, when Great Britain was still part of the European Union, it voted against the euro in a referendum. In Wales, as in the rest of the kingdom, the pound sterling continues to be used.
One pound comprises 100 pence, and the smallest unit is the penny, commonly spelled "p". There are coins in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50p and £1, £2, and bills in denominations of £5, £10, £20 and £50. There are no restrictions on the amount of money you can take out of or into Wales.
In May 2024: £1 = €1.17; €1 = £0.85.
Budget & Tips Wales
Generally speaking, living in Wales is a little more expensive than in France (except for restaurants) and a little cheaper than in England (the cost of local living in Cardiff is 20% lower than in London, for example).
Gratuities: In Wales, service is not necessarily included in the bill. If the words " service not included " appear on the menu, it's customary to leave a 10-15% tip for the waiter. Don't forget it! Otherwise, as in France, it's up to you how much you tip , bearing in mind that it's not customary to leave a tip in pubs.
Haggling: Not a widespread practice in Wales: fixed prices are... fixed. So there's no point in trying to negotiate in the stores. The exception, of course, is flea markets.
Passport and visas Wales
Since January1, 2021 and the entry into force of the Brexit, European travelers have been required to have a passport to enter the UK and therefore Wales. However, for visitors staying less than six months on the territory, no visa is required.
Beware of entry conditions for your pets: although the UK has no longer imposed the legendary quarantine on our little furry friends since 2000, regulations remain strict. Make sure you have enough information before you leave! You can consult the website of the British Embassy in France.
Driver's license Wales
All you need is a French or Belgian driver's license.
Health Wales
The public health system in the UK is very different from that in France. Unless you prefer to use a private doctor (often expensive), you can't really choose your doctor. General practitioners (G.P.) are allocated to each individual according to their place of residence, so you need to consult a doctor on the list for your area. It is this doctor who refers patients to specialists.
To benefit from NHS care in the UK, you must be a resident. You may be asked for proof of this. If you are not a resident, you may have to pay for NHS care. It is therefore strongly recommended that you travel with insurance.
Security Wales
Wales presents few risks. All you need to do is follow the rules of caution and common sense. If you avoid visiting deprived neighborhoods late at night, or displaying signs of wealth that could attract the attention of pickpockets, you won't be risking much.
Homosexuality is still fairly taboo in Wales due to the importance attached to religion in the country, but things are gradually changing, especially in cities like Cardiff.
Time difference Wales
It's always an hour earlier than in France. On the last Sunday in March, clocks go forward one hour to summer time. In autumn (last Sunday in October), we switch to winter time.
Spoken languages Wales
The English language is spoken throughout the region, although a growing number of people prefer to converse solely in Welsh. All around Wales, however, and especially in rural areas, the accent can be surprising. Nothing like the clear, distinct syllables of the national BBC, to understand a Welsh English accent, you'd better put your ear to the ground... So don't hesitate to ask to repeat or slow down.
The Welsh language is spoken fluently by 20% of the population and understood by more than half. On road signs, in the many cases where a town has both a Welsh and an English name, both are mentioned.
Foreign languages are poorly mastered, even if they are taught at school. So you're unlikely to meet any French speakers, even though many Welsh people will tell you how much they love French. In the major museums, some leaflets and audio guides are translated into French, but nothing is systematic.
Electricity and measurements Wales
Electricity: 240 volts and 3-pin plugs: an adapter is essential.
Measurements: in Wales, as in the rest of the UK, we weigh in pounds, measure in feet and acres, and exchange kilometers for miles. It's up to you to know the equivalents, as only grams and kilos are making a timid entry on British markets.
Length
◗ 1 inch = 2.54 cm
◗ 12 inches = 1 foot = 0.3 m
◗ 1 yard = 3 feet = 0.9 m
◗ 1 mile = 1.6 km
◗ 1 centimeter = 0.394 inch
◗ 1 meter = 3.2 feet
◗ 1 kilometer = 0.6 mile
◗ 1 kilometer = 0.54 nautical mile
Weight
◗ 1 ounce (oz) = 28.35 g
◗ 1 pound (lb) = 16 ounces = 453.59 g
◗ 1 quarter = 28 pounds = 12.70 kg
◗ 1 gram = 0.03 ounce
◗ 1 kilogram = 2.2 pounds (lb)
