The nation's currency remains the pound sterling (£). One pound equals 100 pence (p). 1p and 2p coins are copper; 5p, 10p, 20p and the seven-sided 50p coins are silver; the £1 coin is yellowy-gold; the £2 coin is silver in the centre with a circle of yellowy-gold around the edge. Paper notes are as follows: blue £5, orange £10, purple £20 and red £50. You will probably find an increasing number of places pre-empting the Government and accepting euros (t), but don't rely on it.

Currency Exchange
You can exchange foreign currency at banks and bureaux de change. If you're here for a long stay, you may need to open a bank or building society account. To do this, you'll probably need to present a reference from your bank at home, and certainly a passport as identification.

Banks:
Exchange and commission rates on currency vary hugely, and it pays to shop around. Commission is sometimes charged for cashing travellers' cheques in foreign currencies, but not for sterling travellers' cheques, provided you cash the cheques at a bank affiliated to the issuing bank (get a list when you buy your cheques); it's also charged if you change cash into another currency. You always need ID, such as a passport, when exchanging travellers' cheques.

Bureaux de change:
You will be charged for cashing travellers' cheques or buying and selling foreign currency at a bureau de change. Commission rates, which should be clearly displayed, vary. Chequepoint (13 London branches), Lenlyn (26 London branches) and Thomas Cook (149 London branches, many within branches of the HSBC bank) are reputable bureaux. Major rail and tube stations in central London have bureaux de change, and there are many in tourist areas. Most are open 8am-10pm, but those listed below are open 24 hours daily.

Banking Hours:
9am-4.30pm (some close at 3.30pm) Mon-Fri

Currency Conversion
The Universal Currency Converter: www.xe.net/currency/

Credit Cards
Most shops, restaurants, ticket agents, garages, box offices and the like, as well as selected bars and museums, will accept credit cards. Visa and Mastercard are the most widely accepted, with American Express and Diners Club taken in noticeably fewer establishments.