Useful facts for visiting Wales
Language
Welsh/English – mainly English
Currency
Pound Sterling
Average maximum temperatures
January: 6.5c (43.7F)
May: 11.0c (51.8F)
August: 18.8c (65.8F)
October: 12.8c (55.0F)
Temperatures decrease dramatically up on mountains
Passports and Visas
UK government regulations apply to Wales.
Animals and Pets
International: It is possible to bring pets to Wales from other EU and EFTA countries but visitors are recommended to start the planning process well in advance since several permissions must be obtained.
UK Visitors: It is possible to bring pets to Mid Wales. Please check with your accommodation provider to ensure that pets are welcome. Restrictions do apply on certain beaches and please do keep animals under control at all times when in the area.
Banking and Shopping
Banking hours
Monday-Friday 9.00 am – 5.00 pm
Saturday 10.00 am – 12.00 pm
All banks are closed on Saturday afternoons, Sundays and on public holidays.
Credit cards
Major credit cards are widely accepted. You can withdraw cash with your Visa, MasterCard, Maestro or Cirrus card at most banks and ATM’s.
Shopping hours
Monday-Friday 9.00 am – 5 pm
Saturday 9.00 am – 5 pm
In larger towns, some stores remain open until 7.00 pm or longer. Some are also open on Sundays between approx. 10.00am and 4.00 pm. Shops generally close early the day before a public holiday.
Locally produced gifts and crafts can be purchased throughout the area. Worth looking out for are Welsh slate merchandise, love spoons and locally sourced food such as honey, lamb, beer and cheese.
Disabled Travellers
Many accommodation providers provide specially adapted rooms for disabled people, people with visual impairments and people with hearing impairments. Some activity providers and attractions also have technical aids to enable those with limited mobility to take part in activities like swimming or riding. All businesses are required to have an Access Statement which will provide details on specific facilities that are provided.
Transportation: Public transport is widely available for disabled travellers. Railways and buses have access and specific seats for passengers using wheelchairs. All stations, trains and buses are non-smoking.
Allergies
Please advise your accommodation in advance, however most restaurants cater for individuals with allergies. Just advise on booking or arrival.
Drinking Water
Tap water in the area is as good as it gets! Straight off the Atlantic Ocean – rain water is collected in numerous mountain lakes and supplies the whole region.
Eating Out
Most of Wales attains an international reputation for culinary excellence and standards are high at all levels. Emphasis is placed on high-quality, natural, locally produced ingredients – notably fresh local fruit and vegetables, locally caught seafood (particularly crab, bass, lobster, cod), mountain reared Welsh Black beef and succulent sweet salt marsh lamb.
There is also a wide variety of ethnic restaurants and an exciting “crossover” style in which traditional Welsh dishes are reinvented with new foreign influences.
You will also find all the usual fast-food outlets, pizzerias and traditional tasty fish and chips. There are plenty of cafés and cafeterias for lighter snacks.
A meal with wine starts from £12 – £15 per person, it just depends on where you go!
Major credit cards are widely accepted throughout the area’s restaurants and eating out establishments.
Smoking restrictions
Smoking is not permitted by law in public indoor areas or on board public transport. It is also not permitted in stores, shops, restaurants, bars or other public buildings.
Tipping
Some establishments will automatically include a service charge, but on the whole tipping is a personal choice and is usually given for good service. A gratitude tip of 10% of the total bill is very acceptable.
Electric Supply
The UK electric supply is 240 volts AC 50 cycles. The standard electrical socket is the 13-amp flat pin. All international travellers should ensure that they carry an electrical adapter with them.
Driving
International drivers – UK regulations apply to the Snowdonia Mountains and Coast area thus driving is on the left. UK cars have the steering wheel on the right. The maximum speed is 70 mph (112km/h) – this is on motorways and dual carriageways. On single carriageways the maximum speed limit is 60 mph (96 km/h), and in built up areas is 30 mph (48 km/h). These maximum speeds apply unless signs show otherwise.
Drink drive laws are strictly applied – the safest course is not to drink and drive. Seat belts must be worn at all times. Mobile phone use whilst driving is prohibited. Speed limits – road signs are shown in miles per hour not kilometres per hour.
Phone, Post and Internet Service
Public pay phones accept coins, phone cards and credit cards.
Country codes worldwide can be found at the beginning of a telephone directory.
Mobile phone networks include Vodafone UK, Orange/T-Mobile, EE, O2 and 3. Coverage is variable and is very limited especially in secluded mountain valleys.
Postal service
Post offices are usually open from 9:00am to 5:30 from Monday to Friday and from 9:00 to 12:00 on Saturday. Smaller villages may have varying opening hours. Most towns and larger villages have a Post office or a sub post office usually as part of general store or grocery shop.
Postage stamps are available from post offices and news agents, as well as some supermarkets. Internet access is widely available through the area. Internet cafés, public libraries and hotels will offer the service of computers with Internet access.
Laundry
Most hotels will provide a laundry service for their guests. Many camping sites, self catering and youth hostels also provide washing and drying facilities for their guests.
Dry cleaning and laundry establishments can be found in the main towns.
Health and Emergency
Dial 999 in an emergency and ask for the appropriate service – Ambulance, Fire Service, Police, Lifeboat or Mountain Rescue.
Pharmacies will be open the same as usual shop opening hours. You will possibly need to pay in full for your prescription. If you are on medication please ensure you have adequate supply for your stay.
There are dentists, doctors and clinics in the area.
What to Wear
During the summer the weather in the area is usually mild and pleasant. Pack casual summer clothes, like a few medium-weight sweaters, a light jacket or raincoat. The weather can change dramatically from one part of the area to the other especially on the mountains. It’s not unusual to see the weather from all the seasons in one day!
Clothing suitable for cold weather is necessary in the spring, autumn and most especially winter.
