Entry Requirements
Visa requirements for Wales depend on which passport you hold. Check the Traveller visa tool to see whether your passport needs a visa and, if so, how long you can stay.
Check if you need a visa for WalesEmergency Numbers
- General
- 999 (or 112)
Currency
- Name
- Pound Sterling
- Code
- GBP
- Symbol
- £
Power Outlets
- Outlet type
- Type G
- Voltage
- 230V
- Frequency
- 50Hz
Time Zone
GMT (UTC+0) — BST (UTC+1) in summer
Best Time to Visit
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
May–September is best for hiking Snowdon (Wales's highest peak), Pembrokeshire Coast Path, and the Brecon Beacons. Wales is rainy year-round — waterproofs are non-negotiable. August sees the National Eisteddfod (Welsh language cultural festival). Cardiff is worth visiting any time.
Tipping Customs
| Venue | Typical | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurants | 10–15% | Service charge sometimes included |
| Taxis | 10% | — |
| Hotels | £1–2 for porters | — |
Dress Code
- Casual throughout
- Waterproofs and walking boots essential for any outdoor activity
- Smart casual for Cardiff's restaurants
Social Etiquette
- Welsh is a living language spoken by ~800,000 people — any attempt to say a Welsh word (even just 'Diolch' for thank you) is genuinely appreciated
- Wales has a distinct national identity and culture — do not conflate it with England
- The Welsh rugby team (the Dragons) inspires extraordinary national passion — a match at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff is an unforgettable experience
- Pub culture is central — a warm welcome awaits in any Welsh village local
Local Laws
Laws change. Verify current rules with your country's official travel advisory before departure.
- Wales has its own Senedd (parliament) and some laws differ from England — including earlier 20mph speed limits on residential roads
- Wild camping is not a legal right as in Scotland — always get landowner permission outside designated sites
- Smoking banned in enclosed public spaces
Common Phrases
| English | Local | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello (Welsh) | Helo / Shwmae? | HEH-loh / SHOO-my |
| Thank you (Welsh) | Diolch | DEE-olkh — the 'lch' is a soft guttural |
| Please (Welsh) | Os gwelwch yn dda | os GWEL-ooch un thah |
| Cheers! (Welsh) | Iechyd da! | YEKH-id dah — 'good health' |
| Welcome to Wales (Welsh) | Croeso i Gymru | KROY-soh ee GUM-ree |
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