When is the best time to visit?    

• The best time to visit Scotland is in Spring (late March to May) and Autumn (September and October). 
• High season is during the summer months, June to August, when it is warmest. However, it also rains at this time. 
• Winter months are from December to March. 

Getting there   

• You will fly from South Africa to Edinburgh or Glasgow in Scotland – this flight typically has one stopover. 
• The flight duration from Johannesburg to Glasgow is 13 hours, 55 minutes, and to Edinburgh is 14 hours, 15 minutes.  

Do I need a visa?   

• South African passport holders require a UK visa to visit Scotland, as it is part of Great Britain.
• Passports should be valid for at least 6 months after travel and have blank pages.  

What time is it?   

• Scotland is on the same time as Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). During the winter months Scotland is 2 hours behind South Africa and in the summer (last Sunday in March to the Last Saturday in October), 1 hour behind South Africa. 

Money matters   

• The official currency is the Pound Sterling (£).  
• Credit cards are widely accepted & ATMs are prevalent. 
• Some small establishments may not accept cards or have a minimum spend, so always check before making a purchase. 
• Tipping is an accepted custom. It’s customary to leave 10-15% of the bill when dining out.  
• Food is quite expensive in Scotland. 

Language & phrases   

• English is the official language. 

Culture & religion   

• Christianity is the main religion. Scottish churches are mainly Presbyterian. 
• When visiting sacred sites and temples, dress conservatively. (See ‘What to pack’).  

Health information   

• It is safe to drink tap water in Scotland. Bottled water is also readily available. 
• Vaccinations are not currently required, but do check with your travel clinic before you go.