Step 8 · Check the practical bits
Practical tips for your stay
Money, connectivity, safety, accessibility and a few local habits — the small things that make a trip run smoothly.
What should I know before I arrive?
Aberdeen is an easy city to visit: compact, friendly and well used to visitors from around the world. A little preparation still helps, particularly if you plan to head into the countryside.
Money and payments
- The currency is the pound sterling. Scottish banks issue their own banknotes, which are used alongside Bank of England notes.
- Card and contactless payment are widely accepted in the city. Carry a little cash for small rural businesses, honesty boxes and car parks that may not take cards.
Connectivity
- Mobile coverage is good in the city but patchy in parts of Deeside and the Cairngorms. Download offline maps before heading into the hills.
- Most places to stay offer Wi-Fi; if you need to work, ask about connection quality before booking.
Health and safety
- In an emergency, dial 999 (or 112). For coastal emergencies, ask for the coastguard.
- For non-urgent health advice, NHS 24 operates the 111 service in Scotland.
- Pharmacies in the city can advise on minor illnesses.
- On the coast and in the hills, follow the safety notes on our coastline and Cairngorms pages.
Accessibility
The city centre is hilly in places, and many older granite buildings have steps at the entrance and no lift. Major venues and museums publish access information, and it is always worth contacting a place to stay directly to ask about step-free rooms, bathrooms and parking.
Local habits worth knowing
- You may hear the local dialect, Doric. "Fit like?" means "How are you?" — see our Scots welcome page for a few more phrases.
- Queuing is taken seriously, at bus stops and bars alike.
- Tipping in restaurants is customary for good service but not compulsory; check whether a service charge has already been added.
- Sunday trading hours can be shorter, especially outside the city.
Final checks before you set off
- Confirm opening days and times for the places you most want to see.
- Check the weather forecast — including the wind on the coast and conditions on the hills.
- Note your accommodation's check-in arrangements and contact details.
- Look up any events that might affect transport or demand during your stay.