It’s better to pay for goods and services in local currency, in most shopping centers and restaurants you can pay only with pounds. Currency exchange services are offered by numerous banks and exchange offices, but in latest rates may not be the most profitable.
Public institutions open no later than 9:00 am and serve visitors up to 5:00-6:00 pm. During the day, small lunch break is possible; it usually lasts less than an hour.
In restaurants and cafes it’s customary to leave a tip, the size of which depends on the level of the eating place. In the prestigious restaurant service charges are included in the bill, usually it doesn’t exceed 15% of the total order. In restaurants of the middle class a tip has to be at least 10%, and in small cafes and restaurants it is common to leave 5% of the total bill.
Locals are very friendly and hospitable; you can always ask them for help and or to show the direction, where point of interest is located. On the streets the police are always on duty, you can also ask them for help when it is necessary.
In all local parks, gardens and on city streets exemplary cleanliness is maintained. Before you go for a picnic in one of the parks, you should definitely clarify actual rules. You can’t kindle fire at the very first place as well as drop litter in wrong places, because heavy fines are collected in these cases.
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