Banks: 09.00 to 17.00, Monday to Friday
Post Offices: 09.00 to 17.30, Monday to Friday; 09.30 to 12.00, Saturday
Government Offices: 09.00 to 17.00, Monday to Friday
Business Centres: 09.00 to 17.00, Monday to Friday
Shops: 09.00 to 17.30, Monday to Saturday; late night shopping to about 20.00 on Wednesday or Thursday

Leeds is a safe city in the town centre by day and generally by night, although there are some areas to be wary of. Try and steer clear of East Leeds, Mabgate, Holbeck, Chapeltown and its Spencer Place red light district. These areas are generally okay by day but should not be visited alone at night.

240V, 50Hz – three-pin, flat plugs (large earth)

There are no serious health problems to worry about while visiting Leeds; the tap water is delicious, restaurants hygienic, the streets are clean and the police are never far away if you need help. Basic medication can be had in a Leeds high street chemist’s (pharmacy). Having the generic name of any medication you may be taking is advised.

Emergency services: 999
Leeds General Infirmary: +44 113 243 2799

English is the national language of England, although Leeds is pretty multicultural and you will no doubt hear many dialects.

Despite being an EU member state, the UK still retains the pound sterling (£), which is equal to 100 pence.

Non-EU nationals over the age of 17 years can bring the following duty-free amounts into the UK: 200 cigarettes, or 50 cigars, or 250 grams of tobacco; two litres of wine and one litre of spirits; 250ml of eau de toilette; and up to £145 worth of gifts; £73 limit for those under 15 years.

The English are laidback and easy to get on with and employees in the tourist industry and public services are generally very polite. Public buildings and transport in Leeds restrict smoking, including in bars, restaurants, and clubs. Smart, casual dress is fine for the majority of sightseeing but make sure you are dressed respectably when entering churches. Tipping is catching on in Leeds and workers in high-end eateries and taxi drivers generally expect something.

Citizens of the EU, US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa do not need a visa to enter the UK, but must have a valid passport with at least two months remaining. It is also a good idea to have a couple of spare pages available in your passport and make sure you have a return or onward travel ticket.

The Gateway Yorkshire Regional Travel & Tourist Information Centre is the main tourist body in Leeds and can be found in the Arcade, Leeds City Station, Leeds, LS1 1PL; phone: +44 113 242 5242. 

You will also find information points in the library and at the Headrow.