Banks: 09.30 to 15.30, Monday to Friday
Post Offices: 09.00 to 17.30, Monday to Friday, some open on Saturday until 12.00
Government Offices: 09.00 to 16.00/17.00, Monday to Friday
Business Centres: 09.00 to 18.00, Monday to Friday
Shops: 09.00 to 17.30/18.00, Monday to Saturday, some open on Sunday 10.00 to 16.00

Visitors to Newcastle are advised to keep their wits about them, especially if frequenting the city centre or using public transportation at night. Petty crime is prevalent across the country so watch out for pickpockets, bag snatchers, muggers and other opportunist thieves. Never leave anything of any value inside a parked car.

230V, 50HZ. Plugs come with three rectangular pins.

Health risks are extremely low for the vast majority of visitors but in the unlikely event of illness or injury, a high standard of medical care is available. EU visitors carrying valid European Health Insurance Cards can take advantage of free emergency treatment. All visitors are advised to take out travel insurance with medical cover included. Tap water is safe to drink and there are no vaccinations necessary for visiting the city.

Emergency services: 999

Locals in Newcastle upon Tyne speak English but with a very broad accent that some visitors may find difficult to understand.

The United Kingdom uses the pound (GBP) as its official currency, with £1 equal to 100 pence.

EU visitors entering the UK from another country within the Union may bring an unlimited quantity of alcohol, tobacco and other goods provided it is for personal use only and not in excessive quantities. Anyone entering from other countries is permitted the following duty-free allowance: 200 cigarettes, or 100 cigarillos, or 50 cigars, or 250g of loose tobacco; two litres of still table wine, one litre of spirits or strong liqueurs (over 22 per cent volume) or two litres regular strength liqueurs (under 22 per cent volume), fortified wine or sparkling wine; 60cc/ml of perfume and 250cc/ml of eau de toilette; gifts, souvenirs and other goods to the value of £145.

England and the rest of the UK are fairly easy to negotiate in terms of etiquette with few opportunities for visitors to make serious cultural faux pas. Generally speaking, citizens are polite and consider good manners to be important. Gestures such as holding open doors in public places are common practice and thanking others for doing so is expected.

When meeting locals in Newcastle for the first time, a handshake is the usual gesture accompanied by a polite “hello” or “hi” and perhaps a “pleased to meet you”. Hugs and kisses are only appropriate between parties that are already well acquainted.

Business etiquette requires individuals to dress smartly and to use official titles where necessary. Business and social engagements do not generally overlap. Punctuality is very important to the British and being fashionably late is not likely to be well received. Complaining is an essential part of British culture, whether in shops, restaurants or in the receipt of services.

Visitors from EU countries that are party to the Schengen Agreement may enter the country on nothing more than a valid visa for stays of up to 90 days. US, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand citizens are entitled to the same privilege. The majority of other visitors require a visa which may be obtained from a British embassy in their own country.

The main tourist information office is located at the Central Arcade on Market Street and can be contacted on: +44 191 277 8000.