Banks: 09.00 to 17.00, Monday to Friday; 09.00 to 12.00, Saturdays
Post Offices: 08.30 to 17.45, Monday to Friday; 09.00 to 17.30, Saturdays
Government Offices: 09.00 to 17.00, Monday to Friday
Business Centres: 09.00 to 17.00, Monday to Friday
Shops: 10.00 to 18.00, daily

Aberdeen isn’t known for having a problem with crime but like in all major cities, it pays to keep an eye on your belongings. Theft is the most common crime here, particularly on crowded transport or at popular tourist spots. Violence against foreigners is rare though you should keep your wits about you late at night after the pubs close.

Police: 999

220V, 50 Hertz with round two-pin European-style plugs used.

The only health concern to consider in Aberdeen is the weather. Even in summer, nights cool off significantly, and winters are downright frigid and damp. Be sure and dress warmly and bring good raingear to avoid catching a nasty cold. The tap water is safe to drink in Aberdeen though you may want to stick with bottled water.

Minor illness and colds can be treated at any local pharmacy. More serious medical emergencies can be dealt with competently at one of Aberdeen’s hospitals, which are well-staffed. Visitors from outside the UK should make sure their health insurance covers them when travelling abroad. If not, buying travel insurance is suggested.

Aberdeen Royal Infirmary: +44 1224 681818
Emergency services: 999

English is the language spoken in Aberdeen, though the thick local Doric accent can confuse even native English speakers.

As Scotland is part of the UK, the pound sterling (£) is most commonly used in Aberdeen. One pound sterling consists of 100 pence. Notes come in denominations of £5, £10, £20, and £50. Coins come in denominations of £1 and £2, as well as 50p, 20p, 10p, 5p, 2p, and 1p. Scotland also prints its own banknotes, so don’t be surprised to see Scottish pounds used interchangeably with the pound sterling.

All visitors from outside the European Union over 18 years can bring 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 250 grams of tobacco, two litres of wine, one litre of spirits, 60 cc of perfume, and £145 of personal goods like gifts or souvenirs without incurring customs duty.

The locals of Aberdeen, like most of Scotland, are fun and friendly people who enjoy seeing visitors appreciating their city. There is almost an absence of social etiquette here, but you will enjoy your trip more if you are nice to the locals and show respect for Scottish culture. Refer to the locals as ‘Scots’ not ‘Scotch’, which refers to whiskey.

Tourist visas are not required for citizens of the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand or South Africa. You only need to have a passport with two months validity remaining until expiration. Citizens from all other countries should check with their local UK consulate to find out if any visa regulations apply. EU nationals are exempt from needing a visa and can stay for an unlimited time period.

The Aberdeen Tourist Office is in St Nicholas House on Broad Street. It is open Monday to Friday from 09.00 to 19.00, Saturdays from 09.00 to 17.00, and Sundays from 10.00 to 16.00. They provide useful maps, brochures, and free internet access.

Aberdeen Tourist Information Centre
23 Union Street
Phone: +44 1224 632727; www.aberdeen-grampian.com