Banks: 09.00 to 16.00, Monday to Thursday; 08.00 to 13.00, Friday
Post Offices: 09.00 to 17.00, Monday to Friday
Government Offices: 09.00 to 17.00, Monday to Friday
Business Centres: 09.00 to 17.00, Monday to Friday
Shops: 09.00 to 17.00, Monday to Saturday; 10.00 to 16.00, Sunday; some open later

Inverness is a safe travel destination and tourists have little to worry about. When returning to your hotel after dark, try to travel in groups and adhere to well-lit areas. If you feel unsafe or aren’t sure of the distance to your hotel, it is always better to hail a taxi. As with any tourist destination, it is wise to watch your belongings. Take special care to guard against pickpockets around major tourist attractions or in crowded bus or train terminals.

240V, 50 Hertz, European-style three-pin plugs

In the event you experience a medical emergency during your stay in Inverness, you will have access to the excellent medical facilities at Raigmore Hospital. Raigmore serves as the primary health-care provider for the Highlands district. European visitors can qualify for discounted medical treatment by showing their European Health Insurance Card. For minor medical problems, visitors may find all of the advice and medication they need through a local pharmacist; just keep in mind that a prescription is often required.

Emergency services: 999

The national language of Scotland is English, but thousands of locals in Inverness also speak Scottish Gaelic.

Scotland uses the British pound (GBR), with 100 pence equal to £1.

Duty-free regulations are not in force for EU residents, and there are no duty-free sales offered between EU member nations. Foreigners arriving from outside of the EU can import the following free of duty: 250 grams of tobacco (or either 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars); a litre of spirits (exceeding 22%); two litres of wine; 250 cc of eau de toilette (or 50 cc of perfume); and miscellaneous merchandise not valued above £145.

Scots embrace a handful of cultural hallmarks that set them apart from their English neighbours, and anyone taking a tour of the United Kingdom does well to honour Scottish identity as distinct from the rest of the country. Men still wear kilts as part of their formal attire, and this is a common sight in processionals or during certain performances. Life in the Highlands moves at a different pace than it does in the city and many locals conform to more conservative values.

Citizens of other EU nations do not need a visa to enter Scotland. Anyone arriving from a non-EU country may need to obtain a tourist visa, which is available prior to arrival from UK embassies and consulates around the world. Nationals of many Western countries qualify for the visa waiver programme.

Tourists will find the Inverness Tourist Information Centre in Castle Wynd. 
Phone: +44 8452 255121; www.visithighlands.com