A lot of travelers stop by the United Kingdom as part of a European trip, but they have the problem of what to do with their euros when they are in a land that uses pounds.
This is becoming less of a problem, according to a report by the BBC. More and more businesses are accepting euros as well as pounds in an effort to attract tourists. Shops, restaurants, even hotels are accepting euros. I noticed this trend several years ago in London, but it has spread across the country now, and is gaining ground in places like Northern Ireland towns that want to draw in shoppers from the Republic of Ireland, which uses euros.
There are some limitations, however. Most places only accept banknotes and give change in pounds. Also, the exchange rate may not be all that good, although the little town of Dunster is offering a one-to-one rate, a great deal considering that in a bank a euro will only buy you 85 pence, minus whatever fee they slap on you.
But before you whip out your euros in the Green and Pleasant Land or Emerald Isle, be careful. Some places defiantly stick to the pound. I’ve even seen signs telling in no uncertain terms that euros are not welcome. For the UK, integration with the Eurozone is still a long way off.