Don’t forget to buy pounds sterling before you leave for the UK
When planning your trip to the UK, it is important to consider buying some local currency. In the UK the official currency is the pound sterling (GBP), known as £. Many places allow you to pay with a credit or debit card, but others require cash. Before making the SEK to GBP exchange, make sure to check for the best available offer. We also advise that you check the recommended daily budget to best prepare your holiday budget. This will help you decide how many sek to gbp you should convert.
Practical tips for planning your budget
In restaurants, it is customary to leave a tip of 10-15% of the bill. However, sometimes restaurants already add a service charge to the bill (which is usually 12.5% of the total sterling amount). If the service charge has been added to the bill, there is no need to tip separately.
When planning a daily budget for a trip to the UK, it is wise to consider both accommodation and possible visits to the various attractions. Travel cost and food are also worth considering. The average traveler in the UK spends around 145 pound sterlings per day.
100 GBP
Average cost of a one-night stay in London
30 GBP
Average food budget per person per day
Good to know
Some price indications in the UK
5,50 - 6,00 GBP
London Underground ticket: One way
3,88 GBP
The price of a cup of coffee in London
29,50 GBP
A ticket for the London Eye
8 GBP
Fish and Chips in London
49 - 92 GBP
Taxi from Heathrow Airport to Central London
FREE
Admission to the British Museum
Some suggestions for your stay in the UK
- The most popular sites in London are the gothic style church of Westminster Abbey and the British Museum, both of which are must-sees. A visit to Buckingham Palace is a must for tourists and will make your trip memorable.
- The best time to travel to the UK is from May to September.
- Those looking for a beach holiday should go to Brighton, only an hour's train ride from London.
- If you want to enjoy winter and snow, head to Cairngorm in Scotland, the largest ski area in the British Isles.
- There are many beautiful landscapes for those who love nature. The Great Glen Way, for example, is a 118km long walking trail in Scotland. There are also national parks in the British Isles, the most beautiful being the Lake District National Park and the South Downs National Park.
When do you need cash in the United Kingdom?
Although bank cards are widely accepted in the United Kingdom, it is still useful in certain situations to have pounds in cash.
This is particularly true if you visit the many street markets in the country, where cash payments are often appreciated by traders.
In some rural areas, it may also be useful to carry British pounds due to sometimes limited network coverage. This can be the case, for example, in Wales, Scotland, the Lake District, or Cornwall.
Finally, having GBP in cash is also an excellent way to maintain control over your travel budget and to be able to make purchases in case of any issues with your card.
Some facts about the oldest currency, the pound sterling
Denominations of the pound sterling
Notes: 5 GBP, 10 GBP, 20 GBP and 50 GBP.
Coins: 1p, 2p, 5p, 10p, 20p, 50p, 1 GBP and 2 GBP.
The pound sterling is the oldest existing currency originating in continental Europe.
The English term "Spend a Penny" means to go to the toilet. The origin of the expression dates back to a time when it cost a penny to use a public toilet. The first pound coin dates from 1489, while the first banknotes appeared in 1694, when the Bank of England was established.
The current series of banknotes features former Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill, novelist Jane Austen, economist Adam Smith, painter JMW Turner and engineers Matthew Boulton and James Watt.
Why buy British Pounds with ChangeGroup?
ChangeGroup has been providing currency exchange services to tourists for over 30 years. ChangeGroup offers the best SEK to GBP exchange rate in Scandinavia. There are more than 60 currencies available with a full coverage in Sweden. To enjoy your holiday at fullest, order your pounds sterling on our website before your departure. You can pick up your currency order at one of our conveniently located exchange bureaus. We recommend you to buy your travel money online, as you will benefit from better rates, easy online order process and stress free travelling. It is easy, practical and reliable. Welcome to ChangeGroup!
Traveling soon?
Here's how to easily exchange your money:
1. Choose your currency
Determine the amount you need to enjoy your trip abroad.
2. Place an order online
Create an account and finalise your order online to enjoy our best pricing.
3. Pay at the branch
Pick up your currency at one of our branches and pay by cash or bank card.
FAQ about exchanging SEK to GBP
It is almost impossible to predict fluctuations in the SEK/GBP exchange rate. At ChangeGroup, we update our rates daily to reflect the market as accurately as possible and to offer you the most competitive prices. By planning your exchange from SEK to GBP in advance, you can monitor market trends, choose the most favourable moment, and obtain your GBP at the best rate.
We offer free collection of your GBP at the exchange office of your choice. Check the list of our branches to find the one closest to you.
By choosing to reserve your GBP online, you benefit from our best exchange rates. We also remove all fees and commissions from your transaction! You therefore know exactly how many GBP you will receive after the exchange.
Do you have a question about our services?
Find the answers to your questions in our FAQs
- How do I order currency via Travel Money Online?
- How does the BuyBack service work
- How much will I be charged when I order travel currency online?
- How much can I order online?
- How do I know which exchange rate is used?
- Will I get the same exchange rate by ordering via your website as from your shops?
- I have placed an order but I did not receive a confirmation e-mail, what should I do?


