Curry is a very popular food...at a good price.
Right now, the exchange rate is much better than it was six months ago. One US dollar is worth 0.511 British pounds. Or one pound is worth $1.95. The exchange was worse at over $2.00. You may not think it is a big deal, the 5 cents but it will all add up in the end.
Shopping in Inverness
It is only natural to be confused when you get to Scotland and because the numbers look smaller. 1.00 looks like 1.00...well really its 2.00. Double everything you see and you'll get a better idea how much you are really paying.
Downtown "High Street"of Stirling
Most "American" restaurants such as "Fridays"(in Glasgow) and "Longhorn Steakhouse"(in Stirling) use a menu you swear is from the United States. They got you. You may think you're buying a hamburger for 8.99 when you are actually buying it for 17.00. Comprehend? My advice is to avoid American restaurants (heck you aren't there to do American things). Pubs provide the best deal for the money.
It is only natural to be confused when you get to Scotland and because the numbers look smaller. 1.00 looks like 1.00...well really its 2.00. Double everything you see and you'll get a better idea how much you are really paying.
Downtown "High Street"of Stirling
Most "American" restaurants such as "Fridays"(in Glasgow) and "Longhorn Steakhouse"(in Stirling) use a menu you swear is from the United States. They got you. You may think you're buying a hamburger for 8.99 when you are actually buying it for 17.00. Comprehend? My advice is to avoid American restaurants (heck you aren't there to do American things). Pubs provide the best deal for the money.
From this sign, it looks like a mixed drink is $10.
I was able to purchase a bowl of soup, roll, and a pint for under 5 pounds in Stirling. A pint will cost you around $4 - $5 in most pubs, but remember a pint in Scotland is a beer and a half in the United States.
I was able to purchase a bowl of soup, roll, and a pint for under 5 pounds in Stirling. A pint will cost you around $4 - $5 in most pubs, but remember a pint in Scotland is a beer and a half in the United States.
My "Thanksgiving" dinner from last year.
I know I'm throwing a lot of numbers around but the bottom line is to be careful eating out. Most restaurants will post their menus at the door. Take a good look and do the math. Edinburgh has some fantastic places to eat, unfortunately when you return home you will get your credit card bill and freak. Use your credit card when you can to get the better exchange rate. However, at the pubs use cash.
Anything resembling a touristy place, will rip you off. If you are not in Glasgow or Edinburh, things are cheaper. You can grab a nice lunch in many pubs. Pubs aren't like bars in the US. Pubs are community gathering places not havens for drunks. Although you may find a few (drunks that is), there is no reason to be afraid.
After a while you will understand how poorly the dollar stacks up against the pound. It is sad. You will wonder how Scots can afford things but I say the same thing when I go to New York City and pay $20 for eggs and bacon.
I know I'm throwing a lot of numbers around but the bottom line is to be careful eating out. Most restaurants will post their menus at the door. Take a good look and do the math. Edinburgh has some fantastic places to eat, unfortunately when you return home you will get your credit card bill and freak. Use your credit card when you can to get the better exchange rate. However, at the pubs use cash.
Anything resembling a touristy place, will rip you off. If you are not in Glasgow or Edinburh, things are cheaper. You can grab a nice lunch in many pubs. Pubs aren't like bars in the US. Pubs are community gathering places not havens for drunks. Although you may find a few (drunks that is), there is no reason to be afraid.
After a while you will understand how poorly the dollar stacks up against the pound. It is sad. You will wonder how Scots can afford things but I say the same thing when I go to New York City and pay $20 for eggs and bacon.
