What Currency Is Used in London
Short answer: No. Hard no. Very loud no. Please don’t try to pay with euros. You’ll get a polite British sigh and a shake of the head.
London is not Paris. It’s not Berlin. The pound is king, and euros are treated like Monopoly money. Exchange them first.
A few tourist shops near Buckingham Palace might reluctantly take euros. But you’ll get a terrible rate. Just don’t. Your coffee will thank you.
Everything You Need to Know About London Money & Currency Exchange
Cards and Contactless
Londoners rarely carry cash. They tap their phone, watch, or card for everything. Contactless is the law of the land. Even a single chewing gum can be paid with a tap.
Carry a little cash, though. Some old pubs, market stalls, and the occasional cabbie still prefer coins. Be ready to whip out a quid or two.
Your foreign debit or credit card will work at almost any machine. Just make sure it has a chip and a contactless symbol. No chips? Pack your patience for swiping and signing.