The UK utilities & services guide outlines the main utilities and services travellers are likely to use when visiting the UK. Travellers are likely to find utilities (i.e. electricity, gas & water) and services (fuel) of a high standard on the whole. We have included some useful tips & advice for travellers, we hope the tips help you on your trips and help you to become more familiar with the utilities and services you can expect to find in the UK.
Utilities & Services in the UK
UK Electricity
UK Gas
UK Water Services
Car & Vehicle Fuel
UK Utilities & Services
The UK electricity voltage is 240V AC at 50HZ, the majority of plugs and power sockets are designed to accept the 3 pin plugs as opposed to the 2 pin plugs found in many other countries.
Visitors to the UK with electrical appliances that run on voltages other than the 240V AC at 50HZ, should ensure they bring with them a socket adaptors and power transformers to enable you to use your appliances in the UK. They can be bought at UK airports and many electrical stores and supermarkets.
If you need to buy a power transformer, socket adaptor, a multiple power socket or any other item using electricity look for the British standard safety mark for quality assurance.
UK Gas
Gas is used for cooking and to heat up homes with central heating and can be used to heat up water. Cookers also use gas, some use gas only & others use a combination of both gas and electricity. Travellers that are self catering or staying in accommodation with self catering facilities may find a cooker that runs on either gas or electricity.
UK Water Services
On the whole the tap water available in the UK is of good quality and is safe to drink. If you have any doubts about the quality of the water check with your hotel or travel provider. If you are travelling and go to a place where the water quality may be questionable (or if you have a delicate stomach) it is best to drink bottled water instead just in case.
Bottled water is widely available in many places such as airports, supermarkets & local stores. The charges for bottled water vary widely, it can be expensive to buy in tourist areas and from hotels, travellers can buy larger bottles of bottled water from supermarkets at competitive prices and refill in to smaller bottles to use on their trips, this way travellers can save money and have access to bottled water when they want.
Car & Vehicle Fuel
In the UK the vast majority of cars run on petrol, while there are some that use diesel. For vehicles that are larger such as vans, trucks and lorries the opposite is true, most run on diesel. At the fuel stations there are usually pumps for unleaded vehicles & diesel vehicles, there may be some other small variations to these main two.
Fuel stations are located all over the UK, however do be aware that the distance between some fuel stations on motorways can be substantial, therefore it is wise to ensure you have enough fuel in your vehicle to comfortably get you to your destination and allow for unforeseen delays etc.
The UK has one of the most expensive fuel (petrol & diesel) prices in the world and this has been the case for a number of years. With the increase in fuel prices the cost of motoring in the UK has increased, there are however ways to ensure you get a better deal. For those travellers using Car Hire services to get around the UK whilst on your travels may wish to consider using a smaller more fuel efficient car or a diesel hire car to get more miles per gallon and driving to ensure you maximise your fuel efficiency. There are also hybrid cars available for hire that use two power sources to power the car, such as a petrol combustion engine and electric motor combination. Hiring one of these vehicles could help reduce the impact on the environment as well as getting more fuel efficiency.
Disclaimer: The information given in on this website is given in good faith and to the best of our knowledge. If there are any discrepancies in no way do we intend to mislead. Important travel details and arrangements should be confirmed and verified with the relevant authorities.
