Money & tipping in Edinburgh
Cards, tipping and the visitor levy.
Cards work almost everywhere
The currency is the pound sterling (£). Contactless cards and phones are accepted in nearly every shop, pub and bus. Scottish banks print their own banknotes, which are legal in the UK but are sometimes refused in England, so spend them before you leave Scotland.
Edinburgh's visitor levy
Since 24 July 2026 visitors pay a 5% levy on the cost of overnight accommodation in Edinburgh, capped at five consecutive nights. It applies to hotels, hostels, guest houses and short-term lets and is added by your accommodation, so check whether it is already included in the price you booked. Source: City of Edinburgh Council, checked 2026-10-10
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