What Money Used In London
So you’re off to London, eh? Ready to flash some cash at the chip shops and the posh boutiques? Let’s talk about the stuff that makes it all tick: the money. First things fir...
So you’re off to London, eh? Ready to flash some cash at the chip shops and the posh boutiques? Let’s talk about the stuff that makes it all tick: the money.
First things first: Pounds and Pence
London doesn’t use the euro. Nope, it’s all about the pound sterling (£). Locals just call it “quid.”
One quid equals 100 pence. But no one says “pence” out loud—they say “pee.” So a 50p coin is “fifty pee.”
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It sounds ridiculous. Embrace it. You’ll sound like a local in no time.
Coins: Pocket change that’s actually changing
British coins are a glorious mess. Seriously. There are eight different ones: 1p, 2p, 5p, 10p, 20p, 50p, £1, and £2.
The best part? The edges. The £1 coin has twelve sides. The £2 coin has a secret silver center inside a gold ring. It’s like a tiny, edible-looking medal.
Fun fact: Old round £1 coins are now worthless. If you find one, don’t try to spend it—you’ll get the side-eye from a cashier who’s seen it all.
Banknotes: Made of plastic—literally
Say goodbye to paper money. UK banknotes are polymer. They feel like a credit card but fold like a map.
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This means they survive the washing machine. I’m not kidding. I’ve fished a damp £20 from my jeans pocket, and it was totally fine.
Each note features the Queen (or now King Charles) and a famous British icon. The £10 has Jane Austen. The £20 has J.M.W. Turner. The £5 has Churchill. It’s like a tiny art gallery in your wallet.
The weird rules you’ll encounter
Swipe a card? Sure. But cash is still king in pubs, markets, and tiny bakeries. Some places even refuse contactless for small purchases—yeah, it’s a thing.
Tipping is simple: round up the taxi fare. Leave a few quid for the bartender if you’re feeling generous. But don’t tip for bad service—Londoners respect honesty over flattery.
And never, ever offer a 50p coin as a tip. That’s basically saying, “Here’s some loose change, peasant.” It’s a social landmine.
Best ways to feel like a Londoner with money
Pay for a coffee with a crisp £5 note. Hand it over with a nod. Say, “Cheers, mate.” Boom—instant local status.
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If you use a card, tap it on the reader without looking. That’s the power move. Londoners act like the beep is an afterthought.
Pro tip: carry a small coin pouch. Your pockets will thank you after a day of handling 1p and 2p coins. They multiply like rabbits.
The hilarious truth about “dosh”
Londoners have a million slang words for money. “Dosh.” “Bread.” “Wonga.” “Pony” (that’s £25). “Monkey” (that’s £500—yes, it’s weird).
If someone says, “That’ll be a tenner,” they mean a £10 note. If they say, “I’m skint,” they’re broke. Learn these or be confused forever.
At the end of the day, it’s just shiny metal and plastic. But in London, it tells a story. A story of kings, queens, and a nation that refuses to go digital—until it rains.
So go on. Hand over a shiny £2 coin. Listen to the satisfying clink. You’re not just spending money—you’re playing a game. And you’re winning.
