Post, Telephone and Internet in the U.K.
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Royal Mail
The United Kingdom still has an amazingly efficient postal system simply known as Royal Mail. The British don’t necessarily think it's that great, but then those that complain about it are likely unaware how poor the mail system is in many other countries. Most areas get post delivered twice a day including Saturdays.
Regular internal letter post is divided into first and second class. A first class letter is almost certain to reach its destination anywhere in the U.K. by the next day. Second class will likely take a day or two more but at a lower cost.
All letters and postcards to Europe go airmail. For the rest of the world there is a choice between airmail and surface mail. When mailing items outside of Europe it is important to specify which service is required. Airmail letters and cards should be clearly marked with airmail stickers that the post office will provide.
Telephone
With the recent changes to the British telephone system, dialing in the U.K. is much easier than it once was, but can still be a little confusing for outsiders. The total number of digits in a U.K. phone number is 10, not including the zero in the front, which is only used when dialing within the U.K. Area codes range from two to four digits, again, not including the zero in the front and the actual phone number ranges in size from from six to eight digits, depending on the length of the area code. For example, when dialing to London, the area code is 20, therefore the actual phone number will have to have eight digits. Conversely, Aberdeen's area code is 1224, and therefore, the actual numer will be six digits.
When calling the U.K. from another country use the origin country’s international access code, then 44 (the country code for the U.K.), then the appropriate area code (minus the 0 at the beginning of the code), followed by the phone number.
Rates vary, but as a general rule it is cheaper to make calls between 6pm and 8am and at weekends. Remember local calls are not free but paid for on a time basis, whereas long distance is charged for on a time and distance basis.
Prepaid calling cards are perhaps the cheapest way to place international calls. These are available in different denominations and can be purchased almost everywhere. Calling cards from your phone company at home can often also be used to call your home country. Your phone company will provide a toll free access number that can be reached via the U.K. operator.
Pay phones in the UK are rarely the familiar red “telephone kiosks” any more. Today’s British pay phones are usually high tech stainless steel models housed in a vandal and shatterproof glass cubicle.
Mobile (cell) phones are also widespread. British mobile phones use the same system as Europe and Australia but it is different from that used in North America. Even if a phone is compatible it can be expensive to use it in the U.K. because local calls could well be routed via the home country and international rates will be charged. For those that need a mobile, the best solution is often to purchase a ‘pay as you go’ phone in the U.K. These can be obtained for a reasonable price, include airtime and there are no contracts to sign. If more airtime is required it is a simple procedure to purchase more.
Fax
Fax facilities are often available at local post offices, newsagents and office supply services.
E Mail and Internet
Like most developed countries the personal computer has had a dramatic impact on communications in the U.K. Because there is a charge for local phone calls in the U.K. people use the Internet and email a little more sparingly than in North America. For those bringing a laptop computer ensure that the PC modem card is compatible for use in the U.K. (any good computer store at home will help with this, global modems are available). An adapter is also necessary for the unique UK phone jacks.
Sometimes it’s easier to utilize one of the widely available Internet Cafés or the PC room of a local library. While your local Internet email account is probably available anywhere, this requires some complex procedures to access it. It will be much simpler to open an account with a web based email service such as Yahoo or Hotmail, and use that as a means to stay in touch with home.
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United Kingdom
