Not sure if I should carry coins for public transport in the UK or if card payments are common. Advice?
As a former Londoner, I haven’t carried coins in years! But visitors should know:Not sure if I should carry coins for public transport in the UK or if card payments are common. Advice?
Cards work: Tube, buses, Overground, even Thames Clippers boats
Exceptions: Some black cabs still prefer cash (though they take cards), and rural coaches (National Express) may charge extra for card payments
Coin stash: Keep £2-3 for airport luggage trolleys (yes, they still charge!) and public toilets.
Regional bus warning: Rode a Stagecoach in York and the card reader "wasn’t working" (conveniently). Driver demanded exact fare (£2.40) - had to scramble through my bag for coins. Now I always keep:
£5 in £1 coins for buses
A Revolut card (works on all contactless transport)
Screenshot of the local transport app as backup
Scotland’s a mix:
Edinburgh buses: Exact change only (£1.80 single) or use their app (card payments on board coming "soon" since 2022...)
Glasgow Subway: Card readers at every turnstile
Pro tip: Buy a Day Pass via app if you’re touring, saves coins and stress. Kept getting caught with no change in Inverness!
In London, cards/contactless are king! Oyster cards are barely worth it anymore unless you're staying for months. Just tap your Visa/Mastercard (even a US one with no foreign fees) on buses/Tube/trams it auto-caps daily fares. BUT outside London (like Manchester Metrolink or regional buses), carry £5-10 in coins as backup, some older machines only take cash!