Edinburgh
City Introduction
Edinburgh is the UK's leading cultural city, and the capital of Scotland, which is located at the south side of Firth of Forth in the central lowlands of Scotland. As a city, it was built in 1329, and became the capital of Scottish Kingdom during 1437 - 1707 years. There is a long history of papermaking and printing and publishing industries, and shipbuilding, chemical, nuclear energy, electronic, cable, glass and food industries are also important. With the development of the North Sea oil fields, a series of related industries and services sectors are established. It’s also an important transportation hub and air harbor.
Since the 15th century Edinburgh’s used as the capital of Scotland, but repeatedly moved south to London in 1603 and 1707 due to the political movements. Not until 1999 did the Scottish Parliament’s right to autonomy be established. National Museum of Scotland, National Library of Scotland and the Scottish National Gallery and other important cultural institutions are also seated in Edinburgh. In terms of economy, Edinburgh now mainly relies on the financial sector and is the largest financial center except London in UK.
Edinburgh has a prolonged history, where many historic buildings are also well preserved. Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood Palace, St. Giles’s Cathedral and other places of interest are all located here. Edinburgh's Old Town and New Town together is listed by UNESCO as the World Heritage Sites. Edinburgh's education is also very developed. As one of Britain's oldest universities, University of Edinburgh is located here, which currently is still one of the world's top universities. Combined with Edinburgh International Festival and other cultural events, Edinburgh has become the second largest tourist city after London in the UK.
History and Culture
Historically, Edinburgh was the capital of the independent kingdom of Scotland. After the royal families of England and Scotland was allied through marriage, in 1707 they were formally merged together to become a part of the United Kingdom. Therefore, so far the British royal family is still of the Scottish descent. Today, though as the capital of Scotland Edinburgh has the urban population of only about 700,000 residents, it’s crowded with foreign tourists on the streets. According to the preliminary estimates, during the Europe's largest art exhibition being held, millions of visitors come here by its reputation, with the number of visitors reaching a historical highest record. In terms of culture, Edinburgh is famous for its Edinburgh Arts Festival held annually. Edinburgh Festival includes Edinburgh International Festival and Edinburgh Fringe Festival, of which the former involves the world-level performances while the latter mainly covers a number of fringe art forms. During the annual festival, Edinburgh will also hold Military Tattoo performances at the same time. In June, Edinburgh International Film Festival and Edinburgh International Book Festival are carried out. Before the New Year there are some celebrations called Hogmanay, which is also very famous. The celebrations usually last for several days, including concerts, fireworks and StreetParty.
Natural Environment
It is located at the south bank of the Firth of Forth, where stretches of rocks and cliffs are dotted and beautiful architecture and natural scenery enhance each other’s beauty, forming a feast for the eyes.
Climate
Edinburgh is hazy, rainy and snowy, also known as "Auld Reekie." Throughout the year, there are mainly sunny days in only the summer, but are mostly rainy or snowy days in the other three seasons. Due to the impact of the ocean climate, the year-round temperature is 0℃ at the lowest and up to 30℃ at the highest. In its wet winter there are mainly rainy and snowy days there, making it unsuitable for tourists to travel. The most beautiful time of the year is in May and June, when Edinburgh is covered with the colorful flowers and grasses. Secondly, the ideal time is in July and August, because of Edinburgh International Festival in August, the period from July to August is a real tourist season in Edinburgh.
Useful Information
Network
The whole territory of Britain has basically been covered by the 3G network, and even in some major areas the 4G network is also available, including Edinburgh. In addition to your hotel, free Wi-Fi can be accessible at cafés and fast food chain shops such as Starbucks and McDonald. Public Libraries such as the National Library of Scotland also offer free wireless network services.
Post Office
There are dozens of post offices in Edinburgh, where red round mailboxes are distributed in every corner of the city, and are very convenient to use.
Safety Tips
The public security in Edinburgh is relatively better, and the locals are very friendly. If you are found looking at the road map, a local person may come to offer the help. Most shops are closed after 18:00. So you avoid traveling alone late at night, and still need to pay attention to your property at the attractions and popular shopping venues. On Saturday night, the British like to go to bars to drink, and please avoid suspected drunken crowds.
Information of Embassy and ConsulateAddress: 55 Corstorphine Road，Edinburgh，EH12 5QG Scotland Opening Hours: 9: 00-12: 00 and 14: 00-16: 00 on Tuesday and Thursday; closed on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and the British and Chinese public holidays. Tel: 0044 131 3372620 E-mail: chinaconsul_eb_uk@mfa.gov.cn
Visa Information
Passport
1. For private passport with the valid period of six months or more (starting from the date of return to the country, remain valid for more than 6 months; please provide two A4 copies of the passport information page and signature page) 2. Please sign your Chinese name on the last page of the passport. 3. A renewal passport holder is required to provide all the original old passports. 4. Photocopies of all visa pages (if there is any visa, provide A4-sized photocopies)
Photo
1. 4 white-background color photos, with the photo size 35 × 45MM, which are required to be taken within the most recent six months. 2. Please sign your name on the back of the photos with a pencil.
Household register
Provide A4-paper copies of the register pages about all members, and the originals about all members whether they are immediate family members or not.
Proof of Funds
1. Not less than RMB 50,000 per person. 2. The original bankbook or certificate of deposit account opened up six months ago, and a proof certificate of deposit with RMB 50,000 per person in consistency with amounts on the bankbook or certificate of deposit; original deposit bankbook or certificate (opened up six months ago, with the proof of deposit and withdrawal records); if a bankbook is not available, please provide a bank card and copies of front and back side of the card (using A4 paper) and the printed bank deposit records, copies of property ownership certificate, vehicle ownership certificate and other certificates to prove the assets of the applicant; if it’s a household (a couple or a three-member family, provide a bank certificate of deposit, with the amount of not less than RMB 50,000 per person).
Business license or organization code certificate
1. If the applicant works for a business unit, please provide a clear copy of the business license by using A4 paper with inspection records and the official seal of the unit. 2. If the applicant works for a public institution, please provide a clear A4-paper copy of organization code certificate with the inspection records and the official seal of the unit.
Personal Data Sheet
Proof of Employment
1. It’s printed by using the company letterhead paper, and is made in English, and affixed with the official seal of the company. 2. Proof of Employment should include: Name and address of unit, applicant’s position and salary, telephone number, fax number, the specific travel starting and ending date, responsible person’s title and signature and guarantee that the applicant shall return as scheduled.
Other information:
1. original Marriage certificate and its copy. 2. Original property ownership certificate and driving license (copy). 3. The recent three-month payroll (original and duplicate copies)
Currency Exchange
Money can be exchanged at banks, and the major banks in Edinburgh include HSBC, Royal Bank of Scotland, Barclays Bank, etc.
UnionPay
In Edinburgh there are fewer places to use UnionPay cards, such as Harvey Nicholes Department Stores. If you find any ATM or shop with UnionPay logo, then you can use CUP card for withdrawals or consumptions.
Credit Card
Credit card spending in the UK is the most common way of consumption, covering supermarkets, restaurants and the entertainments. Any credit card with a Visa or Mastercard logo can basically be used, but few businesses may only accept cash payments for the consumption of less than 5 pounds. American Express credit cards may not widely used throughout the UK.
Tip
Typically, most hotel bills include a 10-12% service charge. When you dine in the restaurant and you find there are no additional service fees in the bill, you may give the tips based on 10-15% of the ordered meal amount. The amount of tips given to room waiters is generally decided by guests themselves. The amount of tips offered to airport and hotel porters is 25-30 pence per suitcase, and 10 pence for using the bathroom.
Drawback
If you decide to handle tax refunds, please ask the shops involving drawback to give VAT 407 Form in the consumer billing, and then handle related formalities at the airport or other institutions eligible for such tax refund. Please note that the tax refund can only be handled until you leave the British territory for any place outside the EU region. For international students, tax refund can only be dealt with until they leave the UK with a student visa for the last time. 20% of the consumption amount as value-added tax (VAT) can be refunded, and you are required to provide your passport, ticket information, receipts, tax return form and the products purchased when handling related drawback procedures.
Religion
Most British keep faith in Anglicanism (one kind of Protestantism), and some immigrants have still maintained their cultures and beliefs, such as Catholicism, Islam, Buddhism and so on. Christianity is the UK's traditional religion.
Tourism Service Number
Telephone number for First aid, police and fire: 999
Notes
Edinburgh is a rainy city. So please refer to the weather forecasts before traveling, and carry some rain gear or prepare a waterproof jacket. But you will find that unless there is a heavy rain, locals seldom use an umbrella.
In Edinburgh you can directly drink tap water. If you want to save the drinking money in a restaurant, you can request a free glass of tap water. Like other cities in Western countries, there are few restaurants to provide boiled water in Edinburgh.
British postcode is very powerful, and Edinburgh’s postal code of urban address consists of 6-7 letters and numbers. When inquiring with Google an address, simply enter the zip code of the destination, it can basically located.
Dieting is prohibited from on Edinburgh buses. Please respect the local customs. You may press the bell to alert the bus driver before getting off, otherwise the driver may not stop at your station. In Edinburgh no stop names are reported in advanced for the ordinary buses. You’re recommended to use the mobile navigation or ask the driver to remind you to get off. When you get off, you can express gratitude to the driver by saying "Cheers".
Don’t get drunk at night outside. If you get drunk, it is best to take a taxi home. There are many taxi waiting stations in the downtown.
Although night buses are safer, you still try to avoid the second floor of the bus. The fare for night buses is £ 3 single ticket system, and you are unlimited to travel in bus lines that night. But if 3-5 persons go out together, taking a taxi might be preferred.
Festivals(Important/Historical/Folks Ones)
Edinburgh International Book Festival Dates: August 9 - 25
As one of the largest book festivals in the world, Edinburgh International Book Festival is opened at the Charlotte Square in the downtown in an elegant human environment every August. Month
Edinburgh International Film Festival Date: June 18 - 29
Edinburgh International Film Festival is held in June of each year, which in addition to screening of the latest Britain and European movies, also shows its pluralistic world taste. With its dazzling premiere and cutting-edge independent films, the Film Festival adds a touch of Hollywood glamour to Edinburgh. Month
Edinburgh Military Tattoo: Date: August 1-23
Edinburgh Military Tattoo is a must-see show in August. Nearly a thousand musicians from around the world, including bagpipes and pipe music performers, drummers, singers and dancers will make excellent performances at the Edinburgh Castle Square.
Edinburgh Fringe Festival Date: August 1 - 25, 2014
Edinburgh Fringe Festival, also known as the Adelaide Fringe, is held every year in August, slightly earlier than the Edinburgh International Festival. Its attractions are rich drama performances.
Edinburgh International Festival Date: August 8 - 31
Edinburgh International Festival is held annually in early August. In the period of such three weeks, the city is full of a very passionate atmosphere, where artists from around the world, make a special trip here to put on the stage their latest and most exciting works involving classical music, drama, opera, dance and visual arts at the theaters, music halls and other venues in Edinburgh.
