Is cash not accepted in London?

Currently it's down to the business what specific payment methods they accept ? and there is no legal obligation to accept cash. Some confusion can stem from the fact cash is often described as 'legal tender', however this doesn't mean it's your legal right to use it in a shop.



In 2026, London has moved significantly toward a cashless economy, but cash is still accepted in many places, though with notable exceptions. Most retailers, supermarkets, and restaurants accept cash, but "card-only" establishments—especially smaller coffee shops, bars, and boutique stores—have become increasingly common. Crucially, Transport for London (TfL) services, including the Tube, buses, and the Elizabeth Line, are strictly cashless; you must use a contactless card, mobile payment, or an Oyster card. While only about 21% of UK payments are predicted to be cash-based by 2026, the government remains committed to ensuring cash remains accessible for those who rely on it. For a tourist, carrying a credit or debit card is essential, as many high-traffic venues may decline notes for security and efficiency.

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Key Takeaways. European travelers should always have some cash on hand; getting it from an ATM abroad is usually the easiest, most advantageous way. If you need cash from an ATM, it's usually better to use a debit card, because credit cards often charge a high interest rate for a cash advance.

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Do you tip in London? It is customary to leave 10 to 15% of the bill as tip when eating out, though some restaurants add on a service charge instead. In London hotels, people often tip porters. It is polite to round up your taxi fare to the nearest pound for black cabs and licensed minicabs.

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?50 a day is enough to live of if your accommodation is paid for and your tastes aren't too extravagant, but it's a lot of cash to carry around. ATM's are the way to go. For our twice-annual trips to London (usually 6-9 nights), we bring ~?400 cash, and use credit cards, without Foreign Transaction Fees.

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You can fly with any amount of cash. No law prohibits you from bringing any amount of money on a flight. Likewise, TSA has no rules that limit how much money you can bring through security. In other words, TSA has no cash limit per person.

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It isn't enough for accomodation, not really even if the whole £500 is just for the accomodation. Accommodation would cost more than that, and you would have to have at least £300 for food. If you wanted to visit places like the Tower of London, and even St Paul's Cathedral you would need about £200 for that.

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There is no need to tip the housekeeping in the UK. We do not have such a tipping culture as the US (if you search the subject there has been some heated exchanges). In summary, the only people it is customary to tip is waiters/waitresses and hotel porters.

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