Help Me Plan My Week-long Golfing Trip To Scotland 2019

[davep043]

There's always the pub. There's always the chance for more golf, if you're feeling perky. And then the pub. You could take a drive to see Loch Ness while you're in Inverness, or go to Culloden Battlefield. In St Andrews, there's a golf museum, there's the old church and graveyard, St Rule's tower, the ruined castle, you could easily spend a whole day walking around the town. If you go away from the golf course, you might actually meet some locals in a pub. If you want to try something a little different, there's a 9-holer where you can play with hickory-shafted clubs at Hill of Tarvit, not far from St Andrews, that might make for a fun afternoon. Just a few options.

[EmperorPenguin]

I just realized that because we connect in LHR to Inverness, I suppose that we must first pass through immigration and customs before connecting to Inverness? If so, we will have about 2.5 hours between flights. I assume we have enough time to connect. Also, do we have to pick up our luggage and golf clubs before connecting to Inverness?

[az2au]

I just realized that because we connect in LHR to Inverness, I suppose that we must first pass through immigration and customs before connecting to Inverness? If so, we will have about 2.5 hours between flights. I assume we have enough time to connect. Also, do we have to pick up our luggage and golf clubs before connecting to Inverness?

Yes, should be fine. You'll need to pass through security again and if you're going to a different terminal then you'll be on a bus between them as well. All in all no problem but not a lot of time to fool around. You won't need to pick up your checked luggage however.

[EmperorPenguin]

There is a slight chance that after our rounds on the course we may split up and do other things. Some may want to go back to the room, so may want to go to the pub, some may want to go sight-seeing, and some may want to visit a night club. It will be necessary to keep in touch, but if we bring our own cell phones and call each other, I think we may end up paying a lot in roaming charges. I am thinking about buying a couple cheap cell phones, at least two, and we can keep each other in communication so neither of us will get lost. I will be bringing GSM phones, so we will need SIM cards. Where can I buy local prepaid SIM cards over there?

[davep043]

There is a slight chance that after our rounds on the course we may split up and do other things. Some may want to go back to the room, so may want to go to the pub, some may want to go sight-seeing, and some may want to visit a night club. It will be necessary to keep in touch, but if we bring our own cell phones and call each other, I think we may end up paying a lot in roaming charges. I am thinking about buying a couple cheap cell phones, at least two, and we can keep each other in communication so neither of us will get lost. I will be bringing GSM phones, so we will need SIM cards. Where can I buy local prepaid SIM cards over there?

The easiest is probably to get a Pay as You Go SIM from the supermarket chain, TESCO. Another good option is the CarPhone Warehouse. I remember getting a Lebara card that gave me really cheap calls to the US, as well as reasonably priced data and calling locally. If you've kept a phone or two when you've upgraded in the past, you may be able to get them unlocked, save the expense of buying something new.

[smb4ua]

There is a slight chance that after our rounds on the course we may split up and do other things. Some may want to go back to the room, so may want to go to the pub, some may want to go sight-seeing, and some may want to visit a night club. It will be necessary to keep in touch, but if we bring our own cell phones and call each other, I think we may end up paying a lot in roaming charges. I am thinking about buying a couple cheap cell phones, at least two, and we can keep each other in communication so neither of us will get lost. I will be bringing GSM phones, so we will need SIM cards. Where can I buy local prepaid SIM cards over there?

 

If you’re with AT&T, they offer what’s called an International Day Pass for $10 a day. I imagine other carriers offer something similar. You pay that flat fee any day that you’re using the phone internationally, and you’re using your same voice, text, and data plan as if you were in the US.

[davep043]

I was just thinking, you know where you're headed, you have a driver so you don't need navigation from the airport. you could get a couple of SIM cards mailed to your first hotel. Carphone Warehouse offers next-day delivery.

http://www.golfwrx.com/forums/topic/1581000-help-me-plan-my-week-long-golfing-trip-to-scotland-2019/page__st__120

For 10 or 15 pounds, you'll get enough minutes and texts and data to cover you for the entire trip. The Lebara card is the one I used, calls to the US were something like 5p per minute, calls with the UK were about the same. Another option, I know you're going through a booking agency, I bet they can help with SIMs and have them for you when you get picked up at the airport.

As smb4ua mentions, use of your own phone overseas isn't as expensive as it used to be. Personally, I've preferred to turn off my regular phone and use my local UK phone when I've been there.

[EmperorPenguin]

If you're with AT&T, they offer what's called an International Day Pass for $10 a day. I imagine other carriers offer something similar. You pay that flat fee any day that you're using the phone internationally, and you're using your same voice, text, and data plan as if you were in the US.

 

For the four of us, I think two use AT&T, and the other two Verizon. It may be simpler and cheaper to use local SIM cards.

 

Another good reason to have a local phone because if you meet with people you like in Scotland and they want to hook up for dinner, with a local phone they will not be discouraged to call you. The purpose of local phones is to make and receive local calls.

[EmperorPenguin]

If you've kept a phone or two when you've upgraded in the past, you may be able to get them unlocked, save the expense of buying something new.

 

I have a few good 'ol Nokia 1100's. Remember those phones? Very loud ring tone, basic messaging, and a battery life lasting for a week on standby. I would love to use those phones, but I don't think they may work with the frequencies over there. My Nokia phones stopped working here in America when the cellular companies upgraded and done away with their 2G towers; 3G is minimal equipment now over here, but what about over there?

[davep043]

If you've kept a phone or two when you've upgraded in the past, you may be able to get them unlocked, save the expense of buying something new.

 

I have a few good 'ol Nokia 1100's. Remember those phones? Very loud ring tone, basic messaging, and a battery life lasting for a week on standby. I would love to use those phones, but I don't think they may work with the frequencies over there. My Nokia phones stopped working here in America when the cellular companies upgraded and done away with their 2G towers; 3G is minimal equipment now over here, but what about over there?

When I first went to Scotland, I learned a whole lot about phones from the Tripadvisor Scotland Forum.

https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowForum-g186485-i107-Scotland.html

If you search for "SIM" I bet you'll find lost of threads. If you don't find the answer that way, just post a question. I've always found the posters there to be very helpful

[az2au]

If you're with AT&T, they offer what's called an International Day Pass for $10 a day. I imagine other carriers offer something similar. You pay that flat fee any day that you're using the phone internationally, and you're using your same voice, text, and data plan as if you were in the US.

 

For the four of us, I think two use AT&T, and the other two Verizon. It may be simpler and cheaper to use local SIM cards.

 

Another good reason to have a local phone because if you meet with people you like in Scotland and they want to hook up for dinner, with a local phone they will not be discouraged to call you. The purpose of local phones is to make and receive local calls.

 

Nah, this just isn’t True any longer. People don’t hesitate to call an international number. Plus, the majority would use text anyway. Verizon has a similar deal to AT&T and that will be 100% easier than having people with unlocked phones who can change SIM card. This has really changed over the last 3-4 years. I used to always switch out and now I never bother as any small savings is trumped by the massive confusion in getting people to call the correct number.

 

You can get a card at any news agent (convenience store) or supermarket. It is easy to pick them up but not even remotely worth it these days.

[jvincent]

If you're with AT&T, they offer what's called an International Day Pass for $10 a day. I imagine other carriers offer something similar. You pay that flat fee any day that you're using the phone internationally, and you're using your same voice, text, and data plan as if you were in the US.

 

For the four of us, I think two use AT&T, and the other two Verizon. It may be simpler and cheaper to use local SIM cards.

 

Another good reason to have a local phone because if you meet with people you like in Scotland and they want to hook up for dinner, with a local phone they will not be discouraged to call you. The purpose of local phones is to make and receive local calls.

 

Nah, this just isn’t True any longer. People don’t hesitate to call an international number. Plus, the majority would use text anyway. Verizon has a similar deal to AT&T and that will be 100% easier than having people with unlocked phones who can change SIM card. This has really changed over the last 3-4 years. I used to always switch out and now I never bother as any small savings is trumped by the massive confusion in getting people to call the correct number.

 

You can get a card at any news agent (convenience store) or supermarket. It is easy to pick them up but not even remotely worth it these days.

 

Ditto. My plan is $10 international roam like at home so I have my same data allowance, etc. In the grand scheme of what a trip costs it's in the noise.

[davep043]

If you're with AT&T, they offer what's called an International Day Pass for $10 a day. I imagine other carriers offer something similar. You pay that flat fee any day that you're using the phone internationally, and you're using your same voice, text, and data plan as if you were in the US.

 

For the four of us, I think two use AT&T, and the other two Verizon. It may be simpler and cheaper to use local SIM cards.

 

Another good reason to have a local phone because if you meet with people you like in Scotland and they want to hook up for dinner, with a local phone they will not be discouraged to call you. The purpose of local phones is to make and receive local calls.

 

Nah, this just isn’t True any longer. People don’t hesitate to call an international number. Plus, the majority would use text anyway. Verizon has a similar deal to AT&T and that will be 100% easier than having people with unlocked phones who can change SIM card. This has really changed over the last 3-4 years. I used to always switch out and now I never bother as any small savings is trumped by the massive confusion in getting people to call the correct number.

 

You can get a card at any news agent (convenience store) or supermarket. It is easy to pick them up but not even remotely worth it these days.

 

Ditto. My plan is $10 international roam like at home so I have my same data allowance, etc. In the grand scheme of what a trip costs it's in the noise.

I absolutely agree with that bit. I just feel better having a local number. And if it saves me enough for a wee dram or two every night, so much the better.

[duffer987]

Ditto. My plan is $10 international roam like at home so I have my same data allowance, etc. In the grand scheme of what a trip costs it's in the noise.

Agreed on all counts. And TBH with a $40k trip budget, I'm not sure why faffing about with SIM cards is even a line item.

No one is going to give a 2nd thought to the cost of sending a next :-S

[YMark]

If anyone has T-Mobile, international texting is free.

[EmperorPenguin]

I just made the final payment to The Experience, so all I have to do now is submit their invoice and get the cash ready for the caddies. All other expenses they will cover, which are basically dinners, incidentals and souvenirs.

 

I need to compile a checklist for all of us. I need some ideas on what to bring over there. For now, the immediate item I can think of is a UK power converter, though I heard that a lot of hotels catering to Americans have 110V American outlets.

 

What is on your checklist?

[jvincent]

What is on your checklist?

 

Ignoring the obvious changes of clothes.

 

Two pairs of shoes, two rain suits, Advil, enough golf balls for your trip.

[davep043]

I just made the final payment to The Experience, so all I have to do now is submit their invoice and get the cash ready for the caddies. All other expenses they will cover, which are basically dinners, incidentals and souvenirs.

 

I need to compile a checklist for all of us. I need some ideas on what to bring over there. For now, the immediate item I can think of is a UK power converter, though I heard that a lot of hotels catering to Americans have 110V American outlets.

 

What is on your checklist?

Depending on what you need power for, you may not need a voltage converter. Most chargers, for phones, laptop computers, tablets, etc, work with either 120 or 240 V power. Check the really small print to be sure. If that's the case, all you'll need are plug converters, which are a whole lot cheaper than step-down transformers. Many plug converters will have both standard US-type plugs, but a couple of USB plugs too.

For cash, I've always used ATM machines, there should be one at the airport to get you started. Make sure your credit card company knows you'll be overseas. I prefer to have a back-up credit card. One time a friend had his card suspended for some suspicious activity and didn't have a backup. We covered him, no big deal, but it was a hassle for him. Then the obvious, 2 pair of waterproof shoes, clothes, waterproofs, including a hat, rain gloves, golf balls. If there's anyplace you will NOT have a caddie, and you'll hire a trolley, you want a bungee to keep your bag secure.

[hodograph]

My cell phone experience...

 

My family are long-time Sprint sufferers, so we have their international plan at no charge. This gets us unlimited data at 2G speeds, unlimited text, and voice calls at 20 cents/minute. For $25, we can upgrade the data speed to 4G/highest available; we usually have one family member pay for the upgrade, it works seamlessly, and the cost is a rounding error of the entire trip.

 

On one international trip, my son opted to purchase a local SIM card for ~$25. This did give him a local number, and it worked fine, but he spent most of the trip obsessing over his data limits. We probably wouldn't do that again.

 

Wi-Fi is fairly prevalent...we use a VPN (TunnelBear) when we're using International Wi-Fi just in case someone is snooping around. Has the added benefit that I can make my device appear to be back in the US to access some region-limited content.

 

GPS will work w/o a data plan, just be sure to download offline maps before you leave (Google Maps has this feature, other map apps likely do too). You won't be able to search the maps unless you have a data connection, but Nav works just fine.

[hodograph]

Paying for stuff...we have a couple of credit cards that have no international tranaction fees, and we use those. I understand most of your stuff on this trip is prepaid, but I imagine you'll procure at least a few polos on your trip.

 

We use ATMs overseas to get local currency. We have a separate, free Schwab account explicitly for this purpose that waves ATM and foreign exchange fees. It takes a little bit of time to set this up, meaning it's not a last minute item. There is almost always an ATM at the airport, and the ATM at the Tesco on Market in St Andrews worked just fine too.

[EmperorPenguin]

OK, so for now I ordered an O2 SIM card, and supposedly I don't have to activate it. I just insert the SIM card when I land in UK and add money (they say "top off") to the account. I will add 10 quid and hopefully that will be enough. I am thinking of bringing my other smartphone and use it for its Uber app for excursions outside of golf.

 

I have a question for you guys. What is the tipping culture over there? This is my first time in UK and I have no clue. What are the customary tips for various services over there? Good examples are for waiters, bellmen, and especially our shuttle driver. We will have one shuttle driver dedicated to us from Inverness to St. Andrews, so I am wondering what we should tip him when he finally drops us off at St. Andrews. We will also have two more shuttles: one picking us up at Inverness Airport to the Kingsmill Hotel, and ultimately one from the Old Course Hotel to Edinburgh Airport going back home.

[Superbrit]

OK, so for now I ordered an O2 SIM card, and supposedly I don't have to activate it. I just insert the SIM card when I land in UK and add money (they say "top off") to the account. I will add 10 quid and hopefully that will be enough. I am thinking of bringing my other smartphone and use it for its Uber app for excursions outside of golf.

 

I have a question for you guys. What is the tipping culture over there? This is my first time in UK and I have no clue. What are the customary tips for various services over there? Good examples are for waiters, bellmen, and especially our shuttle driver. We will have one shuttle driver dedicated to us from Inverness to St. Andrews, so I am wondering what we should tip him when he finally drops us off at St. Andrews. We will also have two more shuttles: one picking us up at Inverness Airport to the Kingsmill Hotel, and ultimately one from the Old Course Hotel to Edinburgh Airport going back home.

 

Usually 10% for food in restaurants, if you just have drinks in a pub you wouldn't really tip unless you want to, for a taxi/shuttle driver, i would just round up i.e. if its £55 i would just give £60

 

Tipping in the UK is nothing like it is in the US

[Cmoney710]

Had anyone else used Sullivan Travel to book a trip?

[EmperorPenguin]

So we are about a month out from departing to Scotland, and an interesting subject just came up. What is the best way to exchange currency? I heard that the currency exchange kiosk at the airport is the biggest ripoff. Any idea what they charge? What is the cheapest and best way to exchange greenbacks for pounds (or "quid" as they say)?

[theboypinoy]

 

> So we are about a month out from departing to Scotland, and an interesting subject just came up. What is the best way to exchange currency? I heard that the currency exchange kiosk at the airport is the biggest ripoff. Any idea what they charge? What is the cheapest and best way to exchange greenbacks for pounds (or "quid" as they say)?

 

You can try your bank or credit union. If they provide the service, it's likely to be a better deal than getting it from the currency exchange.

 

Additionally, depending on fees, you can look into just withdrawing straight from an ATM there

[az2au]

> @EmperorPenguin said:

> So we are about a month out from departing to Scotland, and an interesting subject just came up. What is the best way to exchange currency? I heard that the currency exchange kiosk at the airport is the biggest ripoff. Any idea what they charge? What is the cheapest and best way to exchange greenbacks for pounds (or "quid" as they say)?

Just use an ATM. Small fee for zero hassle and ATMs are everywhere. I can’t recall the last time I did a currency exchange because it is just no big deal to go to an ATM and I’ve been to Ireland 3 times, Singapore, India, Mexico and Germany already this year.

 

[Schley]

ATM's have the best rate provided you take out a significant amount once as i'm sure your bank will ding you. IME unless you are in a casino in some country the fees are pretty minimal and you are getting the rate of the day for exchange which is better than any exchange.

The only time I use an exchange is to get RID of the cash I have to convert back to US dollars in most cases.

[EmperorPenguin]

I am in the process of getting my cash exchanged, and for now I have decided to buy 3500 Pound Sterling for caddie cash. My local bank offers the exchange rate of $1.39, but Bank of America wants $1.22 on their website? This is fishy, so I will stop by Bank of America tomorrow and ask why the drastic price difference.

 

I remember when there was small news that Jack Nicklaus was featured on the 2 quid note, and I remember that it was issued by Bank of Scotland. I am now wondering: if I buy Pound Sterling here in America, and since I will be traveling to Scotland, would it be helpful or necessary to ask for the currency to be Bank of Scotland pound sterling? I just read in Wikipedia that there are Bank of England pound notes, Scottish banknotes, and Northern Ireland banknotes. Does it matter if I buy Bank of England banknotes here in America?

[az2au]

> @EmperorPenguin said:

> I am in the process of getting my cash exchanged, and for now I have decided to buy 3500 Pound Sterling for caddie cash. My local bank offers the exchange rate of $1.39, but Bank of America wants $1.22 on their website? This is fishy, so I will stop by Bank of America tomorrow and ask why the drastic price difference.

>

> I remember when there was small news that Jack Nicklaus was featured on the 2 quid note, and I remember that it was issued by Bank of Scotland. I am now wondering: if I buy Pound Sterling here in America, and since I will be traveling to Scotland, would it be helpful or necessary to ask for the currency to be Bank of Scotland pound sterling? I just read in Wikipedia that there are Bank of England pound notes, Scottish banknotes, and Northern Ireland banknotes. Does it matter if I buy Bank of England banknotes here in America?

Again, I can't do enough to explain what a massive waste of time this is for you but...

 

Yes, I've seen mom and pop shops in Leeds tell me that they wouldn't take Bank of Scotland notes. They aren't supposed to do it but small places like that occasionally do. FWIW, I've never seen the opposite, i.e., Scotland shops complaining about English notes.

 

FWIW, I'm in Dublin now. 4th trip this year. 1 ATM used.

[duffer987]

I didn't realise this trip to Scotland was taking place in 1989... assumed it was taking place in 2019.

That time machine stuff must have cost a lot extra!