FAQs
Who, What, Where, When, How, Why...?
4. What are shop opening hours?
5. Do you need permission to go walking?
7. Where can I see Shetland ponies?
8. Where can I hear traditional Shetland music?
9. Where can I eat traditional Shetland food?
10. When can I see the northern lights?
13. Do midges present a problem in the summer time?
14. Who can drive a vehicle in Shetland?
15. What are the Vehicle Speed limits?
16. How much can I drink before I drive?
17. Do I require insurance to drive?
18. Who should I contact in an emergency?
19. What are the electricity supply specifications?
20. Should I tip?
21. Are there any public telephones in Shetland?
22. How do I make an international call?
23. What Banks have branches in Shetland?
25. Are credit cards accepted at many places?
26. Where can I use Traveller's cheques?
27. When are the public holidays in Shetland?
Do I need a passport?
Not if you are a UK citizen. Please note however, photographic ID is required for check-in at Northlink terminal and for Loganair flights from Sumburgh airport.
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What currency do I need?
British pounds sterling.
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What's the weather like?
Weather in Shetland can be changeable. Conditions can alter quickly so if you are out walking it is as well to carry warm and waterproof clothing.
For detailed information on Shetland's weather click here.
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What are shop opening hours?
Shops are generally open Monday to Saturday 0900 to 1700. Some close on Wednesdays. Several shops stay open later for special occasions and cruise ship visits.
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Do you need permission to go walking?
No - but adhere to the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
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When can I see puffins?
From mid April to mid August.
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Where can I see Shetland ponies?
Ponies can be seen grazing by the road at many locations in Shetland such as Gulberwick (just south of Lerwick), Tingwall (just north of Lerwick), the South Mainland, West Mainland and the island of Unst.
Get more information on Shetland Ponies.
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Where can I hear traditional music in Shetland?
Visit one of the award winning Simmer n' Sessions, summer exhibition or one of the annual music festivals.
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Where can I eat Shetland produce?
Most of the eateries around Shetland use Shetland produce in their meals and especially during the Food Festival there is more emphasis on serving Shetland produce.
Find out more about Shetland food.
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When can I see The Northern Lights?
The best time to see the 'Northern Lights' or Aurora Borealis is late autumn and winter when the sky is clear and perhaps frost on the ground. It is difficult to see them in light areas so rural locations with little or no light are ideal.
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Can I bring my dog?
Yes, but your dog is not allowed on the National Nature Reserves and certain beaches. All other areas are at the landowner's discretion.
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Can my dog go on the bus?
Generally dogs are not allowed on local buses but exceptions may be made in an emergency. Please contact service operators direct.
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Do midges present a problem in Shetland?
Not very often.
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Who can drive a vehicle in Shetland?
You must be 17 to drive on a public highway in Britain. If you do not have a British Driving License, a current International Driving Permit may be used.
In Britain - and in Shetland - driving is on the left hand side of the road. Shetland has many single track roads, so the 'passing places' in rural areas must be used to allow approaching drivers to pass. Furthermore, it is advisable to pull into one of the many passing places to let other drivers overtake - particularly if you wish to take your time and take in the scenery.
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What are the vehicle speed limits?
The speed limits are usually:
30 miles per hour in built up areas
60 miles per hour on all other roads
Nowhere in Shetland does the speed limit exceed 60 mph. There are areas where the speed limit may be 20 mph due to children playing: our children run wild and free with a sense of adventure, so please approach these areas with care. Speed cameras are in operation throughout the island.
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How much can I drink before I drive?
In Britain there are severe penalties for people who drink and drive. The current legal limit is 80 milligrams of alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood. The most suitable advice is if you're going to drive, you simply DO NOT drink.
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Do I require insurance to drive?
All drivers must have at least third party insurance.
Holidaymakers are strongly advised to take out adequate medical insurance before travelling to Britain.
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Who should I contact in an emergency?
If you need the service of the police, ambulance, fire brigade, or coastguard - use any telephone and dial 999. The call will be free.
It is important that you obtain the names and addresses of anyone involved and any witnesses. Never leave the scene of an accident, whether you were involved or not. You must contact the police if any injury or harm has been done to another party. It is advisable to contact the police should you have any doubt over cause or blame for the accident.
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What are the electricity supply specifications?
You should ensure that any electrical equipment you bring with you, e.g. travelling irons, hairdryers, shavers, etc, can be used on British voltage. The standard voltage is 230V AC, 50Hz.
Voltage converters are available to buy in various shops in Shetland.
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Should I tip?
There are no fixed rules about how much to tip - if you feel you have received good service, you may wish to express your appreciation accordingly. It is usually customary to leave 10% of the bill, if a service charge has not been included.
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Are there any public telephones in Shetland?
Shetland has many public telephones. The minimum charge per call is 20p, or 1 unit on a phone card. Phone cards are available from the Lerwick Visitor Information Centre and Post Office, Commercial Street, Lerwick.
If having difficulty finding a telephone number dial 118 888 to speak to directory enquiries, (this will incur a charge).
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How do I make an international call?
International calls in Britain are a lot cheaper than in many other countries. There is also the added convenience of direct dialing, i.e. you do not need to use the operator. To make international calls simply add the destination country code before the telephone number. For international directory enquiries, call 118 899, there will be a charge for this service.
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Useful international dialling codes
Country Code
Australia 0061
Austria 0043
Brazil 0055
CzechRepublic 00420
Denmark 0045
Egypt 0020
Faroe Islands 00298
Finland 00358
France 0033
Germany 0049
Gibraltar 00350
Greece 0030
Greenland 00290
Hong Kong 00852
Iceland 00354
Italy 0039
Japan 0081
Mexico 0052
The Netherlands 0031
Norway 0047
Spain 0034
Sweden 0046
USA 001
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What banks have branches in Shetland?
The four major Scottish banks have branches in Shetland, i.e. Halifax Bank of Scotland, The Royal Bank of Scotland, The Clydesdale Bank, Lloyds TSB and Santander. All of these have external 24-hour cash dispensers (auto-tellers).
There is a free cash dispenser at Tesco, Lerwick. You can also find cash dispensers (charges will apply) at the Toll Clock Shopping Centre,Lerwick; Sound Service Station, Lerwick; Sumburgh Airport, Sumburgh.
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How can I cash a cheque?
A cheque can be cashed in any bank provided it is covered by a cheque card or appropriate credit card. However, the banks charge different fees for this service.
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Are credit cards accepted at many places?
All four banks accept all forms of Mastercard cards, Visa cards, Switch cards and most Eurocards.
Credit cards are widely accepted at shops, restaurants, hotels and other outlets.
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Where can I use travellers cheques?
All the banks offer a similar service. Any amount of travellers cheques may be cashed and any foreign currency exchanged for sterling. Most banks keep a stock of commonly used currency, however if you require more than they stock they can order more and it can be with you in a few days.
Small amounts of foreign currency and travellers cheques may be exchanged at the Lerwick Visitor Information Centre, Market Cross, Lerwick. In addition, some shops in Lerwick do accept foreign currency as payment for goods.
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When are the public holidays in Shetland?
Public holidays only vary slightly from year to year. 2011/12 public holidays are:
Christmas Day - Sunday 25th December 2011
Boxing Day - Monday 26th December 2011
Bank Holiday - Tuesday 27th December 2011
New Year - Sunday 1st January 2012
Bank Holiday - Monday 2nd January 2012
Bank Holiday - Tuesday 3rd January 2012
Good Friday - 6th April 2012
May Day Bank Holiday - Monday 7th May 2012
Spring Bank Holiday - Monday 28th May 2012
Bank Holiday - Monday 6th August 2012
Christmas Day - Tuesday 25th December 2012
Boxing Day - Wednesday 26th December 2012
Bank Holiday - Thursday 27th December 2012
Bank Holiday - Friday 28th December 2012
The Visitor Information Centres in Lerwick and Sumburgh Airport do not close for public holidays, other than Christmas and New Year.
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On This Site
- Prepare for your trip to Shetland
- Take a look at what there is to see and do
