Breakaway Destination Guides (International)

The weight of silver or gold contained in the coin determined what the value of the coin was. Coins were not made of pure silver or pure gold, but were always alloyed with another metal to improve their ability to withstand wear. The amount of silver or gold contained in the alloy is known as the fineness. Although coins may carry the same name throughout many periods of history, they often varied widely in size, weight and, less often, fineness. Coins could also change value during their lifetime as the value of the metal in them became greater than their face value.

As there was no concept of 'national debt', monarchs often used 'creative' methods to raise cash. Henry VIII, for example, raised money by minting new coins that were made of base metals mixed with a little silver or gold and circulating them at the same face value as solid silver and gold coins. This debasing of the coinage raised an enormous amount of money for Henry VIII's military ventures but it had adverse long-term effects.

Service and tip are included in the prices at hotels, in restaurants, and for taxi fares. For good service you may leave a few coins extra at your discretion. Tips are not standard for taxis or restaurants - though for restaurants look for a service charge at the bottom of the check (the bill, in UK English), in which case you needn't leave anything extra. If service is not included, and in taxis, it's usual to leave 10%, thought don't feel obliged for poor service.

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