Practical Information in Birmingham

A Quick Guide to Birmingham

If you're traveling to Birmingham, some practical information will help you out along the way. You may need to know how long you can stay, what to do in the event of an emergency, or even something as simple as what the time change will be. Here are some quick facts about Birmingham, as well as some useful tips to help make your trip as smooth as possible.

• Name: Birmingham
• Region: West Midlands
• Country: England (United Kingdom)
• Language: English
• Currency: British Pound (GBP)
• Size: 267.77 square kilometers
• Population: 1,016,800 (2008)
• Time Zone: GMT (UTC + 0); Daylight Saving Time applicable
• Voltage: 230 V; 50 Hz
• Outlets: Type G (2 horizontal and 1 vertical flat blades)
• Country Code: +44
• Area Code: 0121

Emergency Number: 999 (ambulance, police, fire)

As far as getting into the country, EU citizens require a passport or valid EU ID card, while most other nationals require a passport valid for 6 months beyond intended stay, as well as return tickets for a stay up to 6 months. If you're flying directly into Birmingham, be prepared for security to ask lengthy and probing questions in order to ascertain whether you pose a risk of overstaying. Just answer calmly and completely and you should have no problems.

Banking is a simple thing in Birmingham, as there are ATMs readily available that will accept most major debit and credit cards. You can also find banks on most any corner to change currency or traveler's cheques. Being a major city, you'll find that nearly all establishments will accept your cards, and many also accept traveler's checks.

But no matter what, so long as you're prepared with useful Birmingham practical information, you're sure to have a great trip!