NEWSLETTER #2

Dear Rome Arsenal,
In this second newsletter, we will try to help you understand the British monetary system and give you some idea on what you should pack for this trip.

British money is based on the decimal system; there are one hundred pence to each pound sterling (£).

Notes: £50, £20, £10, £5
Coinage: £2, £1, 50p, 20p, 10p, 5p, 2p, 1p

Scottish £1 notes are still in circulation in Scotland. The Channel Islands and the Isle of Man have some different coins and notes from the UK, but the monetary system is the same.

Changing money

Overseas visitors can get cash from some automatic teller machines (or 'cash machines') if their home bank and UK bank are linked to the same system. Travelers should check with their home bank before leaving for the UK if their ATM system operates within the UK. ATM's will issue notes. They are normally open 24 hours a day and are widely available throughout the UK. The majority of banks have at least one ATM. Large supermarkets and motorway service stations often have ATMs installed. There is usually a small fee levied each time the ATM is used and sometimes an exchange fee is also included, depending on the rules and regulations for each bank.

Credit Cards

Access, MasterCard, American Express, Diners Club and VISA are widely accepted in shops, restaurants etc. Please note that retailers have the option to charge more for goods and services bought by credit card, although they are obliged to display a clear indication that differentiated pricing applies.

Travelers' checks

Travelers' checks in sterling can be used in Britain. They are accepted widely and are recommended instead of carrying large amounts of cash. Travelers' checks can be exchanged for cash in banks, some hotels, and at an exchange bureau. Regulations require all Bureaux de Change and other money changing establishments to clearly display all exchange rates and full details of any fees and rates of commission with equal prominence.

VAT

Value Added Tax (VAT) is charged on most goods bought in shops and obtaining relief from VAT can effect quite a saving. Many overseas visitors find it worthwhile to take advantage of the Retail Export Scheme (often called 'Tax-free shopping'), whereby they can reclaim VAT on goods purchased for export. Please note that not all shops operate the Retail Export Scheme, and those that do often set a minimum purchase level. It is also likely that you will be charged an administration fee by the retailer or refund company for making a refund of VAT. This will be deducted from your refund and will be either a percentage of the purchase price or a flat rate amount.

The appropriate form for the scheme is completed in full at the time of purchase. You must present the form to Customs at the final point of departure from the EU and have your goods available for inspection. Therefore it is advisable to contact the airline/shipping company in advance in the case of purchases that cannot be taken as hand baggage.

Eligible travelers buying goods under this scheme must be leaving the EU with the goods within 3 months from the end of the month in which the goods were purchased. NB: Visitors leaving Britain for a final destination within the EU are not eligible to receive VAT refunds under the scheme.

Bank opening hours

In all of the UK (see below for details on the Channel Islands), weekday-opening hours are generally 09.30 to 16.30, but a few banks open earlier and/or close later. Opening hours are decided by the individual banks and may differ considerably from branch to branch depending on the location. Some banks (usually those based in busy shopping centers) are open all day on Saturday and some are open on Sundays for a few hours. All banks are closed on public holidays.

Many branches have 24-hour banking lobbies where a range of services can be obtained through machines. Visitors from overseas should check with their own bank whether they would be able to gain access to these facilities.

If you need British currency when the banks are closed, you can obtain it at larger travel agents such as Thomas Cook (they have over 200 offices throughout the country); in the exchange offices provided by many large department stores; at counter desks in larger hotels or at one of the many independent Bureau de Change. Also, branches of banks are open 24 hours a day at most major UK airports. NB: Belfast International Airport does not have a bank.

How much money can I / should I bring?

You may bring in and take out bank notes, travelers' checks, letters of credit etc. in any currency and up to any amount.

We normally suggest you allocate $10-$20 a day for lunch, if this is your responsibility to purchase, and $20 a day for other 'incidental' purchases. Obviously this does not include money for any major purchases, such as clothing.

SUGGESTED PACKING LIST
It is important that each traveler only pack what he or she can carry comfortably. It should always be remembered that this is a soccer tour and not a regular vacation. All party members will, therefore, be responsible for their own luggage at all times.

GAME CLOTHES
· Uniforms (make sure your names are written on your socks, shorts & shirts)
· Soccer shoes - Shoes for astroturf fields, molded sole and optional screw-in sole
· Rain jacket and plastic bag for muddy shoes
· Deflated soccer ball
· Water bottle (fill up and take to each game).

INFORMAL CLOTHES
· Jeans
· 2-3 pairs of shorts
· 4-6 T-shirts
· 3 polo type shirts
· Underwear
· Swimsuit
· Comfortable shoes/tennis shoes

Some people like to take more formal clothing for visits to the theater and for social occasions in the evening. We ask the teams to wear club tracksuits or dress 'smart' when going to play UK teams (so you look respectful). But it is important you take as few clothes as possible as too many bags can create numerous problems, (plus you need to allow for purchases in the UK!) There will be laundry facilities available nearby to the hotels if required.

TOILETRIES
· Tooth brush / paste
· Soap / shampoo / deodorant / hair gel etc.

Also please note that Britain has a different electrical currency than the USA - most outlets are on 220 volts and not 110 volts. Therefore if you put your American appliances into a British socket, (e.g. hair dryer) you will probably destroy the appliance. You can purchase transformers / adaptors before you leave from most major stores.

MEDICAL SUPPLIES / FIRST AID
We do not allow our staff to distribute any medicine unless we have a note from a parent authorizing this, (and this includes pills for headaches). Due to liability concerns we do not take a 'trainer' on tour and therefore players need to bring their own tape, bandages, etc. if they wish to tape their legs before a game. First Aid supplies will be available at each hotel and a limited supply with our staff, for small cuts, etc

Enjoy your trip!