Driftwood Bed & Breakfast

Pound Sterling, GBP

Use local bank ATMs for the best rates; avoid currency exchange desks at airports and tourist bureaux—they charge poor rates and high fees.

Contactless debit/credit cards are widely accepted in shops, pubs, and restaurants; mobile pay (Apple Pay/Google Pay) works everywhere cards do. Small stalls or cash-only cafés are rare but possible—carry a small amount of cash.

Restaurants: 10% for good service, unless service charge is included (check the bill). Taxis: round up to the nearest pound. Hotel staff: not expected, but £1–£2 for luggage help or housekeeping is appreciated.

Standard filter coffee from a cafe takes £2.50–£3.50.

Fish and chips from a takeaway sets you back £9–£11.

A main course at a pub or casual restaurant costs £12–£18.

Whitstable high street has occasional food stalls, but for cheaper eats head to a seaside takeaway for fish and chips or a baked potato.

Common budget supermarkets in the area: Co-op, Tesco Express, and Aldi (a short drive or bus ride away).

Affordable high-street shopping means charity shops on Harbour Street and the high street, plus occasional market stalls.

The cheapest way around town is walking; for longer trips, a Stagecoach day bus pass costs about £4.50. From London airports, take a coach or train via London Victoria or St Pancras (train advance fares from £20–£30).

Bring a reusable water bottle—tap water is fine and free. Buy groceries from Aldi or Tesco rather than eating out for every meal. Check out the free beach walks and the harbour—most of Whitstable’s charm costs nothing.