Tipping

• Tipping is not expected in the UK, in the way it is in the United States or Canada, but is much appreciated.
• It is not necessary to tip in taxis - but running costs are high and the drivers work hard & unsociable hours.
• A tip is normally not added onto a restaurant bill. It is left up to you to decide how much you want to give. However, some of the restaurants now add a service charge onto the bill automatically, usually when you are dining in a party of 6 or more, so look carefully. If it is not added, the amount most people leave, if the meal/service has been good, is 10% of the total cost. 
• If you are in a pub, and you will be at some stage, when it's your round, your "shout" or your turn to "get them in", remember to tip the barperson. Do this by saying "...and one for yourself" after you've finished your order. You are actually inviting them to have a drink on you, but, in most cases, they will thank you and take a discretionary amount (anything from 20p to £2, depending on the size of the order). You are not expected to do this every time, however.

Etiquette

• Avoid controversial and highly subjective lines of conversation if you don't know the people you're talking to that well. Religion, racism, homophobia, and criticism of government are ones to avoid, especially if you're only after a quick natter and not a 3 hour lecture .
• Avoid the middle finger or reverse peace signal (known as the V) whilst in the UK, unless you are intent on making your feelings known about someone's presence. Accompanied by the words "Yeah, mate, do one", you have an effective way of being all alone.
• It should go without saying, but 'please' after you ask for something, and 'thank you' upon receipt are two phrases you should use. People can get offended when these are not used and may not be forthcoming the second time round. 
• When you first meet someone, a firm handshake and verbal greeting such as 'Hi, I'm (your first name), how are you?', usually breaks the ice well and makes people amenable. A limp handshake is perceived as rude and insincere. Using a fake hand is a classic "funny". Using someone else's hand is a poor effort.
• When talking or listening to someone, a decent amount of eye contact is a good idea. It shows interest and sincerity in the conversation. Don't stare at people, however, unless you're "interested" in them. Even then, don't stare, it makes you look like a stalker.
• Don't discuss the cost of your possessions, how much your holiday cost etc when first getting to know people. It's not an important subject.
• Smoking in all indoor public places (this includes platforms at train stations) in the UK is now illegal. Do not light up unless you are outside or in a designated smoking shelter. If you do light up in a shopping mall, pub or cinema, for example, you will find yourself thrown out rather swiftly and could get yourself fined £50 or even arrested.
• Avoid talking loudly on your mobile/cell phone in a quieter public place, such as a library or museum. The curator or librarian will beckon you and tap on the "Quiet, please. Mobile phones should be switched off" sign. This is the ultimate humiliation for any visitor and is embarassing for a native to have to witness.
• The two classic signs a person would like to be left alone are reading a newspaper or listening to music through headphones. This means don't start probing their nostrils with a car aerial or braiding their long flowing British hair for them.
• In the UK, people like to be on first name terms almost immediately as a way of breaking the ice and opening up discussion, and just possibly, becoming a friend. Awwww! Sweet!
• If you are addressed as "Sir" or "Madam", it will generally indicated you are in a formal environment and you should behave as such. No inhalation of drugs or dancing on the table tops, thank you...
• When eating in the UK, it is usual to use cutlery (fork, knife and spoon) in order to get food from plate to mouth. There are some popular meals, however, that don't need cutlery. You'll know which ones when you see them.
• Belching, burping and breaking wind are considered rude during a meal. If it's heard, excuse yourself. If you're aware of a loud one building, leave the room. The British generally prefer to taste their food and not your gaseous emissions.
• When you enter or exit a room or building and someone is following you, it is well received for you to hold the door for them.
• On escalators and moving pavements, stand to the right and walk to the left, as a general rule.
• When getting off or on a public transport vehicle, you should allow people to disembark before you board.
• When waiting in line for an ATM, stand a good few paces behind the person using the ATM ,to afford them privacy whilst carrying out their transaction.
• Try to move with the flow of pedestrians when walking in a crowded area. If you need to cut across, try to wait for a reasonable gap or feign medical issues, grab a travelling partner and shout "He/she's going to be sick" whilst wading through the quickly parting tide. If you cut someone up, apologise and move on.
• If you are travelling on public transport and seated in the designated seats, you will be asked by the driver to give up your seat if a pregnant woman or a person with reduced mobility should board. It is a legal requirement that you comply. The best advice is to offer your seat to these people before having to be asked. 
• Never share your personal and/or bank details with strangers or your children, both groups can have a nasty habit of taking advantage.
• When you join a queue, make sure you join it at the back and wait your turn. If the end of the queue isn't obvious, ask someone in the line. The natives turn into big gooey monsters if you cut in. Not pleasant.
• If you're lost or need directions, just ask. So long as you ask politely, most people will be as helpful as they can. Do use your discretion and avoid the "dodgy" types, as you would elsewhere.

Now you know!