r/Glasgow Tools

Glasgow is typically a lot safer than it's historical reputation. During the day you'll be perfectly safe walking around and it's unlikely you'll be a target for a mugging. The best advice (for anywhere in the world, not just Glasgow) keep your personal belongings secure and don't go showing them off, but that should be common sense.

If you're walking about at night do your best to keep to well lit areas. The city centre especially has a lot of lanes and alleyways that are poorly lit and not well covered by CCTV so not advised to wander about them. Just keep your wits about you and if you're unsure/feel edgy in a particular area just get a taxi/uber.

As for carrying weapons, I would advise against it. You're unlikely to face any sort of extreme violence and they possibly just get you into bother with the law.

 

As for tipping, yes it's a thing here but it's a)not expected the way it is in the US and b)at your discretion. Here's my personal guide:

- If you feel the service in a restaurant, café or bar/pub was good or the food was good give a tip that you feel is appropriate.

- It's not expected but it's nice to tip the bartender when you buy a drink at the bar. Say something like 'take one for yourself' when you're handing over your cash and they'll put £1 in the tip jar (that is if of course if you drink). Doing so in a busy bar can (but not always the case) mean that you might get served quicker the next time.

- If your taxi driver is chatty and nice, give him a pound extra. If he's a prick just give him what the fare is.

- Hair dresser/barber is up to you.

- Cinema staff and shop staff, it's pretty much unheard of to give them a tip and tbf I don't think they'd accept them anyway.

- Coffee shop/cafe's is up to you as well. They have tip jars at the counter and it always appears like it's spare change that's tossed in.

 

Hope you enjoy living in Glasgow :)