All the information you need to know about your trip to the islands: what adaptors to pack, road rules to be aware of, tide timetables and currency details.
Currency / Money
- Sterling is the currency of Guernsey, which has its own notes and coins - your pound in the UK is worth the same as when you spend it in Guernsey. UK and Jersey currency can also be used within the Islands, but Channel Island sterling is not accepted in the UK. Major credit cards are widely accepted throughout the Islands. Some businesses will accept euros, although change will generally be given in sterling. ATM machines are available at high street banks in St Peter Port, the airport and selected sites, including supermarkets, garages and some out of town banks throughout the Island.
- Please note that you cannot currently exchange foreign currency in St Peter Port's town centre. Foreign currency can only be exchanged at the main Post Office in La Vrangue, St Peter Port.
VAT
- There is no VAT in Guernsey.
Telephones
- The code for Guernsey is 01481 from the UK and +44 1481 internationally. Mobile networks require a roaming facility plus international dialling codes. ‘Pay as you go’ phones only operate in Guernsey where there is an agreement with the network provider. Please check with your provider if in doubt. Please note roaming charges will apply if you use your UK mobile phone in Guernsey.
Left Luggage at St Peter Port
- If you need to leave your luggage, there are facilities at AB Marine, St Julians Pier, St Peter Port, GY1 2LL, very near to where the Isle of Sark Shipping office is located. The service is available Mon to Fri 8am - 5m and Sat 9am - 5pm. Sunday and out of hours by prior arrangement only. £5 per bag, per day.
Electricity
- Electricity is supplied throughout the Islands at 240 volts (50 hertz), using a 3 pin plug - the same as the UK. You will need an adaptor if you are travelling from Continental Europe or further afield.
Licensing Hours
- Guernsey licensing hours for a café, bar or restaurant are:
10am – 12.45am Monday to Saturday and 12 noon – 12.45am on Sundays for persons over 18
Christmas Day and Good Friday: 11am – 2.30pm and 7pm – 10.30pm.
Under 18s are only allowed in pubs and cafés if the premises hold an Under 18s Permit (which means designated areas and times) or in restaurants.
Public Holidays
- Public holidays are the same as England with the addition of Liberation Day on 9 May.
Tide Times
- The Islands of Guernsey have one of the greatest tidal variations in the world at 33 feet. The tide transforms the landscape of the coast every 6 hours, and this is important to be aware of for safety as well as for planning your beach trips. You can find a tidal timetable at: https://www.gov.gg/tides
Road Safety
- Driving on the Islands of Guernsey is different to the UK and Europe. Many roads are narrow with a maximum speed limit of 35mph. Roads around busy areas such as towns, local centres and schools are limited to 25mph. Cars are not permitted on Herm or Sark.
Around the islands you will find Ruettes Tranquilles, a network of lanes giving pedestrians, cyclists and horses priority. Speed limits on these roads are limited to 15mph.
Guernsey has a unique system known as filter in turn at some junctions. All traffic has equal priority, and must take turns to use the junction - you must not enter the box unless your exit is clear.
For more information on driving in Guernsey visit: https://www.gov.gg/drivinginguernsey or https://www.gov.gg/roadsafety
Parking
- All public parking in Guernsey is free of charge. However, most of the on-street parking and car parks are marked as disc zone - this means you must use a ‘parking clock’ to indicate your time of arrival. These clocks can be purchased on the ferry, at the Guernsey Information Centre in St Peter Port and at the Police Station.
The time limit for the particular disc zone will be noted on signposts and the time on your clock must be your time of arrival. You cannot park for longer than the specified period, unless it ends after 6pm, in which case you may park until 8am the following day. You cannot repark in the same zone for 30 minutes.
Accessible Facilities
A map that shows accessible facilities (including parking and toilets) across the island can be viewed here.
For more information visit https://www.gov.gg/drivinginguernsey
