Information about Guernsey, Channel Islands
Telephone
The code for Guernsey is 01481 from the British Isles or +44 (0) 1481 from other countries.
Banks
The main clearing banks normally open the same hours as the UK, Monday - Friday, some open Saturday mornings. Building Societies facilities are restricted. Cash transactions through Building Societies differ from those in the UK and Ireland. Please check with your Society before departure.
Bringing your own car
Visitors must possess a Certificate of Insurance or an International Green Card, a valid Driving Licence or International Driving Permit (UK International Driving Permits are not valid). Photocopies are not acceptable. A nationality plate must be displayed on your vehicle. Please note you are not able to buy petrol on a Sunday. The maximum speed limit in the island is 35mph, in and around the town the limit is 25mph. A Quiet Lane Initiative, known as the Green Lane system, has recently been introduced in rural parishes, here the maximum speed limit is 15mph and priority should be given to walker, horse and cyclists.
Customs allowances
See www.gov.gg website.
Currency
British money is freely accepted in the Island. Other currencies can be changed at a bank. All major credit and debit cards are accepted.
Disabled facilities
You can use your Blue Badge in the Island. Rules governing the use of Blue Badges and a list of designated parking areas are available from the States Traffic Committee Office 243400.
Electricity
240 volts AC. UK sockets in use.
Getting married in Guernsey
Information may be obtained from the Guernsey Greffe, Telephone: +44 (0)1481 725277.
Licensing hours
Public bars are open Monday - Saturday 10:00 to 23:45. Nightclubs are open 22:00 to 02:00. On a Sunday, bars which hold a family permit can open between 12 noon and 15:30. They can also open in the evenings between 18:00 to 23:00 but patrons must purchase a meal.
Parking
Single yellow lines indicate that parking is prohibited day and night and is liable to a fine. All public parking is free, but the majority of on and off street parking places are marked Disc Zones where differing time limits apply. Parking clocks must be set from the time you park your vehicle and you must not park for longer than the specified period, unless that period ends after 18:00, when you may park until 08:00 the following day. There are clocks available at the Tourist Information Centre, the Police Station, and many garages and shops.
Passports
No passport is required for visitors travelling from the British Isles and the Republic of Ireland. However, a ten year passport is required for day trips to France. Most sea and air carriers require Photographic ID. Travellers from mainland Europe must have full passports for all people travelling.
Pets
If you are visiting Guernsey from the British Isles or the Republic of Ireland, you can bring your pet with you - provided of course that pets are allowed at your holiday accommodation. Pets with a pet passport can travel from St. Malo.
Post Offices
The main Post Office is in Smith Street, St. Peter Port, with a network of sub-Post Offices located throughout the Island. Guernsey postage stamps must be used on all mail posted from Guernsey.
Public holidays
As in the United Kingdom, with the addition of Liberation Day, 9th May.
Shopping hours
The markets and some shops are closed on Thursday afternoons, otherwise normal shopping hours apply, and in the main season a number of shops will remain open in the evenings. Only convenience stores open on a Sunday. Please note alcohol cannot be purchased on a Sunday in shops.
E. & O.E.