Electricity

Electrical current is 220 to 240 volts, 50Hz. Plugs most commonly in use are the round two-pin type or the rectangular three-pin plug typical of Europe and the UK respectively.

Language

English is used for official purposes and in schools, but Spanish is also widely spoken.

Money

The official currency is the Gibraltar pound (GIP), which is divided into 100 pence. UK notes and coins are also accepted and have the same value, but Gibraltar pounds are not accepted in the UK and any unspent Gibraltar pounds should be changed before leaving. Euros are also widely accepted, and foreign currency can be exchanged at any one of the numerous banks or exchange bureau in town. ATMs dispense both GIP and euros. All major credit cards are widely accepted.

Tipping

A service charge is generally included in restaurant bills, but it is usual to leave an extra 10 percent tip for good service.

Health

No vaccinations are required for travel to Gibraltar. Tap water is chlorinated, but it is advisable to start with bottled water. EU citizens can receive treatment on presentation of a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), and British nationals can get the same with a UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). Travel health insurance should cover the cost of medical repatriation.

Safety

Travel to Gibraltar is generally trouble free. There is a risk of international terrorism and visitors should be vigilant to ensure safety in public places and tourist sites. There are very few incidences of street crime or violence, though petty crime such as pickpocketing and theft of unattended baggage occurs, and there have been reports of people walking between La Linea (Spain) and Gibraltar at night being attacked and robbed.

Local customs

Gibraltar is a multi-ethnic and multi-religious society, generally tolerant of all sorts of social and religious customs. Public drunkenness is severely frowned upon.

Doing business

Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory and business is conducted in a similar fashion to in the UK. A formal dress code is advisable by default, as the island has a strong military culture. A firm handshake is the norm for both men and women and there's no ritual surrounding business cards, even though they are exchanged. Punctuality is expected. General business hours are 8.30am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday.

Duty free

Travellers to Gibraltar over 17 years do not have to pay duty on 200 cigarettes, 100 cigarillos, 50 cigars or 200g smoking tobacco; one litre spirits or liquers, or two litres of wine and two litres of sparkling or fortified wine; and 50g perfume.

Communications

The international dialling code for Gibraltar is +350. Internet access is widely available and visitors can purchase prepaid local SIM cards for unlocked phones.

Passport & Visa

Visitors requiring a visa to enter Spain should be aware that by crossing into Gibraltar they have officially left Spain, and will require a new visa to cross back over the border. Visitors with a multiple entry visa for the UK, and those with indefinite leave to stay in the UK, do not require a separate visa for Gibraltar. Visa-exempt visitors will be issued an entry permit to cover the period of stay, for short stays. It is highly recommended that travellers' passports have at least six months' validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Entry requirements

US citizens must have a passport that is valid on arrival in Gibraltar. No visa is required.

British citizens must have a passport valid on arrival in Gibraltar. No visa is required.

Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid on in Gibraltar. No visa is required.

Australian nationals require a passport valid on arrival in Gibraltar. No visa is required.

South African citizens must have a passport that is valid on arrival in Gibraltar. A visa is required, except for holders of a multiple-entry UK visa. Those travelling with a visa issued by the Republic of Ireland under the British Irish Visa Scheme are also exempt from attaining a visa, granted this document is valid for a period of six months and during the time of intended travel to Gibraltar, and that Ireland (Rep.) has been travelled to prior to arrival in Gibraltar.

Irish citizens must have a passport that is valid on arrival in Gibraltar. No visa is required.

New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is on arrival in Gibraltar. No visa is required.

Useful contacts

Gibraltar Tourist Board, Gibraltar: +350 20045000 or www.visitgibraltar.gi

Emergencies: 112

Embassies / consulates in other countries

British Embassy, Washington DC, United States (also responsible for Gibraltar): +1 (202) 588 6500.

British High Commission, Ottawa, Canada (also responsible for Gibraltar): +1 613 237 1530.

British High Commission, Canberra, Australia (also responsible for Gibraltar): +61 (0)2 6270 6666.

British High Commission, Pretoria, South Africa (also responsible for Gibraltar): +27 (0)12 421 7500.

British Embassy, Dublin, Ireland (also responsible for Gibraltar): +353 (0)1 205 3700.

British High Commission, Wellington, New Zealand (also responsible for Gibraltar): +64 (0)4 924 2888.

Embassies / consulates in Gibraltar

United States Embassy, London, United Kingdom (also responsible for Gibraltar): +44 (0)20 7499 9000.

Canadian High Commission, London, United Kingdom (also responsible for Gibraltar): +44 (0)20 7004 6000.

Australian High Commission, London, United Kingdom (also responsible for Gibraltar): +44 (0)20 7379 4334.

South African High Commission, London, United Kingdom (also responsible for Gibraltar): +44 (0)20 7451 7299.

Irish Embassy, London, United Kingdom (also responsible for Gibraltar): +44 (0)20 7235 2171.

New Zealand High Commission, London, United Kingdom (also responsible for Gibraltar): +44 (0)20 7930 8422.