Health
No specific vaccinations are required for Gibraltar, Spain or North Africa.
Currency and Banking
The legal tender in Gibraltar is Gibraltar Government notes and coinage, though UK notes and coins are equally welcome. Gibraltar Government notes and coins are on a par with Sterling. Most shops accept Euros and many USD. There is no restriction as to how much currency you can bring into Gibraltar.
There is a full range of international banks, including several UK institutions. Banks are generally open from 9am to 3.30pm on weekdays. Credit cards and travellers cheques are widely accepted.
*EDITOR'S TIP - Dont not take any Gibraltar currency back home with you, it is not considered legal tender and the exchange rates are absolutely terrible, if you actually find somewhere wishing to exchange the notes!
Electricity
Electrical power and sockets are the same as those in the United Kingdom i.e. 220/240 AC 3 flat pin plugs.
Philately
On the 1st January 1886 the Colonial Government of Gibraltar assumed control of its Postal Services, but at such short notice that it was unable to have stamps designed and printed on time. As an interim measure, the Crown Agents arranged to have the Bermuda plates overprinted "Gibraltar", using different colours. Prior to this date UK stamps had been used for the pre-payment of postage and a distinctive Gibraltar postmark was used. Originally, the stamps bore their values in pesetas which was the currency used at that time in Gibraltar. After 1898 and until 1971 the stamps bore the values in £ s d , and later in £ p. The local Philatelic Bureau provides a subscription service for those who wish to find out more about Gibraltar through the popular hobby of stamp collecting. Alternatively, orders for mint stamps etc. are accepted by the Bureau subject to the current availability of stocks. For further information please contact the Gibraltar Philatelic Bureau, P.O. Box 5662 Gibraltar, Tel: 75662 Fax: 72476 or visit their website at www.gibraltar-stamps.com.
Visitors with Special Needs
Whilst steps are being taken to meet the special requirements of some of our visitors, some of Gibraltar's major attractions face particular difficulties in providing access for those who are in wheel chairs. However, to compensate in some small measure for this the Gibraltar Tourism Board has arranged for free access to these persons into the following sites:
- Sites in the Upper Rock Nature Reserve
- The Alameda Botanical Gardens
- The Gibraltar Museum
Readily Accessible:
- Europa Point
- Nelson's Anchorage
- Alameda Botanical Gardens
- Upper Rock Nature Reserve
- Museum ground floor and cafeteria only
- Parson's Lodge
- Upper Rock Nature Reserve
Toilets for use by disabled persons are situated at Eastern Beach, Little Bay, Air Terminal, Market Place, Piazza and the International Commercial Centre at the northern entrance of Main Street. The Alameda Gardens will be opening toilets for visitors with special needs in the near future.
Most taxis in Gibraltar are vanettes and there are a number of estates available.
We hope that the friendliness, helpfulness and attention of local people can go some way towards compensating for any deficiencies in the physical provisions in buildings and amenities some of which are difficult to satisfactorily adapt. Legislation is now in place requiring all new public buildings to have facilities for the disabled.
Passports and Visas
All EC nationals can enter Gibraltar with identity cards or passport. A British visitor's passport is also valid for entry into Gibraltar and Spain, but a full passport is required should you wish to visit North Africa. Visas are required from visitors from the following countries
