Traveller Essentials

To make your trip to Jersey as enjoyable as possible, here is some general information to take note of before you leave.

Currency

The Jersey pound is used here and notes come in denominations of £1, £5, £10, £20 & £50. There is also a £100 note available to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee of Her Majesty the Queen, which will be legal tender.

From October 2017 our £1 coins will no longer be legal tender

https://www.gov.je/taxesmoney/jerseycurrency/Pages/index.aspx

Tax Refund

Tourists can claim a refund on the 5% Goods and Services Tax (GST) paid on your purchases if you spend more than £300 on a single purchase (from participating stores only)

If you are a visitor, not a resident, and are leaving on a scheduled flight, then you can claim it back at either Jersey Airport at the oversized luggage desk or at the G4S administration desk. If you are leaving on a scheduled ferry ask for the supervisor at the security point

You cannot claim if you leave the island by either private aircraft or boat

Jersey is outside of the EU for VAT purposes and any requirements requiring declaration must be made at your final destination

https://www.gov.je/TaxesMoney/GST/GSTCustomers/Pages/GSTRefundsVisitors.aspx

https://www.gov.je/taxesmoney/gst/Pages/default.aspx

Consumer Advise

For a pleasant shopping experience, compare prices, enquire about refund policies and check the invoice as well as the warranty of the product before making a purchase.

Wi-Fi & Connectivity

None of the UK mobile operators have networks here, instead there are three local mobile networks. This means that when you visit Jersey, you will need to use one of the island’s own networks and that all of your calls and data will be charged at roaming rates (set by your network provider).

https://web.sure.com/jersey/mobile/pay-as-you-go-benefits

Language

The main language spoken here is English, with the Norman language of Jèrriais still spoken by a few locals. Due to Jersey`s cosmopolitan status, Polish, Portuguese and Romanian are widely spoken

Weather

The island’s weather boasts the warmest summers and the mildest winter in the British Isles – the closest to a Mediterranean climate! With its high sunshine record (average of 6 hours in August), the most popular time of year to visit Jersey is between May and September when the rainfall is at its lowest and temperatures are averaging between 14 ºC (57°F) in May and up to 25 ºC (77°F) in July and August.

https://www.gov.je/weather/Pages/Jersey-Forecast.aspx

Power Plug

Electricity – Voltage: 220-240 Volts, 50Hz. Plugs have three square pins.,Primary Socket Type: British BS – 1363. A travel plug adapter will be required if your appliance is not compliant with this type of socket

Tipping

Tipping is encouraged when you experience exceptional service, this would generally be above the standard 10 percent gratuity to your bill added by some restaurants and hotels.

No Smoking Areas

The law prohibits smoking in public places. There are however designated smoking areas in some entertainment outlets and open-air eateries.

https://www.gov.je/Industry/HealthSafetyWork/SmokeFree/Pages/NoSmokingRegs.aspx

Safe Drinking Water

You can drink water straight from the tap as the water in Jersey meets the quality parameters laid down by the law. You can also buy bottled water easily.