GIBRALTAR

Fun Facts From Globus Tours

• The majority of people in Gibraltar are Roman Catholics.
• It is believed that modern humans migrated to Gibraltar from Africa around 100,000 to 70,000 years ago.
• Gibraltar consists of a long limestone mountain, which has as many as 140 caves.

Its strategic location between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, only 15 miles away from Africa, accounts for Gibraltar’s wealth of history. This small land – only 2.8 miles long and a melting pot of cultures – was a prize of the ancient world and known as the “northern pillar of Hercules.” In 711, it was seized by the Moors and named “Tarik’s Mountain” (Djebel Tarik) after their leader, and the name, distorted, became Gibraltar. Later occupied by Spain and finally recaptured by the English, this magnificent “Rock,” loved by photographers the world over, has remained in British hands since 1704.

VISAS, PASSPORTS, AND OTHER ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Visas to Gibraltar are not required for US citizens. If you hold a passport from another country, please check with your local consulate about requirements for travel to Gibraltar. All passengers traveling internationally are required to have a passport. Please carry proper identification (your passport) on you and do not leave it in your suitcase or hotel room.

It is advisable to carry your passport with you at all times.

Visit www.gibraltar.gov.gi/new/visas-and-immigration

Even though Gibraltar is part of the UK, a single-entry UK (or Schengen) visa will not gain entrance to Gibraltar. A special visa is required, unless you are in possession of a valid UK multiple-entry visa issued for six months or more. Visas cannot be obtained on the spot.

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COUNTRY CODES

The country code for Gibraltar is 350. When calling to Gibraltar from overseas, dial your international access code (011 from the US/Canada), followed by the country code, area code, and phone number. Phone numbers in Gibraltar are eight digits in length. Dialing from the US/Canada: 011 350+#### ####.

CURRENCY

The official currency of Gibraltar is the Pound Sterling (£). Government notes and coinage (GIP) and Bank of England notes and coinage (GBP) are equally welcome. Euro banknotes are also accepted, but the exchange rate is fixed by the outlet; more favorable rates of exchange can be found by changing foreign currency at a local bank or bureau de change.

Bank hours: 9 a.m. to 3.30 p.m., Monday through Thursday; 9 a.m. to 4.30 p.m., Friday.

1 POUND (£) STERLING = 100 Pence (p)

• Banknote denominations: £5, £10, £20, £50
• Coin denominations: 1p, 2p, 5p, 10p, 20p, 50p, £1, £2

For the most current exchange rates, please go to our website at Globusjourneys.com/Currency.

Be aware that if you have any Gibraltar Pounds (GIP) left over, you will not be able to spend them anywhere else (including in the United Kingdom), so only change what you need for your stay, or pay in Bank of England Pounds (GBP).

Credit cards are widely accepted in Gibraltar (mostly Visa and MasterCard), and you should have no problems using them in larger shops, but some restaurants may not accept them. Smaller shops may ask you to pay in cash or have a minimum amount required to use a credit card.

BUDGETING AND SHOPPING

The following budget guidelines are just approximate values or starting values for meals and are per person. Actual prices will vary widely by restaurant and city within a country but below are some averages as provided by our experienced personnel.

• The approximate cost of a soft drink/mineral water/coffee is £2-2.50.
• An average lunch consisting of a salad or sandwich and a soda or water starts at approximately £6-10.
• Dinner at a mid-range restaurant with dessert and a non-alcoholic beverage starts at approximately £20-25.

Soft drinks and mineral water are often as expensive, or more expensive, than wine or beer.

Shopping specialties: cosmetics, perfumery, jewelry, handicrafts, designer glass frames, specialist linens and electronics. Gibraltar is a VAT-free jurisdiction.

TIPPING

Restaurants in Gibraltar often add a service charge to the bill. However, it is common to add an additional tip of 10-15% (in cash, not added to the credit card payment).

• For taxis, round up the fare as a tip
• For hotel staff, £1 for room service is acceptable.
• A few coins will be needed for public restrooms.

ELECTRICITY AND ELECTRICAL OUTLETS

Outlets

Voltage for outlets is 220/240 AC. North American voltage is generally 110V. Therefore, you will need a converter for your travels. Adapters will be necessary to adapt your plug into the outlet, but these may not convert the voltage, so both devices are necessary. Sockets in Gibraltar are the same as those in the United Kingdom, and fit a 3-prong plug (two flat prongs in line and one perpendicular). It looks like:

TEMPERATURES

Gibraltar enjoys a subtropical, mild climate with generally dry summers and most of its rainfall occurring during the winter months. Sea breezes in summer may bring warm and humid conditions that can generate a “Rock-top” cloud or sea fog. To help you plan, below are average low and high temperatures for Gibraltar.

To convert to Celsius, subtract 30, then divide by 2. While not exact, this simple formula will give a close estimation.

FOOD SPECIALTIES

Calentita (baked bread-like dish made with chickpea flour, water, olive oil, salt and pepper), Panissa (deepfried chickpea dough with lemon), Rosto (Italian pasta), Fideos al horno (Spanish macaroni pasta), and Rolitos (beef or veal rolls stuffed with breadcrumbs, bacon, eggs, olives, and vegetables).

FEW WORDS OF THE LOCAL LANGUAGE
American/British English:

Elevator: Lift, Apartment: Flat, Yard: Garden, Trunk: Boot, Truck: Lorry, Bartender: Barman, Cell phone: Mobile, Check: Bill, Bill: Bank note, Trash can: Bin, Sidewalk: Pavement, Drugstore: Chemist, Band-Aid: Plaster, Bathroom/Washroom/Restroom: Toilet/WC/loo, Highway: Motorway, Subway: Tube/ underground, Taxi: Cab, Traffic circle: Roundabout, Crosswalk: Pedestrian crossing, Movie theater: Cinema, Orchestra seats: Stalls, Sweater: Jumper, Pants/slacks: Trousers, Pantyhose: Tights, Sneakers: Trainers, Line: Queue, Mail: Post, Napkin: Serviette, Fries: Chips, Potato chips: Crisps, Eggplant: Aubergine, Dessert: Pudding, Jelly: Jam, Cookie: Biscuit, Liquor: Spirits, Dark ale: Bitter, Beer: Lager, Emergency room: Casualty, Washcloth: Flannel, Wallet: Purse, Purse: Handbag.

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE COUNTRY INFORMATION

Additional country-specific information for US citizens can be found on the US Government’s website www.travel.state.gov. Here, you can find the most up-to-date information about destination descriptions, passports/visas, safety and security, transportation, travel local laws, alerts/warnings, vaccinations, and more. For citizens of other nations, we recommend you consult your local consulate for travel information, regulations, and requirements.