Money, Time & Practicalities: The Gibraltar Know-Before-You-Go
The practical essentials for visiting Gibraltar — currency, the time-zone that catches everyone out, language, driving, plugs, the border and passports, tap water and the 2026 tax change.
Gibraltar feels instantly familiar to British visitors — English everywhere, pounds in your pocket, red pillar boxes — which is exactly why a couple of differences catch people out. Here’s the short, practical brief we give every guest before they arrive.
Money#
The currency is the Gibraltar pound, interchangeable one-to-one with British sterling — UK notes and coins are accepted everywhere, and cards are widely used. One catch: Gibraltar-issued notes aren’t legal tender back in the UK, so spend or swap them before you leave. Euros are sometimes accepted but at poor rates; there are plenty of ATMs. Tipping is customary at around 10% in restaurants if service isn’t already included.
The time-zone trap#
Language#
English is the official language and everyone speaks it. You’ll also hear Llanito — a distinctive local vernacular that switches fluidly between Andalusian Spanish and English mid-sentence — and Spanish is widely spoken. You never need Spanish to get by, but a “gracias” goes down well.
Getting around#
Gibraltar is tiny and mostly flat around town, so you’ll walk almost everywhere — the airport to Marina Bay is about ten minutes on foot. If you do drive, note that Gibraltar drives on the right (like Spain, unusually for a British territory), streets are narrow and parking is tight. There are local buses and taxis, and licensed Rock Tours for the Upper Rock.
The border & passports#
Gibraltar is not in the Schengen Area, so there’s passport control at every entry point, including the land border with Spain — carry your passport even for a day trip. Foot crossings are usually quick; car queues can be long and unpredictable. We cover the crossing in detail in getting to Gibraltar.
Electricity, phones & water#
- Plugs: UK three-pin (Type G), 240 V — UK devices work directly; bring an adapter for EU/US kit.
- Mobile: Gibraltar has its own networks. UK “roam like home” deals don’t always include Gibraltar, so check your plan or you may pay roaming — free Wi-Fi is common in cafés and accommodation.
- Tap water: safe to drink — the supply is desalinated and closely monitored.
- Health: carry travel insurance; UK visitors have some reciprocal emergency cover at St Bernard’s Hospital — check the details before you travel.
Shopping & the 2026 tax#
Quick reference#
| Currency | Gibraltar pound (£), = sterling 1:1; UK notes accepted |
|---|---|
| Time zone | CET/CEST — one hour ahead of the UK |
| Language | English (official); Llanito and Spanish also spoken |
| Driving | On the right; narrow streets, tight parking |
| Plugs / voltage | UK Type G three-pin, 240 V |
| Dialling code | +350 |
| Entry | Passport control (not in Schengen) |
| Tap water | Safe to drink |
Frequently asked questions#
What currency is used in Gibraltar?
The Gibraltar pound, which is interchangeable one-to-one with British sterling. UK notes and coins are accepted everywhere and cards are widely used. Note that Gibraltar-issued notes are not legal tender in the UK, so swap them before you leave.
Is Gibraltar on UK time?
No — Gibraltar uses Central European Time (CET/CEST), the same as Spain, which is one hour ahead of the UK. It’s the most common thing visitors get wrong when planning flights and bookings.
Do they speak English in Gibraltar?
Yes, English is the official language and universally spoken. You’ll also hear Llanito, a local Spanish-English vernacular, and Spanish.
Which side of the road does Gibraltar drive on?
On the right, like Spain — unusual for a British territory. Streets are narrow and parking is limited, so many visitors walk or leave the car in La Línea.
Is tap water safe to drink in Gibraltar?
Yes. Gibraltar’s drinking water is desalinated and closely monitored, and is safe to drink from the tap.