What is the Currency in Gibraltar? 35+ Travel Tips
Currency in Gibraltar
Are you planning a visit to Gibraltar and wondering what is the currency in Gibraltar? It is a common question due to the uniqueness of Gibraltar!
On our first trip to Gibraltar, we are embarrassed to say we didn’t think about this until we were already there. We had been traveling in Spain and drove to Gibraltar from Malaga.
We only had Euros with us and quickly found out that Gibraltar’s currency is not the Euro.
We learned a lot about the currency in Gibraltar on that trip and took detailed notes to be able to help other travelers!
We’ll answer all your money questions and give you travel tips on what to do and where to spend that currency on your trip to Gibraltar.
What is the currency in Gibraltar?
💡 The official currency of Gibraltar is the Gibraltar Pound (GIP). The Gibraltar pound is legal tender within Gibraltar.
This currency is pegged to the British Pound Sterling (GBP) at a one-to-one ratio.
Therefore the exchange rate is 1 GIP = £1.
Why is the currency in Gibraltar British?
Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory located at the southernmost tip of the Iberian Peninsula. It has been an integral part of the United Kingdom since it was ceded to Britain in 1713.
It’s worth noting, however, that while coins and notes issued by the Government of Gibraltar are legal tender in Gibraltar only, they can be exchanged freely for sterling at most banks in the UK.
Outside of Gibraltar, the use of GIP is generally limited.
What is the Gibraltar Pound?
The Gibraltar Pound (GIP) is the official currency of Gibraltar.
The currency has a one-to-one ratio with the British Pound Sterling (GBP), meaning that it has the same value and can be exchanged with GBP.
Coins and notes issued by the government are legal tender within Gibraltar only but can be exchanged freely for sterling at most UK banks.
However, it should be noted that outside of Gibraltar, the usage of GIP is limited and other currencies, such as Euros, are more widely accepted.
What is the difference between the Gibraltar pound and the British pound?
The currency used in Gibraltar is called the Gibraltar pound. It has the same value as the British pound sterling and is not a separate currency.
Instead, it is banknotes issued by the Government of Gibraltar in pounds sterling, but with a ‘G’ prefix added to the denomination. This means that one British Pound can be exchanged for one Gibraltar Pound at any banking institution in either country.
Gibraltar also issues its own coins, which are the same size and shape as British coins but feature a different design.
The Gibraltar pound is not an independent currency because it is pegged to the British pound. But it is also not accepted outside Gibraltar, even in the UK.
What is the Gibraltar currency code?
The currency code of Gibraltar is GIP (sign: £).
GIP is subdivided into 100 pence and coins come in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 pence. Banknotes are available in denominations of £1, £5, £10, £20 and £50.
The coins feature Queen Elizabeth II on one side and a range of historical buildings and animals on the other, such as the Keys of Gibraltar, the Europa Lighthouse, and a Barbary macaque (monkey).
Can you use Euros in Gibraltar?
Euros are accepted at some Gibraltar establishments, but the exchange rate will not be favorable. If you pay with Euros, your change will normally be given in Gibraltar coinage.
If you are able to exchange your currency for Gibraltar pounds before visiting, you will likely get a better rate.
It is also possible to withdraw cash from ATMs in Gibraltar, which will dispense pound sterling.
Can you use US dollars in Gibraltar?
No, US dollars are not accepted in Gibraltar.
The official currency of Gibraltar is the Gibraltar Pound (GIP). Major credit cards and euros are accepted in Gibraltar, but US dollars are not.
Can you use credit cards in Gibraltar?
Yes, major credit cards are accepted in Gibraltar and can be used to make payments.
Most restaurants, shops, and businesses accept major credit cards for transactions.
Do you need to get Gibraltar Pounds?
If you have a travel credit card, you probably don’t need to get any physical Gibraltar Pounds.
The only activity we did (and we recommend below) that required physical currency in Gibraltar was the free walking tour. We wanted to tip our guide and needed money to do so!
The rest of the activities we could pay for with a credit card which made the visit very easy!
Visiting Gibraltar
Now that you know what currency to bring to Gibraltar, now it’s time to plan how to get there, what to do, and where to spend your money wisely when you visit Gibraltar.
We will help you with this part, too!
How to Get to Gibraltar
Gibraltar is on the lower tip of the Iberian Peninsula and is easily accessible by plane, car, or ferry.
The closest airport is Gibraltar International Airport (GIB), which offers regular flights from various major European cities. Gibraltar also has a large port with daily ferries to and from Spain.
If you’re traveling by car, you’ll need to drive through Spain and then cross the border into Gibraltar. The main crossing point is at La Linea de la Concepcion, just south of the airport.
You have to go through the Gibraltar Passport Control Station, which can take a few hours if visiting on a busy day.
You then drive through the Kingsway Tunnel or walk across the airport runway (possibly wait for a few planes to go through!) to get onto the territory.
- From Seville – To get from Gibraltar to Seville, it takes a little over 2 hours driving one way, covering a distance of 120 miles. You can take a 10-hour day trip to the Rock of Gibraltar with pickup in Seville.
- From Malaga – Malaga is only 80 miles away and will take around 1 hour and 45 minutes to drive one way. This 9.5 hour day trip will help you discover all of Gibraltar from Malaga
- From Cadiz – Cadiz is 70 miles away and will take less than an hour and a half to drive one way. This 8 hour tour also takes you to the picturesque village of Vejer de la Frontera as well as Gibraltar.
Favorite Activities in Gibraltar
There are plenty of activities to do in Gibraltar.
We recommend at least 2 full days, if not 3, to explore all there is in Gibraltar and experience the best Gibraltar tours and excursions!
- Dolphin watching tour – the Strait of Gibraltar provides the chance to see 3 species of dolphin in their natural habitat
🐬Picking a reputable company is so important! Below is the company we trust to give you the best dolphin-watching experience:
Dolphin Adventure
- Cable car ride – the Gibraltar Cable car takes you to the top of the Rock for stunning views of Gibraltar, the Skywalk, and the famous Barbary macaques. This is much better than the taxi or bus tours because of the view and the lack of traffic. The tours always seemed to be waiting in a long line to get to the sites.
- Free City Center walking tour – your tour guide will provide information about the history of the territory and take you to all the historical sites where events took place (tip your guide!)
- Upper Rock Walking Tour – visit the Moorish Castle and Mediterranean Steps while seeing the famous monkeys
- St. Michael’s Cave – in World War II, the cave served as a military hospital. Now it is used as a natural auditorium and has a fantastic light show that shows off the cave’s cool natural features.
- EBike to the top of The Rock – take a tour of Gibraltar while using a motor to take the strain out of biking uphill
- Gibraltar Gin Experience – visit Gibraltar’s only distillery to taste fine gin
- Gibraltar National Museum – a museum of history that includes the remains of a 14th-century Moorish bathhouse. The full visit takes about an hour and a half
- Gibraltar Botanic Gardens – the botanic gardens are a great place to relax in the afternoon
- Catalan Bay Beach – our favorite beach on the eastern part of Gibraltar. Perfect place to relax!
- War Tunnels – Visit the World War II or Great Siege Tunnels to learn and experience what the soldiers went through during war times in Gibraltar. There are 52 kilometers of tunnels in the Rock, with only some open for visitors.
- Europa Point Lighthouse – the lighthouse built in 1841 sits at Gibraltar’s southernmost point. On a clear day, you can see the north of Africa
- Grand Casemates Square – this is the main square for restaurants and shopping in Gibraltar. Every Saturday, there are reenactments of the Changing of the Keys.
- Bowling in a Historical Bastion – This is a very cool place to go to at night in Gibraltar and bowl in a historic bastion that has been renovated.
Where to Stay in Gibraltar
Since Gibraltar is only 2.6 square miles, the main center is very walkable. There is also a great bus system that operates on many routes.
For easy access to everything, we recommend staying near Grand Casemates Square or near the Gibraltar Cable Car.
We enjoy staying at The Rock Hotel, as it is right next to the Botanical Gardens and the Cable Car. It is also right outside the city center, so a little quieter than the main stretch.
A few other hotels we would recommend looking at are:
- 🎒 BUDGET: Holiday Inn Express Gibraltar – Located at the northern end of Gibraltar, this hotel is right on the outside of the main center. Parking and breakfast are included.
- 🛏 MODERATE: The Eliott Hotel – The Eliott Hotel is located in the center of Gibraltar town. It has two restaurants and a fitness center. The hotel has a stylish design and features a rooftop pool and terrace that offers views of the Gibraltar Strait.
- 💎 LUXURY: Sunborn Gibraltar – Sunborn Gibraltar is a luxurious 5-star yacht hotel located in Gibraltar. The unique hotel has an infinity swimming pool, casino, spa, gym, and a restaurant for its guests.
💡 We have also ranked the Best Cheap Hotels in Gibraltar thoroughly if you are looking to save money on your accommodations! 🏨
You can also search for the best prices using our interactive tool:
Where to Eat in Gibraltar
The cuisine in Gibraltar is very similar to the United Kingdom.
There is a lot of British food like fish and chips and English breakfast. But there are also a lot of amazing international food choices as well.
- Little Bay Bar and Indian Tapas – this might be the best Indian food we’ve had in all of Europe
- Moniques Bistro & Cafe – our favorite place to get an English breakfast by the water
- Roy’s Fish and Chips – the most popular place to get Fish and Chips in Casemates Square
- 4 Stagioni – this small Italian restaurant has great pizza and pasta
- Paparazzi Steakhouse – our favorite steakhouse in Gibraltar
FAQ for Currency in Gibraltar
Can I use Gibraltar money in the UK?
No, since the Gibraltar pound is not an independent currency and is not accepted outside of Gibraltar, you cannot use it in the UK.
You would need to exchange it for British pounds sterling at a banking institution in either country before spending it in the UK.
How much is a Gibraltar pound worth?
A Gibraltar pound (GIP) is worth the same as a British Pound Sterling (GBP), It is fixed at a conversion rate of 1 GIP to £1.
This means that one British Pound can be exchanged for one Gibraltar Pound at any banking institution in either country.
The value of the GBP fluctuates in real time according to the foreign exchange market. As such, its value relative to other currencies also changes accordingly.
Where can I exchange Gibraltar Pounds?
Foreign currency can be exchanged at banks and currency exchange businesses.
ATMs are available throughout Gibraltar if you would like to withdraw Pounds from your account.
Can the Gibraltar Pound be used in Spain?
The Gibraltar Pound may be accepted in certain southern areas of Spain.
But in general, it is not accepted and the Euro is the preferred currency for businesses and shops.
Do you need a visa to visit Gibraltar?
Visiting Gibraltar as a citizen of the United States or the EU does not require obtaining a visa, making it an uncomplicated and hassle-free travel experience.
A passport, valid for a minimum of 6 months past the date of entry into Gibraltar, is required.
What is the official language of Gibraltar?
The official language of Gibraltar is English, although many locals also speak Spanish and other languages, such as Portuguese, Berber, and Arabic.
The local government has also established English as the official language for education, legal matters, and workplace settings.
British law is also the main source of authority in Gibraltar.
Spanish may be spoken in certain social settings, but English remains the language of choice for official matters.
What is the flag of Gibraltar?
The flag of Gibraltar is white with a red stripe at the bottom. It features a red castle with a gold key hanging from the middle tower. The flag symbolizes how the fortress of Gibraltar is the key to the Mediterranean.
The flag of Gibraltar is the only British Overseas Territory flag that does not feature the Union Jack of the United Kingdom.
So, what is the Currency in Gibraltar?
Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory with its own currency, the Gibraltar pound.
Although the British pound is also accepted in many places, it is best to use Gibraltar pounds while in the country.
Additionally, many activities and attractions can be enjoyed in Gibraltar, so don’t forget to take some time to explore all it has to offer!
For more information about currency in Gibraltar, visit the official website of the Government of Gibraltar.
There you can find details about coins and banknotes, helpful exchange rate tips, and more. Make sure to plan ahead to ensure your trip is as enjoyable as possible!
This article is for informational purposes only. It should not be considered financial advice or investment advice. Always consult a professional before making any financial decisions.
We wish you the best travels, and don’t forget to set your “Out of Office!”
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Read More About Gibraltar
- 21 Amazing Reasons to Visit Gibraltar
- 13 BEST Gibraltar Tours and Excursions
- 11 EXCELLENT Cheap Gibraltar Hotels
- How to Get up the Rock of Gibraltar: 6 Great Options
- What is the Currency in Gibraltar? 35+ Travel Tips
- 15 BEST Gibraltar Beaches: Ranked
- Traveling from Malaga to Gibraltar + Top 13 Things to Do
- Gibraltar from Seville: 5 Easy Options + an Epic Itinerary!
- THE 25 BEST Things to Do in Gibraltar
- 15 FUN Things To Do in Gibraltar at Night
- How Long to Spend in Gibraltar: Great 1, 2, & 3 Day Plans
- Best Time to Visit Gibraltar
- Is Gibraltar Expensive to Visit? Guide for Visiting
Gibraltar Travel Planning Guide
🚙💨 Should I rent a car in Gibraltar?
Renting a car is not necessary in Gibraltar! The whole territory is walkable or can be accessed by public transportation. If you are flying into Malaga or Seville, we recommend renting a car. Discover Cars is our go-to choice for car rentals.
📲 Will my phone work in Gibraltar?
Maybe, but it will be expensive! Depending on your provider, plans can charge you $10 per day while in Europe. To use your phone in Gibraltar and save money, we recommend an eSim with Airalo. Airalo simplifies the steps and provides you with all the necessary data for convenient travel.
🌐 Do I need a VPN when on the internet in Gibraltar?
While abroad, we consistently prioritize our online security by using a VPN to appear as if we’re streaming from the US and protect ourselves from cybercrime. NordVPN serves as an incredibly convenient solution for both mobile phones and laptops, effortlessly ensuring our safety while browsing or streaming.
🏩 What’s the best way to book my Gibraltar accommodations?
Our go-to for hotels in Gibraltar is Booking.com. They offer the widest range of choices, and their filtering system simplifies the process of discovering the perfect accommodation for your needs.
✈️ What’s the best site to buy flights to Gibraltar?
For finding cheap flights to Gibraltar, we recommend Kayak. Their awesome multi-city flight search and handy price notifications help us save big, allowing us to splurge on other adventures once we arrive.
🚐 Should I book tours in Gibraltar? Do the guides speak English?
We LOVE taking tours in Gibraltar. We prefer to book our tours on Viator and GetYourGuide for easy searching, trusted reviews, and transparent pricing. We always filter for the tours that are offered in English. For free walking tours in English, we always book through GuruWalk.
🚑 Should I buy Gibraltar travel insurance?
100% YES! Gibraltar relies on the healthcare services provided by the United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS), which provides universal healthcare coverage to all citizens and legal residents! Foreigners visiting need travel insurance in case anything happens on their visit. We recommend Safety Wing – they provide general travel coverage as well as medical!
💧Can you drink the water in Gibraltar?
Sometimes! In many areas of Gibraltar, the water is safe to drink. In older buildings with outdated plumbing systems, water quality might not be as high. For an extra layer of protection, we recommend always using a LifeStraw Go Series to stay safe and hydrated.
🎫 Do I need a visa for Gibraltar?
Likely Not! US passport holders don’t need visas for travel less than 3 months. If you want to learn more about entry, click here.
