Cost of Living

Living costs are broadly similar to the UK although there are variations between specific items. Items such as cars, household appliances and jewellery are generally cheaper than in the UK as are tobacco, spirits and cosmetics. The retail price index increases tend to parallel those in the UK, but at a slightly higher level.

For more details on the cost of living in Guernsey click here.

Eating out

Guernsey is often spoken of as being a ‘Gourmet’ Island. Lots of restaurants feature fresh lobster, crab, oyster, sea bass, sole and brill, as well as Guernsey’s own delicacy, the ormer.

If you are not a fish eater there are also lots of mouth-watering alternatives. You can literally pick anywhere in the world and find a restaurant offering authentic cuisine. Indian, Mexican, Chinese, Italian, Japanese, Moroccan and of course, classic French restaurants all appear on the local eating out map. There could not be a greater choice.

For more information on eating out click here.

Leisure Activities

In Guernsey there are things to do all year round. There are opportunities to swim, windsurf, water-ski or even surf from the islands beaches or to go sailing or sea fishing from the marina.

There are three golf courses on the Island and a number of soccer, football and athletic clubs.

Beau Sejour Leisure Centre has a sports hall with courts available for volleyball, badminton, football, squash, tennis etc as well as other facilities including a fitness studio, a bowling green and a large indoor pool with water flumes. For more details on Beau Sejour click here.

There are also a number of private clubs and Hotels on the Island that offer sporting and fitness facilities and health and beauty suites.

For more information on leisure activities click here.

Art and drama

During the Summer months plays are performed within the walls of Castle Cornet in St Peter Port. You can bring a picnic and a bottle of wine and listen to Shakespeare or Oscar Wilde performed in idyllic surroundings.

The Island has a Choral Society and an Amateur Dramatic and Operatic Club as well as other societies and clubs, representing a wide range of interests and activities. The St James Concert and Assembly Hall and Beau Sejour Centre also undertake to provide a programme of cultural events each year.

Further information on Art and Drama can be found by clicking here.

Nightlife

Many local bands entertain diners in bars and bistros around the island and there are several nightclubs.

Language

With nearly a whole generation being evacuated to England prior to the German Occupation of Guernsey (approximately 21,000 people in total) the local dialect, Guernsey Patois (or Guernesiais) almost died out. Today, few islanders speak Patois.

For more information on language click here.

For a short tutorial click here.

Currency

Guernsey is in the Sterling Area and Bank of England notes and UK coins circulate within the Island. The States of Guernsey also issue their own notes and coins.

Newspapers

UK national newspapers are available daily. There is also a local daily paper – the Guernsey Press and a weekly paper – the Guernsey Globe.

Radio and TV

UK national radio and television stations are broadcast to Guernsey. There is a local ITV contractor – Channel Television – and two local radio stations – BBC Radio Guernsey and Island FM, a commercial station.

Association of Guernsey Charities

The Association of Guernsey Charities website - www.charity.org.gg - provides details of all local charities (with links to their websites if applicable) as well as guides and information that may be useful to charities and voluntary organisations.