Guernsey Currency

You might be surprised to learn that Guernsey's currency holds the same value as England - it is also the pound. Guernsey does not have a different value of currency. However, in saying that, Guernsey currency does feature local banknotes from £1 onwards - £5, £10, £20 and £50. This is similar to how Northern Ireland and Scotland banknotes are operated. You can exchange Guernsey notes like for like - and for free - at currency exchange centres. You can also use English, Irish and Jersey currency within the island.

History of Guernsey currency

Not surprisingly, given Guernsey's proximity to France, the island used mostly French currency up until the beginning of the 19th century, the livre (French) was used until 1834 and French francs were used right up until The early 1920s.

Guernsey started to produce copper coins from 1830. The States of Guernsey also produced banknotes from 1827, which were in pound denominations. From 1848, the pound became legal tender. British coins became legal tender in 1870 and Bank of England banknotes were legal tender from 1873.

When did Guernsey become at one with the British pound?

After World Ware One, Guernsey adopted the pound, which was equal to the pound sterling - this was in 1921 (so not all that long ago!)

In 1971, Guernsey (and the other British Isles) decimalized, dividing the pound into one hundred pence.

Where Guernsey's currency is accepted

The pound from Guernsey can obviously be used in Guernsey. But what about the use of other currencies in the island? Many Guernsey shops also accept euros. And, if you have other currencies, these can also be exchanged for Guernsey currency within the island. The Guernsey pound is not just legal in Guernsey though - you can also use it throughout Jersey. It is also accepted in some places throughout the U.K.

VAT in Guernsey

Good news - Guernsey is VAT-free, unlike Jersey. In saying this, Guernsey is not a duty-free island although you can buy duty-free goods in some shops, like camera and electrical shops as well as a few others.

How to get your money out in Guernsey

You will find many ATM machines throughout the island of Guernsey - especially at most high street banks, the airport, garages, supermarkets and almost anywhere. Just like England and the rest of Britain, Guernsey's restaurants, shops and service stations accept debit card and credit card payments. So, apart from the fact the currency looks different, you can use it in much the same way as you use its English counterpart.

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