Key takeaways
Guernsey is a compact Crown Dependency with excellent 4G coverage from two carriers, Sure and Airtel-Vodafone. The island is open internet, card-friendly and easy to navigate. EU Roam Like At Home rules do not apply here as Guernsey is not part of the EU, making a Roamix eSIM the best way to avoid unexpected roaming charges from a UK or European home SIM. Budget 2 to 4 GB for a week-long stay. Cache a map of the island before visiting Sark, which has no mobile coverage at all.
- Sure and Airtel-Vodafone both deliver strong 4G across Guernsey; Signal is generally excellent across the main island.
- Guernsey is not in the EU, so EU roaming allowances do not apply and UK carriers may charge roaming fees.
- A Roamix eSIM is the smartest option to avoid unexpected roaming bills from your home UK or European SIM.
- The island of Sark, reachable by ferry from St Peter Port, has no mobile phone coverage at all.
- Saint Peter Port has contactless and card payments accepted almost universally.
Best way to get data in Guernsey
For most visitors, a Roamix eSIM is the safest way to avoid unexpected roaming charges in Guernsey, since the island sits outside EU roaming rules and standard UK bundle coverage.
| Option | Best for | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Roamix eSIMRecommended | Best for: Most travellers | Avoids UK or EU roaming charges that your home SIM may incur in Guernsey, with instant activation on arrival. |
| Local physical SIM from Sure or Airtel-Vodafone | Best for: Extended stays needing a local number | Available from stores in Saint Peter Port. Sure and Airtel-Vodafone both have town centre shops. |
| Hotel and accommodation wifi | Best for: Stationary use in Saint Peter Port hotels | Reliable in most hotels; not available on Herm or Sark. |
| UK carrier roaming | Best for: Travellers with generous UK plans that include the Channel Islands | Some UK carriers include Guernsey in their roaming bundles; check your plan carefully before relying on this. |
Hotel and guesthouse wifi is generally reliable across Guernsey, and Saint Peter Port cafes offer free wifi. The smaller islands of Herm and Sark have no wifi or mobile signal at all.
How much data you need
Data needs in Guernsey are light. The island is small, coverage is consistent and wifi is available in most accommodation. The main reason to have mobile data is for navigation between cliff path sections and for ferry booking confirmations.
2 to 3 GB
Four to seven day island holiday including Herm and Sark day trips
Light navigation, ferry schedule checks, social uploads and messaging in a well-covered main island.
2 to 4 GB
Active trip cycling all parishes and cliff paths
More navigation use and downloading route GPX files, plus regular photo uploads from the cliff paths.
10 GB or more
Remote working break from Saint Peter Port
Video calls, cloud sync and tethering a laptop alongside sightseeing.
Data per hour, by activity
- Maps and navigation
- 5 MB
- Social media and browsing
- 100 to 150 MB
- Music streaming
- 70 MB
- Standard video streaming
- 700 MB to 1 GB
- Video calls
- 500 MB to 1.5 GB
Download the full Guernsey island map and the Sark map offline before taking any ferry. Sark has zero mobile coverage.
How to set up a Guernsey eSIM
A Roamix Guernsey eSIM is best installed over wifi before departure. It activates automatically on arrival, so you land at Guernsey Airport already online.
- 1
Buy your plan on the Roamix Guernsey eSIM page before departure.
- 2
Scan the QR code or tap to install the eSIM over wifi.
- 3
Label it Roamix and keep your home SIM as primary for calls and texts.
- 4
Enable data roaming for the Roamix line only.
- 5
Land at Guernsey Airport and the eSIM connects automatically to Sure or Airtel-Vodafone.
Works on eSIM-capable phones including iPhone XS and newer, Google Pixel 3 and newer, and recent Samsung Galaxy models. The phone must be carrier unlocked.
Roamix sets the correct APN automatically on most devices. If data does not start on arrival, apply the APN from your order and toggle airplane mode.
No data on arrival usually means data roaming is off for the Roamix line. Check settings, select the network manually and restart.
Visa and entry for Guernsey
Guernsey is a British Crown Dependency and part of the Common Travel Area. British and Irish citizens enter freely. EU and EEA citizens, plus US, Canadian and Australian nationals, can visit without a visa for up to 180 days. Non-visa-exempt nationalities require a UK visa, which covers Guernsey.
- eVisa or ETA
- As of 2025, UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) requirements apply to non-visa-exempt nationalities travelling through the UK to reach Guernsey. Check UK Home Office guidance for your nationality.
- Passport validity
- Your passport should be valid for the duration of your stay.
- Onward ticket
- Evidence of accommodation and return travel may be requested at the port or airport.
Keep your booking confirmations and travel documents accessible on your phone. Use your Roamix eSIM to pull up documents at the port.
Entry rules for Guernsey may differ from UK mainland rules. Check the States of Guernsey official guidance at gov.gg before travel.
When you land in Guernsey
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How people message here
Locals use WhatsApp, iMessage and standard SMS. English is the working language for all tourist interactions. The island has a small, tightly connected community.
Do you need a local number?
A local number is not needed for most tourist visits. Hotels, tour operators and ferry services all communicate by email or WhatsApp.
Keep your home SIM active for SMS two-factor authentication while using the Roamix line for data; ferry and activity bookings may send confirmation codes by SMS.
Airports in Guernsey
GCI
Guernsey Airport
Saint Peter Port
Free wifi available in the terminal building; speeds are adequate for downloads and messaging.
Activate your Roamix eSIM before landing to check bus and taxi options to Saint Peter Port and pull up your accommodation details before leaving the terminal.
ACI
Alderney Airport
Alderney
Very small terminal with basic wifi; primarily for inter-island and UK connections.
Alderney is the northernmost Channel Island with its own distinct WWII history. With limited on-island signal, download the Alderney wildlife reserve map and ferry schedule over Roamix data before departure.
Apps and internet access in Guernsey
Guernsey has a fully open internet, so all common apps work normally on a Roamix eSIM.
There is no censorship of social media, messaging or search in Guernsey. No VPN is required for any mainstream service.
WhatsApp, works
Fully available for messaging and calls.
FaceTime, works
Works normally over 4G and wifi.
Google Maps, works
No restrictions; download offline map of the island before visiting Sark.
Social media, works
Instagram, Facebook, X and TikTok all work without restriction.
Getting around Guernsey
Guernsey is 10 km from north to south, making it easy to explore on foot, bicycle or the island bus network. Taxis are available but pricey. The island bans cars from certain rural lanes, making cycling the local favourite.
Cycling
Guernsey has an excellent network of quiet lanes designated as ruettes tranquilles, speed-limited and car-restricted. Rental shops are near the harbour. Use Google Maps or download the Visit Guernsey cycling route map over Roamix data.
Island buses
CT Plus operates the main island bus routes, connecting the airport to Saint Peter Port and covering most parishes. Check live arrivals via the CT Plus app or mobile website with your Roamix eSIM.
Taxis and car hire
Taxis are metered and available from the airport and harbour. Several car hire companies operate on island. Use your Roamix eSIM to book a car or call a taxi on arrival.
The CT Plus bus network covers the main island efficiently. For Sark and Herm, check ferry timetables from the White Rock ferry terminal in Saint Peter Port and confirm return times, as services are weather-dependent.
Money and payments in Guernsey
Guernsey uses its own Guernsey Pound notes, at parity with GBP. Both Guernsey and UK notes circulate freely on island. UK notes are accepted but Guernsey notes are not accepted back in the UK, so spend them before leaving.
- Cards and cash
- Cards and contactless are accepted almost everywhere in Saint Peter Port and major tourist businesses. Some smaller beach cafes and farm stalls prefer cash.
- ATMs
- ATMs are available in Saint Peter Port from HSBC and other banks. Standard bank machines are fee-free; standalone ATMs may charge. Withdraw in GBP/Guernsey Pound.
- Payment apps
- Apple Pay and Google Pay are accepted in most Saint Peter Port shops and restaurants. Contactless card limits are the same as the UK.
- Tipping
- Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. Ten percent in restaurants is the norm if service is not included. No tipping expectation for taxis or shop staff.
Daily budget
Guernsey is moderately expensive. Mid-range visitors typically spend around 90 to 150 GBP per day including accommodation, meals and activities.
Local tips for Guernsey
- Language
- English is spoken universally. Guernsey French (a Norman patois) is still spoken by a small number of older islanders but has no practical impact on tourist visits.
- Food
- Guernsey beef is a local specialty, known for its richness from the famous golden-butter Guernsey cattle. Ormer (a local shellfish) is a rare seasonal delicacy. Saint Peter Port has a concentrated range of restaurants from seafood bistros to French-influenced brasseries.
- Plugs
- 230V, Type G plugs
Apps worth having
Google Maps
navigation
Download the full Guernsey offline map including cliff path walking routes before visiting Sark or heading to remote coast.
Visit Guernsey app
tourism
Official tourism app with island guides, walking routes, beach information and event listings.
CT Plus Guernsey
transit
Bus route maps and timetables for the island bus network connecting the airport, Saint Peter Port and all parishes.
Safety and health in Guernsey
Guernsey is one of the safest places in the British Isles, with very low crime and no significant travel risks. The main hazards are coastal: cliff paths can be slippery in wet weather and sea swimming has rip currents at some bay beaches.
- Stay reachable
- Keep your Roamix eSIM active for emergency calls and to check sea conditions and tidal windows before swimming or cliff-path walking. On Sark, inform your accommodation of your plans for the day before leaving as there is no mobile coverage.
- Health
- Healthcare on Guernsey is provided by the States of Guernsey Health and Social Care service. The Princess Elizabeth Hospital is in Saint Andrew's parish. EU health cards are not valid in Guernsey; travel insurance is recommended.
- Tap water
- Tap water is safe to drink. Sea swimming is excellent at many beaches but check local tide and weather conditions before entering the water.
Networks and coverage in Guernsey
Guernsey is served by two mobile network operators, Sure (formerly Cable and Wireless) and Airtel-Vodafone, both providing good 4G LTE coverage across the main island and its populated parishes. A Roamix Guernsey eSIM connects you to the best available local network on arrival without the roaming charges that UK or European SIMs may levy, as Guernsey sits outside both EU and standard UK roaming zone agreements.
Sure
The largest operator on Guernsey, with 4G across all main parishes, the port area and most of the island's coastline. Also operates on Jersey and the Isle of Man.
Airtel-Vodafone
Strong 4G in Saint Peter Port, the airport corridor and major roads. Competitive urban data speeds and good roaming partnerships.
Wave Telecom
Third operator on Guernsey focused primarily on fixed broadband; limited mobile presence but included for completeness.
- Typical speeds
- 4G delivers 30 to 80 Mbps in Saint Peter Port and suburban parishes; speeds are consistent across most of the island.
- 5G
- 5G is in early rollout on Guernsey; 4G LTE remains the reliable standard for travellers.
For day trips to Sark, download the island map, your accommodation details and ferry return times over Roamix data before boarding the ferry in Saint Peter Port; the island bans cars and has zero mobile signal.
The main island of Guernsey has strong coverage almost everywhere. The outlying islands of Sark and Herm have no mobile coverage at all. Alderney has limited Airtel-Vodafone signal. When taking the ferry to Sark, download everything you need before leaving Saint Peter Port. Guernsey uses standard European LTE bands. Any recent unlocked GSM phone will work on Sure or Airtel-Vodafone without issues.
Where to go in Guernsey
Guernsey is a small, unhurried island that rewards slow exploration on foot and bicycle. The main draw is the contrast between the historic harbour and market town of Saint Peter Port, the wild southwest cliffs, the WWII occupation heritage and the day-trip islands of Herm and Sark, which together make the Bailiwick one of the most distinctive destinations in the British Isles.
Best time to visit
May to September for warm weather and all ferry services operating to the smaller islands. June and July for the best beach weather. March and April for lower prices and quiet cliff paths.
Saint Peter Port and the East Coast
The island's only real town, with a handsome Victorian harbour, the medieval Castle Cornet, the Candie Gardens with Victor Hugo's former home, covered market, and a concentrated mix of boutique shops, restaurants and the main ferry terminal for Herm and Sark.
- Castle Cornet
- Candie Gardens
- Victor Hugo House (Hauteville House)
- Saint Peter Port Market
- Albert Pier
Excellent 4G from both Sure and Airtel-Vodafone throughout Saint Peter Port, the harbour area and along the east coast road.
The South Coast Cliffs
The dramatic southern coastline runs from Petit Bot Bay to Saints Bay and Moulin Huet, with cliff paths above turquoise water, hidden beaches accessible only at low tide, and the views that inspired Renoir's Guernsey paintings.
- Moulin Huet Bay
- Saints Bay
- Petit Bot Bay
- La Moye Point
- Icart Point
Sure coverage is solid along the cliff path road, though signal can drop at the base of cliff coves. Petit Bot Bay and Saints Bay have usable 4G from the clifftop.
The West Coast and Beaches
Guernsey's sandy beach coast, with Cobo Bay, Vazon Bay and Pembroke Bay offering long stretches of sand backed by low dunes, popular for surfing, kayaking and sunset walks.
- Cobo Bay
- Vazon Bay
- Pembroke Bay
- Fort Hommet Headland
- L'Ancresse Common
Good Sure and Airtel-Vodafone 4G along the Route de la Rocque and coastal road. Beach areas have adequate signal.
The Interior Parishes
Guernsey's green interior is a patchwork of flower farms, winding country lanes (known as ruettes tranquilles), ancient manor farms, parish churches and German WWII fortifications from the 1940 to 1945 occupation.
- German Occupation Museum
- Little Chapel
- Saumarez Manor Park
- St Saviour's Reservoir
- Les Fouaillages burial chamber
Coverage is good across the main roads and village centres of St Saviour, St Andrew and the Forest parish. Some very narrow lanes have brief coverage gaps.
Herm and the Outlying Islands
Herm is a tiny privately owned island with no cars and a famous Shell Beach of naturally polished shells. Sark, the last feudal island in Europe, bans motor vehicles entirely and has no mobile coverage. Alderney lies to the north with wildlife reserves and WWII history.
- Shell Beach Herm
- Belvoir Bay Herm
- Sark La Coupee
- Sark Venus Pool
- Alderney Braye Harbour
Herm has no reliable mobile coverage; download maps and your hotel details before the 20-minute ferry from Saint Peter Port. Sark has zero coverage. Alderney has limited Airtel-Vodafone signal.
Off the beaten path
The last feudal island in Europe, where cars are banned and tractors are the main transport. The cliffs of La Coupee, the narrow land bridge connecting Big and Little Sark, and the Venus Pool tidal swimming hole make this one of the most distinctive places in the British Isles.
Signal: Zero mobile coverage on Sark. Download everything including maps, accommodation details and ferry return times in Saint Peter Port before boarding.
A tiny privately managed island just 3 km long, with Shell Beach covered in naturally polished shells, Belvoir Bay, a small hotel and complete absence of cars and traffic noise.
Signal: No mobile coverage on Herm. Save the ferry timetable and the Shell Beach and Belvoir Bay walking route offline before the 20-minute crossing.
The bay that inspired Pierre-Auguste Renoir to paint 15 canvases during his 1883 visit, with a dramatic headland, crystal water and an idyllic south-facing aspect.
Signal: Sure 4G is adequate at the clifftop above the bay. Signal fades in the cove itself at the bottom of the steps.
An 800-year-old sea fortress guarding Saint Peter Port harbour, featuring five museums including Guernsey's story, military history, maritime history and art, with a daily noon cannon firing.
Signal: Sure and Airtel-Vodafone 4G cover the harbour area and castle approach. Good connectivity throughout.
Built by a Friar De Sales of the De la Salle Brothers, this tiny ornamental chapel covered entirely in shells, broken china and tiles is the smallest chapel in the world to hold a regular service, seating fewer than ten people.
Signal: Good Sure 4G in the interior parishes near Les Vauxbelets.
The home where Victor Hugo lived in exile from 1855 to 1870, writing Les Miserables and Toilers of the Sea, decorated entirely by Hugo himself with an extraordinary mixture of objects and personal vision.
Signal: Excellent 4G throughout Saint Peter Port; the house is centrally located.
The best surf beach on Guernsey, with a long west-facing bay that picks up Atlantic swells, a surf school, and a beach cafe backed by l'Ancresse Common.
Signal: Good Sure 4G along the Route de la Rocque above Vazon Bay. Signal is adequate at the beach level.
Guernsey was the only British Crown Dependency occupied by Nazi Germany from 1940 to 1945. This museum holds the most comprehensive collection of occupation artefacts in the Channel Islands, including a recreated German street scene.
Signal: Reasonable Sure coverage in the Forest parish; the museum has its own wifi.
One of the oldest megalithic monuments in Europe, dating to around 4500 BC, on the open common of the Vale parish alongside Neolithic granite tomb sites and WWII bunkers in an extraordinary layering of history.
Signal: Good Sure 4G across L'Ancresse Common in the north of the island.
A 91-metre-high narrow land bridge connecting Big Sark to Little Sark, with sheer drops on both sides and views across the sea to the other Channel Islands on clear days, accessible only on foot or by horse and cart.
Signal: Zero mobile coverage on Sark. Download the walking route and location information before the ferry from Saint Peter Port.
Events and seasons in Guernsey
May
Guernsey Literary Festival
Saint Peter Port venues
A week-long literary festival drawing international authors, inspired in part by the island's history as home to Victor Hugo and its WWII occupation heritage that inspired the novel The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society.
May 9
Liberation Day
Saint Peter Port, Guernsey
Guernsey's most important public holiday, marking the liberation of the island from German occupation on 9 May 1945. The day features harbour parades, live music, historical re-enactments and a floral tributes ceremony at the Cenotaph.
June to August
Guernsey Eisteddfod
Beau Sejour Leisure Centre, Saint Peter Port
Guernsey's annual performing arts festival and competition, featuring music, dance, speech and drama events across several weeks, drawing young performers from across the island and occasional guest performers from the UK.
June
Sark Folk Festival
Sark
A small folk and roots music festival held across the pubs and open-air spaces of car-free Sark, attracting British and Irish folk musicians and an intimate crowd of festival-goers who arrive by ferry.
June
Guernsey Veg Roots Festival
Saumarez Park, Castel
A celebration of local Guernsey produce, heritage vegetables, outdoor cooking and folk music in the parklands of Saumarez, drawing families and food enthusiasts from across the island and the UK.
July
Rocquaine Bay Raft Race
Rocquaine Bay, Saint Peter in the Wood
A beloved Guernsey tradition where teams build and race homemade rafts across Rocquaine Bay in front of Fort Grey, drawing spectators from across the island for a day of nautical comedy and sea swimming.
August
Battle of Flowers Replica Parade
Saint Peter Port seafront
An annual parade of floral floats down the Saint Peter Port seafront, inspired by the Jersey tradition but with Guernsey's own community-built displays. Local schools, clubs and parishes compete to build elaborate flower-covered tableaux.
August to September
Guernsey Cycling Festival
Island-wide
A series of road cycling events and sportives using Guernsey's closed rural lanes and scenic coast roads, attracting local and visiting cyclists with routes ranging from gentle parish loops to hillier coast circuits.
First week of August
Alderney Week
Alderney
Alderney's annual festival week with daily events, water sports competitions, the famous raft race, dances, fireworks and community celebrations that make the smallest inhabited Channel Island the most animated place in the Bailiwick for one week each year.
September
Guernsey International Kitefest
L'Ancresse Common, Vale
An international kite flying festival on the open common of the northern Vale parish, with professional kite flyers, giant display kites, workshops and family activities on one of the island's largest open green spaces.
Through the year
- Spring
- March to May brings wildflowers, warming temperatures and early season visitors. Liberation Day on May 9 is the island's biggest annual celebration.
- Summer
- June to August brings the warmest weather, with sea temperatures reaching 18 to 20C and all ferry services to Sark, Herm and Alderney operating at full frequency. Peak visitor season means accommodation books out early.
- Fall
- September and October are quieter with mild temperatures, excellent cliff path walking and the first of the season's storms. Ferry services to smaller islands start to reduce in October.
- Winter
- November to February sees many tourist businesses closed or on reduced hours. The island is quiet and authentic; mild Gulf Stream winters mean temperatures rarely fall below 4C.
Working remotely from Guernsey
Guernsey is a pleasant remote work base with reliable hotel wifi, a relaxed pace and no language barrier. The island's finance sector means business facilities are well developed in Saint Peter Port.
- Connection
- 4G in Saint Peter Port handles video calls well. A Roamix plan with 5 GB or more covers a working week of calls and uploads alongside daily island exploration.
Several Saint Peter Port cafes with good wifi are concentrated near the market and the harbour. Use your Roamix eSIM as a reliable backup for sensitive work on public networks.
