Language
We speak English - with a faint Jersey accent and as you explore you’ll see road signs in French, relics of our Norman past. Jersey has its own native language, Jerriais - an old Norman language with a sprinkling of Norse. Although you may not hear it spoken, it’s part of the island’s heritage - look closely and you’ll see traces of it around the island from map locations (Greve means beach) to street names.
Currency
Our currency is sterling, but the island has its own money, the Jersey pound. It’s one of the last few places you’ll see a pound note, and while the notes may look different, the value is the same. You’ll usually be given Jersey money as change when you’re shopping, but English money can be freely used and all major debit and credit cards are accepted. There are ATM machines in St Helier and across the island.
Island time
It’s the same as the UK. Jersey follows Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and changes to British Summer Time along with the mainland.
Jersey's weather
As the most southerly of the Channel Islands, Jersey’s climate is relatively mild - our weather is similar to the south coast of Britain but often slightly warmer and sunnier. The hottest days are normally found in July and August, with average temperatures around 18-20°C.
Electricity
The island uses UK plug sockets (3-pin) and 240 voltage. European and US visitors will need adaptors which can be bought in St Helier.
Passports And Visas
There are no immigration controls between the UK and Jersey. If you hold a passport, you’re not required to carry it to visit Jersey. However, you will need to bring photo ID such as a driving licence, and many transport providers require you to also carry your passport. Check with your airline and ferry company before travelling to confirm the identification you’ll need to carry. If you’re visiting Jersey from abroad, whether you’re a British passport holder or an EU or EAA national you will need to show a valid passport or identity card to immigration control on arrival. You don’t need a visa if you’re an EU or EAA national. For more information about whether you’ll need your passport or a visa, read the Advice for Visitors.
Mobiles
The main UK mobile networks don’t extend to Jersey and usually class phoning in Jersey as an international call. Check with your service provider for current charges. To call a Jersey telephone number, use the Jersey dialling code - 01534 from the UK and from any other country you must use +44 1534
Working in Jersey
Planning to live and work in Jersey? If you’re a British citizen or a national of a Member State of the European Economic Area, you don’t need a work permit. If you have relevant skills, you’re welcome to look for a job in Jersey. You can find out more information about living and working in Jersey at www.gov.je
The Jersey Flag
You’ll know you’ve arrived in Jersey when you see the Jersey Flag flying, it has a red diagonal cross on a white background, with three gold leopards (or lions) on a red crest surmounted by a gold crown in the top triangle.
Opening times
Shops in St Helier are open normally from 9 am until 5.30 pm from Monday to Saturday with some shops staying open later on Thursdays. Most shops are closed on Sundays. St Helier’s Victorian Central Market and the Fish Market close at 2 pm on Thursday afternoon, but are open from 7.30 am until 5.30 pm Monday to Saturday.
Post Office
Sending a postcard home? The main post office is in Broad Street, St Helier with smaller post offices around the island. You’ll need a Jersey postage stamp on all mail posted in the island.
Goods & Services Tax
Jersey’s 5% goods and services tax (GST) is charged on most sales. Visitors travelling by air may be able to claim GST back on single purchases of selected goods of more than £300 (refund forms are stamped at Jersey airport as you leave). Not all local retailers are part of the GST visitor refund scheme so if you want to claim back GST, check with the store before you buy.
Tourist Information Centre
Jersey’s Tourist Information Centre is where you’ll find free maps, brochures and ideas of how to make the most of your island time. The team of local travel experts are ready to help you with information and suggestions on what to see, where to stay and restaurants to try.
Jersey's Education System
There are three schooling systems in Jersey:
- free States of Jersey schools
- fee-paying States of Jersey schools
- private fee-paying schools
Full time compulsory education begins at the start of the term during which children have their fifth birthday. Places are offered to children at the beginning of the school year in which their fifth birthday falls.
For more information visit https://www.gov.je/lifeevents/movingtojersey/pages/education
