Jersey Travel: 100 Questions Answered based on NeemTime research
Currency & Money
Can I use British Pounds in Jersey? Yes, UK notes and coins are accepted everywhere.
What is a Jersey Pound? It is the local currency, at par with GBP.
Can I use Jersey Pounds in mainland UK? Usually no; most UK shops won’t accept them, so spend or exchange them before you leave.
Is card payment common? Yes, nearly everywhere is contactless-ready.
Do I need cash for honesty boxes? Most still use cash, but some modern ones now accept Revolut or QR payments.
Are there many ATMs? Yes, primarily in St Helier and at the airport.
Is Jersey expensive? It is comparable to London prices; dining out and alcohol are no longer significantly cheaper than the UK.
Is there VAT in Jersey? No, but there is a 5% GST (Goods and Services Tax) added to most items.
Transport & Getting Around
Should I hire a car? Highly recommended for exploring the north coast and hidden bays.
Is the bus service good? Yes, “LibertyBus” is reliable, though routes radiate from St Helier (making cross-island trips longer).
Do I need a special license to drive? A standard UK or International driving permit is fine.
What are “Green Lanes”? Narrow lanes where pedestrians, cyclists, and horses have priority; speed limit is 15mph.
Is parking difficult? It can be tricky in St Helier; use the “PayByPhone” app for easier payment.
Are there Ubers? No. You must use local taxi companies or apps like “Jersey Taxis.”
Can I bring my own car? Yes, via the Condor Ferry from Poole or Portsmouth.
Is the island bike-friendly? Very. Electric bikes are popular due to the many hills.
What is the “Petit Train”? A tourist train that runs along the coast between St Helier and St Aubin.
Are roads narrow? Yes, many lanes are “single track with passing places.”
What is the speed limit? The maximum speed on the island is 40mph.
Where to Stay
Is St Helier the best base? Best for nightlife, shopping, and bus connections.
Should I stay in St Aubin? Great for a more village-like feel with high-end restaurants.
Is St Brelade better for families? Yes, it has the best sandy beach and water sports.
Is Gorey too quiet? It’s peaceful and scenic but further from the “action” on the west coast.
Are there hostels? Limited options; Jersey is dominated by 3-5 star hotels and guest houses.
Can I camp in Jersey? Yes, but only at designated campsites; wild camping is illegal.
Sightseeing & Activities
What are the “must-see” castles? Mont Orgueil (Gorey) and Elizabeth Castle (accessible by sea-duck).
Are the German War Tunnels worth it? Highly recommended for WWII history enthusiasts.
Is Jersey Zoo (Durrell) good? It is a world-class conservation center, not a traditional zoo.
What is La Hougue Bie? One of the oldest Neolithic passage graves in Europe.
Where can I see puffins? Plemont cliffs, usually between March and July.
Are there dolphins? Yes, often seen on RIB boat trips to the Les Écréhous reef.
What is the “Devil’s Hole”? A natural blowhole in the north coast cliffs.
Can I walk to Elizabeth Castle? Only at low tide via a paved causeway; otherwise, take the amphibious ferry.
Is there a museum pass? Yes, the Jersey Heritage Pass covers multiple sites for a discount.
Where is the best sunset? St Ouen’s Bay on the west coast.
Beaches & Nature
Which beach is best for swimming? St Brelade’s Bay is the most popular and sheltered.
Which beach is best for surfing? St Ouen’s Bay (The Five Mile Road).
Is the water cold? It peaks at around 18°C in August/September.
Are there lifeguards? Only on the main beaches during the summer season.
Are the tides dangerous? Jersey has one of the highest tidal ranges in the world; always check tide times.
What is “Sea Lettuce”? A green algae that sometimes covers St Aubin’s Bay; it’s harmless but can be smelly.
Where is the best cliff walk? The north coast path from Greve de Lecq to Plemont.
Is Beauport beach hard to reach? Yes, it requires a steep walk down (and up), but it’s stunning.
Food & Drink
What are Jersey Royals? Famous local potatoes, best eaten with butter in spring/early summer.
Is the seafood local? Yes, look for Jersey oysters, scallops, and crab.
What is a “Jersey Wonder”? A local fried pastry, similar to a doughnut but without the hole.
Can I drink the tap water? Yes, it is perfectly safe.
Are there many vegetarian/vegan options? Yes, most restaurants in St Helier and St Aubin are very accommodating.
Do I need to book restaurants? For popular spots like El Tico or Oyster Box, booking is essential in summer.
What is “The Hungry Man”? A legendary kiosk at Rozel Bay famous for giant burgers and cakes.
Is there a nightlife scene? Mostly centered in St Helier (The Weighbridge area), but it is more “pub-focused” than “club-focused.”
What is Jersey Black Butter? A preserve made from apples, cider, and spices (no actual dairy butter).
Practicalities & Logistics
Do I need a passport from the UK? No, but you need photo ID (like a driving license).
Do I need a passport from the EU? Yes, since Brexit, EU citizens generally need a passport.
Is Jersey in the UK? No, it is a Crown Dependency with its own government.
Is Jersey in the EU? No.
Will my mobile data work? Most UK providers exclude the Channel Islands from “roaming” plans. Check before you land!
Is there public Wi-Fi? Available in many cafes and St Helier town center.
What is the best time to visit? May to September for weather; December for Christmas markets.
Is it windy? Very. Even on sunny days, the Atlantic breeze is constant.
Does it snow in Jersey? Rarely; the maritime climate keeps it milder than the UK.
Are shops open on Sundays? Most large supermarkets and shops in St Helier are closed or have limited hours.
What is the “Battle of Flowers”? A major floral carnival held every August.
Can I take a day trip to France? Yes, the ferry to St Malo takes about 1 hour 25 minutes.
Can I take a day trip to Guernsey? Yes, via the Condor Voyager (approx. 1 hour).
Is there a hospital? Yes, the General Hospital is in St Helier.
Does the EHIC/GHIC card work? No, but there is a reciprocal health agreement with the UK for emergency care.
Is travel insurance necessary? Strongly recommended for medical repatriation to the UK.
Culture & Etiquette
What do you call someone from Jersey? A “Jersey Bean” (or a “Crapaud”—toad—if you’re being cheeky).
Do they speak French? Most people speak English, but you’ll see French road signs and “Jèrriais” (local patois) on some buildings.
What is Liberation Day? May 9th—the biggest local holiday, celebrating the end of Nazi occupation.
Is Jersey safe? Very safe with low crime rates.
Are people friendly? Generally very welcoming, though the “island pace” is slower.
What should I wear? Layers. The weather changes fast.
Is it okay to wear swimwear in town? Not really; it’s considered polite to cover up when away from the beach.
Family & Kids
Is Jersey good for toddlers? Yes, very family-oriented with safe beaches.
Are there indoor activities for rain? The Cinema, Aquasplash, and various museums.
Are buses pram-friendly? Yes, most have low floors and designated spaces.
Is there a “hop-on hop-off” bus? Not a dedicated one, but the regular bus network covers all tourist spots.
Shopping
Is there duty-free? Yes, especially on spirits, tobacco, and perfume.
Where is the best shopping? King Street and Queen Street in St Helier.
Are there UK high street stores? Yes, like M&S, Boots, and Next.
What are the opening hours? Usually 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM.
Hidden Gems & Local Tips
What is the “Moonwalk”? A guided walk to the Seymour Tower at extreme low tide (looks like a lunar landscape).
Where can I see bioluminescence? Some beaches (like Royal Bay of Grouville) have glowing plankton in summer.
Is Corbière Lighthouse reachable? Yes, but only via a causeway at low tide. Watch the alarm!
What is “Plémont”? A stunning bay with caves and a waterfall, but it disappears entirely at high tide.
Are there any vineyards? Yes, La Mare Wine Estate offers tours and tastings.
Where can I see red squirrels? The woods around Millbrook Park or the Railway Walk.
Is the “Railway Walk” actually a railway? It’s a converted track for walkers and cyclists from St Aubin to Corbière.
What is the “Central Market”? A Victorian indoor market in St Helier—great for local produce.
Where is the best crab sandwich? Faulkner Fisheries at L’Etacq.
Can I fly a drone? Strict regulations apply; you often need a permit due to the proximity of the airport.
Is Jersey good for hiking? Excellent; the 48-mile “Around Island Walk” is a famous challenge.
Are there many golf courses? Yes, several high-quality courses, some with coastal views.
Can I visit the Ecréhous? Yes, by booking a private charter or RIB trip; it’s a tiny group of islands.
Is there a “puffin patrol”? During nesting season, there are areas cordoned off to protect them.
Does Jersey have many festivals? Yes, from the “Week of Corn” to cider festivals in autumn.
Is it “Jersey” or “The Island of Jersey”? Locals just say “Jersey.”
Can I get a physical map? Yes, the Visit Jersey center at the harbor provides excellent free maps.