Essential Information

Health

The Falkland Islands Government Health Service is responsible for the provision of all medical services including dental care. The general standard of health within the Falklands is rated as good and visitors to the Islands require no vaccinations. All health-care facilities are based at the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital (KEMH) in Stanley where medical staff are qualified to UK standards, including a full surgical team.

Other settlements and farms are equipped with medicine chests to meet everyday needs and take care of minor injuries. If necessary, arrangements will be made for transportation to Stanley.

Visitors to the Islands, other than those who are UK residents, are required to pay for any medical services received in the Islands. Travel insurance, inclusive of medical evacuation by plane, is needed to stay in the Falklands.

Over-the-counter medicines, including pain-killers, indigestion remedies and medicinal dressings, can be easily purchased in supermarkets in Stanley. If you take prescribed medicines, it is highly recommended that you bring sufficient supplies for the length of your stay and to allow for contingencies. It is also a good idea to bring a copy of your prescription. If you cannot find the medicine you need in the shops, the pharmacy at the KEMH will assist but please remember that if an item is not part of their stock it will need to be ordered from overseas and take a few days to arrive.

Banking and Money

There is only one bank, the Standard Chartered Bank (SCB) located on Ross Road, Stanley. It opens weekdays 9am - 3pm. The SCB can change money and issue cash advances against Visa and Mastercard credit and debit cards. Charges apply and photographic identification is usually required.

Local currency has the same value as UK sterling and both circulate freely in the Islands. US dollars are widely accepted and euros can be used in some places. The use of credit and debit cards is increasing, with the majority of shops and restaurants now accepting these. However, it’s a good idea to check your method of payment in advance and it is highly recommended to carry cash for use outside of Stanley. There is a cash machine (ATM) at Stanley Services fuel station on Bypass Road.

Communications

All communication services, Island-wide, are provided by Sure.

If you have a contract phone you may be able to use the local mobile (cellphone) network with your own SIM card. The Sure website has an up-to-date list of roaming partners. Ensure in advance that roaming is activated. A pay-as-you-go service is also available and may be a cheaper option if you are visiting for more than a day. You will need a SIM-free (unlocked) phone. Mobile coverage is good in Stanley and many other locations but is not entirely island-wide.

Stanley has a small number of public phone boxes which can be used with pre-paid cards available from some shopping outlets.

Wi-fi hotspots exist at many locations around the Islands. A wi-fi card is needed; these can usually be purchased at the place where a hot-spot is situated. Wi-fi does not exist everywhere. Getting away from wi-fi may be an attraction but if access is really important to you, check the Sure website for the latest information on availability.

Entry and Exit Requirements

All visitors require a passport valid for the length of their stay.

Land-based travellers should also have travel insurance (inclusive of evacuation by plane), a return ticket, evidence of accommodation and sufficient personal funds for their time in the Islands. A small number of nationalities require a visa. A departure tax must be paid on embarking from the international airport. Payable in cash in FK£, GB£, euros€ or US$. This can also be paid by card for debit or credit, Visa and MasterCard only.

Further information is available from the Falkland Islands Customs and Immigration Department.

Language

The official language of the Islands is English.

Many nationalities are represented in the Islands, therefore a range of languages can be found, albeit spoken by just a small number of individuals. In an emergency situation, efforts will be made to find a suitable translator.