Gibraltar’s dramatic rock cliffs, British influence, and Mediterranean sunshine make it a unique travel stop – but to make the most of your visit, understanding money in Gibraltar and how currency works is crucial. Whether you’re shopping on Main Street, enjoying a cable car ride, or grabbing lunch with a view of the sea, knowing how to pay is key. This guide covers what currency to bring, the best ways to get money and currency in Gibraltar (Gibraltar Pound – GIP), how to use cash and cards safely, and the essential dos and don’ts. With these tips, you’ll avoid unnecessary fees and explore Gibraltar with ease.
How to pay in Gibraltar – cash or card?
In Gibraltar, both cash and card payments are accepted. The official currency is the Gibraltar Pound (GIP), interchangeable with the British Pound (GBP), and digital wallets are increasingly popular among residents and visitors alike. Most tourist businesses take cards, but small cash payments are often easier for quick transactions.
You can use cash for:
- Public Transportation and Small Rides: Some taxis and buses may require cash fares.
- Street Vendors and Markets: Small stalls and snack stands often prefer cash.
- Small Businesses: Independent shops and cafés sometimes prefer cash for low-value purchases.
- Hostels and Guesthouses: Some budget accommodations may ask for cash payment.
- Tips and Gratuities: Cash tips are common in restaurants, hotels, and for guides.
You can use card for:
- Hotels: All mid-range and higher-end hotels accept cards.
- Restaurants and Bars: Most establishments take Visa and Mastercard, with some also accepting AmEx.
- Retail Stores: Shopping malls, supermarkets, and tourist shops accept cards.
- Car Rentals and Tours: Cards are standard for reservations.
- Online Bookings: Hotels, events, and attractions can be paid for online by card.
What’s the best currency to take to Gibraltar?
The Gibraltar Pound (GIP) is the official currency in Gibraltar, and it’s the best currency to take for your trip. It is pegged 1:1 with GBP and GBP is also accepted on the island and it works seamlessly in shops, restaurants, and public transport. Change may be given in GIP, but it works just like GBP within Gibraltar.
However, Gibraltar Pounds are not accepted in the UK, so if you leave with some in your wallet, you may have a hard time spending them elsewhere.
USD, Euros, and other foreign currencies are not accepted.
Where to get currency in Gibraltar?
There are 3 main ways to get cash in Gibraltar. They are:
- ATMs, or
- Banks for currency exchange, or
- Money transfer & local pick-up
Types of cards to swipe in Gibraltar
Visa and Mastercard transactions are commonly accepted for swiping. You might also find some places that accept Amex and other cards, albeit less frequently.
Types of cards at ATMs in Gibraltar
If you’re withdrawing money in Gibraltar from an ATM, ATMs commonly accept Visa, Mastercards, Plus, Cirrus and Maestro cards. Others like JCB, CUP, American Express, Diners, Discover and Rupay cards are generally not accepted.
Should I exchange money before travelling to Gibraltar?
You do not need to exchange money before traveling to Gibraltar, especially if you’re coming from the UK, as the local currency is the Gibraltar Pound (GIP), which is pegged to the British Pound Sterling (GBP) and GBP is accepted everywhere.
If arriving from outside the UK, bring a small amount of GBP for immediate needs. ATMs in Gibraltar are readily available in Main Street, shopping areas, and near the border, and accept Visa, Mastercard, Cirrus, and Plus cards. Do check with your bank for any international withdrawal fees.
Currency exchange services are available at banks and exchange bureaus, but there’s rarely a need to exchange GBP to GIP, as both are used interchangeably.
Where to withdraw money in Gibraltar
You can withdraw money in Gibraltar at leading bank ATMs in the country. The best ATMs for foreigners to use in Gibraltar are those owned by popular banks such as:
- Gibraltar International Bank, and
- Natwest.
For a detailed guide, read Cash and ATMs in Gibraltar.
Where to exchange currency in Gibraltar
You can exchange currency in Gibraltar at licensed currency exchange offices and banks branches.
There are a few private exchange offices located in Main Street, especially close to the Casemates Square and the shopping district. These offer competitive rates and convenient hours.
Notable exchange offices include Sterling Exchange, Saccone & Speed, Moneycorp (at the border).
Popular Banks Offering Currency Exchange Services are Gibraltar International Bank, NatWest Gibraltar. Bank opening hours are typically Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM.
Border & Airport Exchange:
Currency exchange is available at the Gibraltar Airport and at the border crossing from La Línea, but airport rates may be less competitive.
Tip: Bring British Pounds (GBP) in cash – they’re widely accepted and interchangeable locally, and save you the hassle of exchanging to Gibraltar Pounds unless needed for small purchases or change.
You can find good currency exchanges in Gibraltar using the ATM Fee Saver app – it will guide you to the nearest currency exchange on the map. The app helps you with forex places in 160+ countries, including Gibraltar. Download now from the App Store or Play Store.
Avoid Airport Exchanges and no-fee exchange offices: They have the highest fees and poorest exchange rates. Wait to get to the city to exchange cash.
Is carrying cash in Gibraltar safe?
Carrying cash in Gibraltar is very safe, as the territory has a low crime rate and a strong police presence. That said, tourists should still take basic precautions, especially in crowded areas or during cruise ship arrivals when the town center is busiest.
To safely carry cash in Gibraltar:
- Carry only what you need for daily expenses; keep the rest in your accommodation safe.
- Use a secure wallet or crossbody bag with zippers to reduce the risk of pickpocketing.
- Avoid showing large amounts of cash when making purchases in Main Street shops or cafés.
- Stick to ATMs in banks or shopping centers, rather than isolated machines.
- Credit cards are widely accepted, but cash may be preferred at smaller kiosks or taxis.
- Be extra cautious near the border crossing or during peak tourist times.
Is it better to use debit or credit cards or pay by cash in Gibraltar
Use a card if it is fee-free i.e. your bank does not charge any fees to swipe the card, when the merchant / POS also does not impose any extra charge to use a card, you need to use the insurance of the card, don’t want to block cash of large purchases and card’s swipe fees are lower than withdrawal fees.
Pay by cash by withdrawing cash from ATM or exchanging currency where – fees on ATM withdrawals are lesser than fees on swiping cards, you don’t want to leave any digital footprint of your expenses, it is convenient and easier to conduct transactions.
Download ATM Fee Saver now.
