Need cash when I land, best place in Gibraltar? Airport or places in the city?
When I landed in Gibraltar, I skipped the airport exchange desk and just walked to a NatWest ATM near Casemates Square later that day. It gave me Gibraltar pounds without issue. GBP notes also worked everywhere, but I got change in GIP. Most of my trip I used my debit card since even pubs and small cafés took it. The only cash I needed was for taxis. For anyone landing, don’t bother with airport counters - ATMs in town are the best bet.
Airport exchange desks in Gibraltar aren’t competitive. ATMs like NatWest, Gibraltar International Bank, and Jyske Bank give you cash in GIP at the official rate. Sterling works too, but expect change in GIP. Many tourists rely on cards, which are accepted widely in shops and restaurants. My approach is to use an ATM once in town, withdraw a modest amount, and pay the rest with a card. Unless you absolutely need cash at the airport, don’t use the counters.
In Gibraltar, the easiest option is ATMs. NatWest and Gibraltar International Bank ATMs are common in town and work fine with foreign cards. Airport counters offer poor exchange, so I avoid them. GBP is accepted everywhere, but if you’re paying in sterling notes, you’ll often get change in GIP. I normally withdraw £50-100 from a Gibraltar ATM and use my card for the rest. Saves the hassle of carrying too much cash.
At Gibraltar Airport, the exchange counters aren’t worth it - rates are poor. ATMs from NatWest Gibraltar and Jyske Bank are more reliable and dispense pounds sterling (GIP). Many shops also accept GBP, but you’ll get change in GIP. I usually grab a small amount from the ATM at the airport, then top up in town if needed. Cards are widely accepted, so you don’t need huge amounts of cash. Airport counters should only be used for emergencies.