Places to exchange currency in Guernsey

I arrived in Guernsey with only euros and made the mistake of exchanging at the airport counter - the rate was terrible. The next day, I used a Lloyds ATM in St Peter Port, and it was much better. Everywhere took my card anyway, even small bakeries, so I realized I barely needed cash. I’d suggest just withdrawing a small amount at an ATM when you land and not bothering with airport counters at all. Lesson learned the hard way for me.

Airport exchange counters in Guernsey aren’t competitive. The better move is to use ATMs from HSBC, Lloyds, or NatWest, all of which dispense cash in Guernsey pounds. You can spend them locally, and they’re equal to sterling. Exchange offices aren’t common in town since ATMs are the main way to get cash. Most visitors find £50-100 enough, since Guernsey is largely card-friendly. If you’re landing late, the airport ATMs are safe and straightforward, so don’t waste time with the counters.

When I flew into Guernsey, I skipped the airport counter because the rate was really weak. Instead, I used a NatWest ATM right outside arrivals. In town, you’ll also find Lloyds and Barclays ATMs. Since Guernsey pounds are pegged 1:1 to GBP, using ATMs is the simplest. Most hotels and restaurants take cards, so you don’t need large sums. I just withdrew £100 to be safe, then paid with my Visa card everywhere else. No need for city exchange shops really.

Guernsey Airport has a small Travelex-style counter, but the exchange rate is usually poor. Better to withdraw directly in GBP from local ATMs. HSBC, Lloyds, and NatWest all operate machines on the island, and they’re reliable with foreign cards. Cash isn’t needed much since most shops take cards, but buses and smaller cafés may prefer cash. I usually grab £50 from the airport ATM to cover immediate needs and then rely on my card. Don’t bother with the exchange counter unless you’re desperate.