Visitor info to Gibraltar

Gibraltar is a large promontory of jurassic limestone, situated in the western entrance to the Mediterranean. The 5km-long (3 mile) rock contains 143 caves, over 48km (30 miles) of road and as many miles of tunnels. An internal self-governing British Crown Colony, Gibraltar has given its name to the Bay and the Straits which it overlooks. Spain is to the north and west and Morocco is 26km (16 miles) to the south. Here is some important info for visitors.

There is a regular bus service that is reasonably priced and is a good option for touring the country. You can also get a taxi cab that is easily and widely available. The driver is required by law to carry and produce a copy of the taxi fares on demand, so you can ask to see the fares list. If you wish to drive yourself you should be aware that traffic drives on the right. The speed limit is 50kph (31mph), except where otherwise indicated. It is compulsory to drive with dipped headlights at night. Car hire: Both self-drive and chauffeur-driven cars are available. Touring outside Gibraltar can also be arranged. When driving motorized two-wheeled vehicle crash helmets must be worn at all times. The following documents are required to drive into Gibraltar:

• Evidence of Insurance
• Certificate of Registration (Car Log Book)
• Nationality Plate
• A valid driving licence

The legal tender in Gibraltar is Gibraltar Government issued notes and coinage, the value of which is equal to the Pound Sterling. British Pounds, Euro and US Dollars are widely accepted in most shopping areas. All major credit cards are also accepted everywhere, as well as traveler's cheque. Banks are open from 9am to 3:30pm on weekdays and have ATM services.

3: Statistics

AREA: 6.5 sq km (2.5 sq miles)

POPULATION: 27,071 (official estimate 1994)

POPULATION DENSITY: 4156.5 per sq km

English is the official language. Gibraltarians are bilingual in English and Spanish.

Roman Catholic, Church of England, Church of Scotland, Jewish, Hindu and other minorities.

GMT + 1 (GMT + 2 from last Sunday in March to Saturday before last Sunday in October).

220/240 volts AC, 50Hz. UK-style 3-pin plugs are in use.

Telephone: IDD is available. Country code: 350. Outgoing international code: 00. Fax: Facilities are available in some hotels. Telegram: Enquire at Gibtel, 60 Main Street; or after office hours at Mount Pleasant, 25 South Barracks Road. Post: Airmail within Europe takes between one and five days. Airmail flights are usually daily. There is a Poste Restante facility at the main post office in Main Street. Post office hours: 0900-1630 (0900-1415 in summer) Monday to Friday; 1000-1300 Saturday. Press: Newspapers are in English; The New People, Panorama and Vox are published weekly. The Gibraltar Chronicle (est. 1801) is the only daily.