Cost of Living
Living costs are broadly similar to the UK although there are variations
between specific items. Items such as cars, household appliances and
jewellery are generally cheaper than in the UK as are tobacco, spirits and
cosmetics. The retail price index increases tend to parallel those in
the UK, but at a slightly higher level.
Eating out
Guernsey is often spoken of as being a ‘Gourmet’ Island. Lots
of restaurants feature fresh lobster, crab, oyster, sea bass, sole and brill,
as well as Guernsey’s own delicacy, the ormer.
If you are not a fish eater there are also lots of mouth-watering
alternatives. You can literally pick anywhere in the world and find a
restaurant offering authentic cuisine. Indian, Mexican, Chinese,
Italian, Japanese, Moroccan and of course, classic French restaurants all
appear on the local eating out map. There could not be a greater
choice.
Leisure Activities
In Guernsey there are things to do all year round. There are
opportunities to swim, windsurf, water-ski or even surf from the islands
beaches or to go sailing or sea fishing from the marina.
There are three golf courses on the Island and a number of soccer,
football and athletic clubs.
Beau Sejour Leisure Centre has a sports hall with courts available for
volleyball, badminton, football, squash, tennis etc as well as other
facilities including a fitness studio, a bowling green and a large
indoor pool with water flumes.
There are also a number of private clubs and Hotels on the Island that
offer sporting and fitness facilities and health and beauty suites.
Art and drama
During the Summer months plays are performed within the walls of Castle
Cornet in St Peter Port. You can bring a picnic and a bottle of wine
and listen to Shakespeare or Oscar Wilde performed in idyllic surroundings.
The Island has a Choral Society and an Amateur Dramatic and Operatic Club
as well as other societies and clubs, representing a wide range of interests
and activities. The St James Concert and Assembly Hall and Beau Sejour
Centre also undertake to provide a programme of cultural events each year.
Nightlife
Many local bands entertain diners in bars and bistros around the island
and there are several nightclubs.
Language
With nearly a whole generation being evacuated to England prior to the
German Occupation of Guernsey (approximately 21,000 people in total) the
local dialect, Guernsey Patois (or Guernesiais) almost died out.
Today, few islanders speak Patois.
Currency
Guernsey is in the Sterling Area and Bank of England notes and UK coins
circulate within the Island. The States of Guernsey also issue their
own notes and coins.
Newspapers
UK national newspapers are available daily. There is also a local
daily paper – the Guernsey Press and a weekly paper – the Guernsey
Globe.
Radio and TV
UK national radio and television stations are broadcast to Guernsey.
There is a local ITV contractor – Channel Television – and two local
radio stations – BBC Radio Guernsey and Island FM, a commercial station.
