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Few scams

Southern Europe

Tourist scams in Gibraltar

Gibraltar has a low crime rate. The main money concern described is a poor exchange rate when paying shops in euros; this alone does not mean a shop is dishonest. There are also reports of attacks on people walking back to Gibraltar from the Spanish side of the border late at night.
  1. 1 Changing moneyOccasionalPoor exchange rates when paying in eurosA shop accepts euros but uses an exchange rate that gives you poor value. You may pay more than you would in pounds. This is a pricing risk, not proof of fraud, and its frequency is not established.Shops that accept euros 3Read

Habits that keep you safe

Money

  • British pounds are accepted throughout Gibraltar and have the same value as Gibraltar pounds.
  • Check the rate before paying a shop in euros.
  • Ask for change in UK notes if you will not spend it in Gibraltar.
  • Exchange leftover Gibraltar pounds before leaving. Gibraltar banks change them to British pounds free of charge.
  • Use pounds at government offices and post offices. They do not accept foreign currency.

Cards and ATMs

  • Ask whether cards are accepted before ordering food or buying goods. Some shops and restaurants do not accept them.
  • Carry enough cash for purchases where cards are not accepted.
  • Check the amount before approving a card payment.

Nights out

  • Consider taking a taxi after dark when returning from bars in Spain.
  • Be especially careful if you have been drinking or are travelling alone.
  • Plan your journey back before going out. Attacks have been reported on the Spanish side of the border late at night.

Police and officials

  • The Royal Gibraltar Police handles everyday civilian policing.
  • Gibraltar Defence Police may be visible around the airport. Their main role is protecting military installations.
  • If you doubt someone's claim to be a police officer, move somewhere safe and contact the police to check.

What travellers say about Gibraltar

Discussions on other sites, summarised in our words. Open a link to read the full thread.

Questions

Are tourist scams common in Gibraltar?

Gibraltar has a low crime rate. There is no established frequency for tourist scams in this guide. The main money concern described is poor value when shops convert prices into euros.

Should I pay in euros or pounds?

Check both prices before paying. Many shops accept euros, but their exchange rate may give poor value. British and Gibraltar pounds are accepted.

Can I use British pounds in Gibraltar?

Yes. British pounds are accepted everywhere in Gibraltar and have the same value as Gibraltar pounds.

What should I do with leftover Gibraltar pounds?

Change them before leaving. They are not accepted outside Gibraltar, including in the UK. Gibraltar banks exchange them for British pounds free of charge.

Can I rely on paying by card?

No. Some shops and especially restaurants do not accept cards. Ask before ordering or buying, and carry some cash.

Is it safe to walk back from Spain late at night?

Attacks have been reported on the Spanish side of the border against people returning to Gibraltar on foot. Consider a taxi after dark, especially if you have been drinking or are alone.

Which police force handles everyday problems?

The Royal Gibraltar Police handles civilian policing. Gibraltar Defence Police mainly protects military installations and may be visible around the airport.

What number should I call in an emergency?

In Gibraltar, dial 199 for police assistance or 190 for fire and ambulance. From a mobile phone, you can dial 112 for all emergencies.

What should I do about an unexpected shop charge?

Ask for a receipt and compare the charge with the price you agreed. Ask the shop to explain or correct it. A poor exchange rate alone does not prove fraud.

What should I do if my bank card is stolen?

Block it immediately through your bank or card issuer. Check for unauthorised payments, report them, and report the theft to the police.

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