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Guernsey: Doing business & staying in touch
Doing business in Guernsey
Businesspeople are generally expected to dress smartly, with a suit and tie for men. Appointments should be made and business cards are customary. Business is conducted primarily in English although French can also be spoken if all parties are fluent.
Finance, tourism and light industry are the main components of Guernsey's economy. With laws favouring light tax and low death duties, the island is a well-developed offshore financial centre with about two dozen banks operating on the island, providing services such as fiduciary, insurance, fund and trust management.
Flowers and tomatoes, once the main horticultural exports, are in decline. Tourism is still important and providing stable employment for the people of Guernsey.
Keeping in Touch in Guernsey
Landline phones are commonplace and most hotels will have phone facilities for guest use. Public telephone boxes can be found on Guernsey although their number is dwindling. They are painted blue, rather than the red found on the UK mainland.
Roaming agreements exist with international mobile phone companies and phone coverage is good overall. Those visiting from the UK should be aware that data roaming charges may apply in Guernsey, depending on what tariff you are on.
Public access is available at internet cafés and in libraries. Most hotels offer Wi-Fi in rooms and public areas, although some may charge.
Guernsey Post is the postal service for the island. Only Guernsey stamps will be accepted on outgoing mail. Post is delivered during the week but not on weekends. In St Peter Port the main post office is situated on Smith Street. Post boxes are painted blue.
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