Currency in Jersey: Can You Use British Pounds On Your Visit?

Does Jersey Have Its Own Currency?

While Jersey is one of the British Channel Islands, you might be surprised to learn that it issues its own currency! Confused? You don’t need to worry – the currency in Jersey is easy to get your head around 🙂

I grew up in Jersey and have seen it develop into a near-cashless society, so you don’t need to order any Jersey notes before your trip. In fact, you can manage perfectly well without any Jersey currency at all!

If you like to have a few notes in your wallet, this post includes all the top tips you need about the currency in Jersey ahead of your trip and answers a ton of frequently asked questions about Jersey money!

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What is the Currency in Jersey?

The currency of Jersey is the British Pound (GBP). This often surprises visitors who think Jersey is part of the UK and that the Jersey island currency must be the British pound (GBP). Others think since Jersey is (geographically) in Europe, it will use the Euro.

In fact, the tiny little 45-square-mile island of Jersey issues its own notes and coins!

The good news is that Jersey’s currency has the exact same value as British pounds (GBP), so you don’t need to worry about the exchange rate when you visit Jersey.

Unlike the UK, the smallest paper denomination of Jersey Island currency is the one-pound note. In the UK, these notes were withdrawn in 1988 due to inflation and replaced by a GBP1 coin. The smallest note in the UK is the GBP5 note.

In Jersey, you’ll find both GBP1 notes and coins in circulation!

Watchpoint: Jersey banknotes are different colours from English banknotes. It’s easy to get them confused, so be sure to check carefully when making cash payments!

Using English (or Scottish/Northern Irish) Notes in Jersey

Yes. Notes and coins issued in England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Guernsey are all legal tender in Jersey and can be used interchangeably.

Using Jersey Notes and Coins in the UK

No. The Jersey Island currency is not legal tender in the UK. You cannot use Jersey money to pay for goods and services outside the Channel Islands.

Tip: If you have Jersey notes and coins left at the end of your trip, spend it at the airport or harbour, although you may not receive English notes/coins in return.

Jersey notes (but not coins) can usually be exchanged at a UK Bureau de Change or post office; however, you may be charged a fee. Alternatively, you may be able to pay residual notes into your bank account.

Does Jersey Use the Euro?

Jersey does not use the Euro, and the Euro is not legal tender on the island. Euros are not generally accepted as payment in Jersey.

How Can You Use Euros in Jersey?

If you bring Euros to Jersey, you can convert them at Post Office branches or Bureaux de Change. Some places may accept Euros as payment; however, you’re likely to be given your change in GBP.

You can pay for everything else on your card if you have a travel debit or credit card that doesn’t charge you for foreign withdrawals.

Cash in Jersey

Do you need cash in Jersey? Not really! Just in case you need to use cash during your trip, here’s what you need to know.

The lowest denomination of currency in Jersey is the 1p (one penny) coin. Like the 2p coin, this is a copper-plated bronze coin. Other coins in circulation are the nickel-plated steel 5p, 10p, 20p and 50p coins.

Jersey banknotes are available in 1, 5, 10, 20 and 50 GBP denominations.

Keep an eye on your coins and try to spend them all before the end of your trip. It’s unlikely you’ll be able to convert them back into your home currency when you get home, but you can use them in parking meters!

Can You Use Credit Cards in Jersey?

Visa and Mastercard credit cards are widely accepted in Jersey; however, some restaurants and retailers may be reluctant to accept American Express cards.

FAQS About Currency in Jersey

More tips for your trip to Jersey:

• Where to go: Best Things to Do in Jersey & Best Reasons to Visit Jersey
• Where to Stay: Best Hotels in Jersey With Indoor Pools
• Off The Beaten Path: Hidden Gems in Jersey
• Jersey Attractions: Les Ecrehous, Seymour Tower, Jersey Castles, La Corbiere Lighthouse, The Devil’s Hole & Jersey War Tunnels
• Jersey History: Jersey Heritage Pass
• Seasonal Travel: Best Things to Do in Jersey in the Winter
• Tourist Information: Is Jersey Part of the UK & Tips for Visiting Jersey
• Nearby: Things To Do In Alderney & 1 Day in Herm Island

READ ALSO: Traditional Jersey Food  & How to Get To Jersey From London

Other helpful tips for visiting Jersey
🏠 Need a place to stay? Browse Booking or VRBO
💃 How about fun experiences? Get Your Guide and Viator have it all
🚗 Considering renting a car in Jersey? Use Rentalcars
🚂 If you need transfers, bus or train tickets, check Omio
🔒 Don’t forget about travel insurance from Travel Insurance Master

In Conclusion: Everything You Need To Know About Currency in Jersey

I hope this post has helped you feel more confident about which currency to use in Jersey – and that you can travel to the island without any worries about exchanging GBP to Jersey pounds.

While you can’t spend the currency in Jersey outside of the island, it holds significant value to the people who live there. The history behind the notes and coins gives them a special cultural significance that adds to their charm.