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ALDERNEY
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| General Information |
Churches
Church of England, Roman Catholic Church, Methodist Church, Salvation Army, Quakers.
Driving
Left-hand traffic, just like in Great Britain. Parking disk for restricted parking areas in St. Anne's. No traffic lights, no roundabouts, no traffic jams.
Islandwide speed limit: 35mph
Duty-Free
Alderney offers its own duty-free facilities, where visitors can purchase alcohol and cigarettes at exceptionally low prices, prior to departure from different retail outlets on the Island.
Electrical Supply
Current is 240 volts AC.
Language
English is spoken throughout the island of Alderney.
Medical Care
All visitors should be aware that the National Health Service does not operate in the Bailiwick (i.e. Guernsey, Alderney, Sark and Herm). However, there is a Reciprocal Health Convention in force between the UK Department of Health and the States of Guernsey, the States of Alderney and the Chief Pleas of Sark, which provides for "immediate necessary" hospital, medical, dental and nursing services and general medical, dental and ophthalmic services.
At present, Alderney residents receive free hospital care, but have to pay to see a GP, Dentist, Optician or Physiotherapist. They also have to pay for ambulance services and for the services of a doctor in the Accident and Emergency department. Drugs prescribed by a medical practitioner are free. However, a prescription charge (per item) has to be paid.
These services - on the same basis as for Alderney residents - are also provided for visitors from England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man, whose stay in the island is not intended to exceed three months. In the event of a UK resident receiving treatment under the Reciprocal Health Convention having to be transferred to the mainland, the patient will be responsible for all travelling expenses incurred.
The Reciprocal Health Convention does not apply to persons taking up residence in the island, nor to a person who, as a visitor or employed person, intends to stay, or actually stays in the island for more than three months.
The Bailiwick has health care agreements with some other countries, but again these require payment for any medical or dental treatment. Visitors are advised to obtain health insurance cover.
Medical Services
The Island Medical Centre, Sundial House, les Roquettes, Tel: +44 (0)1481 822077
Eagle Medical Practice, Ollivier Court, Tel: +44 (0)1481 822494
Dental Practice, Venelles du Milieu, Tel: +44 (0)1481 823131
Mignot Memorial Hospital, Crabby, Tel: +44 (0)1481 822822
Money Matters/Currency
Money Matters/Currency British and Channel Islands' issue notes and coinage. Although Channel Islands currency is of equal value to UK money, travellers should exchange these for UK money before returning home, as this currency does not circulate in the UK. Alderney issues its own commemorative coins.
Euro: At this stage, Pound Sterling still remains the accepted currency across the Channel Islands and Great Britain and, if you intend to pay in Euros ,we strongly recommend that you check on the latest status prior to travelling to the Channel Islands. At present only very few establishments are able to accept payment in Euros, although the majority will accept credit cards.
There are two cash dispensers on the island. HSBC and Lloyds/TSB. both are in Victoria Street. Cheque payments with cheque card are accepted by most establishments and all major credit cards and traveller cheques can be used on the island.
The following major clearing banks, are present in St. Anne and provide foreign exchange facilities:
NatWest*, Victoria Street Tel +44 (0)1481 822681
HSBC Bank*, Victoria Street Tel +44 (0)1481 822293 cash dispenser
Lloyds/TSB*, Victoria Street Tel +44 (0)1481 822340 cash dispenser
Post Office Savings Bank*, Victoria Street Tel +44 (0)1481 822644
Opening Hours Monday-Friday 0930-1300, 1430-1530
(Lloyds/'TSB 0930-1230, 1330-1600; Fridays 1330-1800)
(* = exchange and cash facilities - must have suitable ID for withdrawing cash)
Newspapers and Broadcasting
UK national newspapers available on the Island. BBC TV, Channel TV (part of the ITV network) and local BBC radio and Island FM. Local press: Alderney Journal, Guernsey Evening Press, Guernsey Globe, Jersey Evening Post, Jersey Homefinder.
Passports
Not required for citizens of Britain and the Irish Republic. Visitors from EU countries need valid passports or national identity cards. Nationals of other Western European countries and North America require valid passports, but not visas.
However, if you plan to visit France during your stay in Alderney, you will need your passport.
Postage
Alderney's Post Office is a sub-office of the Bailiwick of Guernsey and has its own stamps which may be used on mail posted on the Island.
Time Zone
Same as the rest of the United Kingdom.
VAT- free Shopping in Alderney
Save as you spend. Shops are generally open Monday to Saturday 0900-1730, however, some shops close for lunch and on Wednesday afternoons. During the main season, some shops are also open on Sundays.
Important Addresses
Police Station, Queen Elizabeth II Street Tel: +44 (0)1481 Tel 822731
Post Office, Victoria Street Tel: +44 (0)1481 Tel 822644
Harbour Office, Braye Harbour Tel +44 (0)1481 822620
Alderney Airport: Aurigny check-in Desk: Tel +44 (0)1481 822888
Animals
Alderney is Rabies-free and a number of hotels, guest houses and self-catering establishments on the island welcome pets . Both , Aurigny Air Services and Rockhopper will accept cats, dogs and other small household pets on their inter-island and UK flights to Alderney. However, please note only cats and dogs (**) originating from the British Isles or legally imported into the UK may be landed in Alderney once they have been cleared by the Alderney's Customs Authorities.
Under the recently-introduced Pet Travel Scheme, cats and dogs may also be imported from St. Malo - via Guernsey or Jersey , with Emeraude Lines or Condor Ferries. Otherwise a 6-month quarantine applies. For details and conditions please contact the respective airline or ferry company prior to making any travel arrangements.
(**) Please note: Pit Bull Terriers, Japanese Tosa or any other type of dog which appears to have been bred for fighting may not be imported. For details, conditions and exceptions regarding the Pet Travel Scheme and any queries relating to the importation of animals, please contact the Agriculture & Countryside Board directly before making any arrangements : Tel +44 (0) 1481 235741 - Fax +44 (0)1481 235015.
PTGH wish to thank Alderney Tourism for their help in providing the above information. 22/11/05
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