Diesel is readily available in Stanley, as is petrol, kerosene and a good choice of engine oils. Gas is also available, but in large bottles. It is possible to get your own bottles refilled.
In Stanley there is a small but modern hospital with good medical and dental services. Make sure your insurance covers your medical needs because if you are not entitled to healthcare in the Falklands you can expect to pay non-resident rates. Also see info on insurance under Customs & Immigration.
No vaccinations are required in order to enter the Falkland Islands from any country.
The Lighthouse Seaman’s Mission have washing facilities.
Laundry services are also provided by Scotia Dry Cleaners & Laundry. Pick up and delivery service available by arrangement.
Plot 28 Lookout Industrial Estate, Stanley. Contact tel: 54322 Email: scotiadrycleaners@yahoo.co.uk
There are minefields in various areas in the Falklands. Whilst these are well fenced, some extend onto the beaches so care must be taken when approaching from the sea. Minefield maps can be obtained in Stanley.
If you think you have found an item of unexploded ordnance take the following actions:
There are 117 Minefields in the Falkland Islands, which are all clearly fenced. It is extremely dangerous and illegal to:
Post comes in from overseas twice a week. There is no delivery service - collect from the Post office in the centre of town.
DHL is the only international courier, arriving on Saturdays. They also do not deliver - collect from DHL office at the Chamber of Commerce.
There is a regular shipping service to and from the UK on a monthly basis.
Stanley has several supermarkets, clothing, hardware and general stores. It is generally not possible to make purchases in the more remote parts of the islands.
The currency in the Falklands is the Falkland pound. Sterling can be exchanged in the Falklands £1 for £1 and can be spent directly in the shops. US dollars are also widely accepted in shops, but the bank will normally give a better exchange rate. Visa and Mastercard can be used in many outlets. Some places will also accept American Express, Eurocard and Diners cards.
The only bank in the Islands is Standard Chartered Bank in the centre of town near the Post Office.
There are no automatic cash machines however the bank provides cash advances against credit cards and will cash cheques from most UK High Street Banks up to the value of a valid cheque guarantee card. Many other currencies can be exchanged here, and Travellers Cheques can be bought or exchanged. A charge is levied on most transactions.
Falkland Islands currency cannot easily be exchanged for sterling or other currencies outside the Islands.
Located in the centre of town by the Public Jetty. Hosts all tourist information. More details on Falkland Islands Tourism Website.
Good quality clean drinking water is available, but you may need to have a long hose of your own.
The Shipping Weather Forecast for FICZ (Falkland Islands Conservation Zone) open waters is broadcast each day at 0830 Lt. on HF Frequency 4066.1 Khz by the Fisheries Department, preceded by any local navigational warnings. Whenever possible the Shipping Forecast & Navigation Warnings will also be broadcast in Spanish.
The Shipping Forecast can also be heard on 530 Khz MW in English only:
Monday to Friday:- 07:10, 08:10, 09:10, 10:10, 16:10, 17:10, 18:15 & 20:30 Lt.
Saturday:- 09:10, 10:10, 18:15 & 20:30 Lt.
Sunday:- 18:15 & 20:30Lt
In general, strong Westerly winds prevail, frequently attaining gale force. The weather is extremely changeable.