What Currency Does Gibraltar Use?

Gibraltar uses the Gibraltar pound (GIP), which is pegged to GBP. British pounds are accepted, but Gibraltar pounds are not valid in the UK.

What Currency Does Gibraltar Use? (UK Traveller’s Guide)

If you’re visiting Gibraltar from the UK, you might be wondering whether to bring pounds, euros, or something else entirely. As a British Overseas Territory bordering Spain, Gibraltar has a unique financial setup—but the good news for UK travellers is that the currency is familiar. This guide explains what currency Gibraltar uses, how payments work in practice, and what UK visitors need to know before spending there.

What Is the Official Currency of Gibraltar?

The official currency of Gibraltar is the Gibraltar pound (GIP).

  • Currency name: Gibraltar pound

  • ISO code: GIP

  • Currency symbol: £

  • Subunit: 1 pound = 100 pence

The Gibraltar pound is pegged 1:1 with the British pound sterling (GBP) and both are accepted interchangeably in Gibraltar.

Can You Use British Pounds in Gibraltar?

Yes. British pounds (GBP) are legal tender in Gibraltar, and widely accepted everywhere—shops, hotels, restaurants, and public transport.

However, Gibraltar issues its own banknotes and coins, which:

  • Match UK denominations

  • Feature local designs (e.g. Gibraltar landmarks, wildlife, or monarchs)

  • Are not accepted in the UK (you can’t spend them back home)

If you receive change in Gibraltar pounds, make sure to spend it while you’re there or exchange it before returning to the UK.

Do You Need to Exchange Money Before You Go?

No. You can spend British pounds directly in Gibraltar, so there’s no need to convert currency if you're travelling from the UK.

Are Euros Accepted?

Sometimes. Some tourist shops, especially near the border with Spain, may accept euros as a convenience—but:

  • Exchange rates are usually poor

  • Change is given in Gibraltar pounds

  • Euros are not widely accepted in most local businesses

Stick to pounds (GIP or GBP) for best value and ease of payment.

How Do Payments Work in Practice?

  • Prices are listed in £

  • Contactless and chip-and-pin cards are widely accepted

  • UK bank cards work for purchases and ATM withdrawals

  • ATMs dispense Gibraltar pounds, not GBP

FAQs

Is Gibraltar in the Eurozone?
No. Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory and uses the Gibraltar pound, not the euro.

Can I use Gibraltar pounds in the UK?
No. GIP is not accepted in the UK, although it's equal in value to GBP.

What’s the best way to pay in Gibraltar?
Use a UK debit card or bring British pounds in cash. If you receive Gibraltar notes, try to spend them before leaving.