CLOTHING
The island has a fairly cold climate, reaching maximum temperatures of 24º in winter (January and February) and in winter from June to August they drop to -5º C, so in general, we must bring warm clothes. In addition, weather conditions change quickly and without prior notice, so it is advisable to go prepared for the rain with raincoats and umbrellas, as well as for the constant wind, with a speed that reaches up to 16 knots. It is essential to wear comfortable shoes since due to the difficult access to certain areas or even on the outskirts of Stanley, the capital, we will walk a lot through rocky or uneven areas. Finally, do not forget sunglasses, sunscreen and a cap to protect yourself from the strong sun.
RECOMMENDED TIME OF YEAR TO TRAVEL
The best months to visit the islands are between October and April, not only because it enjoys a warmer climate and a few days with more hours of light, but because you can observe a great variety of penguins and other marine species, which inhabit the island at this time, becoming one of the major tourist attractions of the Falkland Islands.
Penguins of the Falkland Islands
BOX AND PRECAUTIONS
There are no special health precautions to take when traveling to the present-day Falkland Islands, just as there is no recommended or mandatory vaccination. You can prepare for the trip painkillers and medicines for stomach problems, which never hurt. Finally, do not forget flu or medicines to stop the symptoms of the cold, something frequent due to the changing climate that the destination has.
HOSPITALS IN MALVINAS
The health infrastructure is quite good, although there is only one small hospital in Stanley, the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital, which is equipped with everything you need for any type of primary, secondary or emergency care. There are agreements with the United Kingdom, Chile or Paraguay, for those patients who cannot be treated, so it is completely mandatory to have a medical insurance that covers us. It is essential to carry good travel insurance.
UK Plug ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES
The electrical current is 240 volts at 50 Hz, and we would need to bring an adapter since the plugs are of British standard.
MOBILE PHONE AND INTERNET
In this case, it is best to ask our telephone company, since in principle only some British operators have roaming agreements. One service that is provided to the traveler is the rental of mobile phones for a few days. However, the coverage is quite limited covering only certain parts of East Falkland. International calls can be made from any hotel, as well as from the many public telephones that there are, and which need a prepaid card to work. Internet access is also very limited and there are only four places in Stanley that provide it to the traveler: Jetty Visitor Center, The Waterfront, Zaks Computers and Lighthouse Seaman’s Center. Little by little, surely there will be more and more options.
DRIVING WAY
An international driving license is essential and you drive on the left, so you should pay special attention. There are three main highways that run from Stanley to San Carlos, Goose Green, and Mount Pleasant. Due to this basic infrastructure, you are almost obliged to travel the island in 4 × 4 and even access to many places must be done on foot. Along our way, it is very common to have to cross private farms, so it is advisable to ask permission from the owners who usually grant it kindly.
Ammunition fields and mines in the Falkland Islands SECURITY
The security conditions are unbeatable, in fact the capital claims to be the safest in the world, and they practically do not know the crime. We only have to be careful on the side of the roads or when we walk, due to the large amount of ammunition and used mines that remain from the 1982 conflict between Great Britain and Argentina, specifically in some areas, which are marked with complete maps that They are provided at the tourist office. Until today, no civilian fatalities have been lamented, but we must be very careful.
BUSINESS HOURS
The hours of stores in the Falkland Islands vary a lot, but in general, they are open from Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Shopping centers usually open until 9:00 p.m. The Post Office is located in Stanley at Town Hall on Ross Road, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
MONEY
The official currency is the Falkland Islands Pound and its value is equivalent to that of the British pound, which is also accepted. Some shops, hotels and restaurants also accept US dollars and euros. In any case, if you want to exchange money, since it is advisable to always have the currency of the country, or to change Travelers Checks, you can do so at the only bank on the island, the Standard Chartered Bank (SBC), also located in Stanley on Ross Road . Although there are places where you can pay by credit card, this procedure is much less widespread.
SHOPPING IN MALVINAS
The island has a great artisan movement, so there are a lot of works in felt and loom, in wool or in wood. Jewelery is also presented by jewelers in shops in the capital and even in some more rural areas, and there are many representations of beautiful corners of the island, its fauna and flora or historical sites, which are sold in cafes and restaurants.
TIPS
There is no custom of leaving tips, so they are not expected either, but you can always give something if you think you receive exceptional treatment in a restaurant.
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