Trip Planning
The TakeYourBackpack guidebooks are your all-in-one travel companion, featuring the best cities, national parks, hikes, beaches, and unique sites, along with essential tips on when to go, how to get around, exchanging money, and even local phrases to get you started — everything you need for a smooth, unforgettable backpacking adventure.
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Personal tip: I normally search on good rating for atmosphere (for meeting people) and location (for easy exploring). Cleanliness as a bonus.
Travel Essentials
Routine vaccinations like measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) and diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTP) are recommended. Hepatitis A is also advised if you plan to have meals outside of typical tourist spots. No special vaccinations required for Gibraltar itself, but check updates if you’re traveling through other regions. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice before your trip.
vaccination requirementsWhen I first started traveling, I often spent part of my first day in a new country hunting for a local SIM card. While this can still be slightly cheaper, it also takes time and planning.
These days, it's much simpler to install an eSIM before leaving home. Once you arrive in Gibraltar, you can activate it immediately and have mobile data from the moment you land — which is especially useful for ordering transport or navigating away from busy airports.
There are many providers nowadays, and price differences are usually small. I personally go with Airalo, as it offers excellent network coverage throughout the country and strong global coverage, so you can manage multiple countries from a single app.
Get your e-sim for GibraltarCulture & Customs
Gibraltar is laid-back with a mix of British and Mediterranean influences. English is widely spoken. Dress modestly when visiting churches or the mosque. Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; 10% is standard in restaurants. Avoid discussing politics, especially regarding Gibraltar’s status. For LGBTQ+ travelers, Gibraltar is generally safe and accepting, but public displays of affection should be modest. Women travelers will find Gibraltar quite safe; usual urban awareness applies. Respect local queues—Gibraltarians are particular about orderly lines. Smoking is banned in public buildings and enclosed spaces.
Trying traditional food is always a great way to experience the culture. Here are some must-try dishes for Gibraltar.
- Calentita: This is Gibraltar’s unofficial national dish. It’s a baked pancake-like dish made from chickpea flour, water, olive oil, and seasoning. Simple but satisfying, it’s a testament to Gibraltar’s blend of Mediterranean influences.
- Panissa: Similar to Calentita but thicker and sometimes fried, Panissa is another chickpea flour-based dish. It’s often served in slices and is a nod to Gibraltar’s Italian heritage.
- Rosto: A hearty pasta dish featuring penne, beef or pork, and vegetables in a rich tomato sauce. It’s a comforting plate that reflects Gibraltar’s blend of British and Mediterranean tastes.
- Torta de Acelgas: A savory pie filled with Swiss chard, cheese, and spices. This dish highlights Gibraltar’s love for pastries and reflects the cultural ties to Andalusian cuisine.
- Bollo de Hornasso: A type of bread stuffed with hard-boiled eggs and seasoned meat, often enjoyed during Easter. It carries a festive significance and showcases the fusion of local and Spanish culinary traditions.
The tap water in Gibraltar is generally safe to drink, as it’s desalinated and treated, and locals do consume it. However, some travelers might prefer the taste of bottled water or using a filter. It’s more a matter of taste preference than safety.
English is the official language of Gibraltar, and it is widely spoken by the local population. The majority of Gibraltarians are bilingual, with English being the primary language used in government, education, and daily life. Visitors will find that most residents are fluent in English, making communication easy for English-speaking travelers.
In addition to English, many Gibraltarians also speak Llanito, a unique local dialect that blends English with Spanish and other languages, reflecting the region’s diverse cultural heritage. While Llanito may be encountered in casual conversations, English remains the dominant language in public signage, official documents, and business interactions.
Overall, travelers to Gibraltar can expect a seamless experience when it comes to language, as English is not only well spoken but is also an integral part of the territory’s identity. Whether dining in restaurants, shopping, or exploring historical sites, visitors will find that English is readily understood and used throughout Gibraltar.
Money & Payments
The local currency of Gibraltar is Gibraltar Pound (£).
ATMs: Gibraltar is packed with ATMs, so accessing cash won’t be a hassle. Most are linked to major credit networks like Visa and Mastercard.
Cash: Definitely carry some cash. The Gibraltar Pound is the local currency, but British Pounds are accepted interchangeably. Skip the US Dollars—no one wants your Washingtons here.
Euros: While some places accept Euros, the exchange rate might not be in your favor, so stick to local currency or GBP.
Cards: Card acceptance is pretty wide, but smaller shops might be cash-only. Always ask before you get to the counter looking foolish.
Exchanging Money: Exchange rates at local banks will generally be better than what you’ll get at touristy currency exchange booths. Still, compare a couple of spots before committing. Also, keep an eye out for service fees.
Tipping in Gibraltar is not obligatory, but it’s appreciated. In restaurants, leaving around 10% for good service is common, though some places might already include a service charge. For taxis and other services, rounding up the fare is usually sufficient.
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Over the years, I've learned the importance of packing minimally. It's so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you're headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.