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Doing business & staying in touch

Businesspeople are generally expected to dress smartly, with a suit and tie for men. Appointments should be made and business cards are customary. Business is conducted in English.

Office hours: 

Mon-Fri 0900-1700.

Economy: 

Finance, tourism and light industry are the main components of Guernsey's economy. The island has gradually been developed as an offshore financial centre and the financial sector now accounts for most government revenues. Various institutions are incorporated on the island to take advantage of its favourable tax and corporate disclosure requirements. However, along with Jersey, the island's government agreed in 2002 to join an EU-wide campaign to improve international financial transparency and stamp out tax evasion.

Flowers and tomatoes are the main horticultural exports and enjoy international recognition. Tourism's relative importance has been far outstripped by the financial sector.
Guernsey's main conference venue, the Beau Sejour Centre, has a maximum seating capacity of 1,500 with 2,646 sq m (28,482 sq ft) of exhibition space and banqueting for 900 people or a reception area for 2,000 people. Many hotels also offer conference space.

GDP: 

US$2.7 billion (2005).

Main exports: 

Cut flowers and tomatoes.

Main imports: 

Coal, petrol, oil, machinery and equipment.

Main trading partners: 

UK.

Mobile phone: 

Roaming agreements exist with international mobile phone companies. Handsets can be hired. Coverage is good.

Internet: 

Public access is available at Internet cafés and in libraries.

Post: 

Only Guernsey stamps will be accepted on outgoing mail. The main post office is at Smith Street, St Peter Port. Post boxes are painted blue.

Media: 

British media are free and able to report on all subjects. The variety of publications reflects the full spectrum of political opinion. The local newspapers are The Guernsey Press and Star and The Guernsey Weekly Press. All the main British newspapers are available in Guernsey on the day of publication.

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