Car hire in Jersey
Are you looking for a memorable, out-of-the-way holiday destination? Why not spend a couple of days on the charming Channel island of Jersey. Blessed with a phenomenal coastline of rugged cliffs and relaxing beaches, enchanting towns and several hundred kilometres of comfortably paved roads, both in the hinterland and along the coast,Jerseyis the perfect holiday spot to experience a range of activities and environments. The best part of the island is the ease in which car hire enables tourists to get around.
It is best to compare car hire rates before venturing to Jersey. Visitors will find plenty of companies offering rental vehicles throughout the towns around the island. Whether you are looking for budget car rental, a family vehicle, something with style or wheels suitable for business travel, you will find it in Jersey.
Car hire driving tips in Jersey
The island’s roads are well maintained, making it easy for travellers to get around in Jersey. However, even though roads are subject to continual upkeep, they can be narrow and twisty in places, so tourists need to drive with caution. Visitors can pick up pre-booked car rental upon arrival at both the island’s ferry port and airport. Remember to give way to horses and bicycles when driving in Jersey. Parts of the island are subject to congestion during afternoons and evenings, with driving in the main towns best avoided during these times.
Need to know essentials
Driving licenses: drivers must hold a British driver’s licence or an International Driving Licence to hire a car in Jersey. In addition, motorists must be over 21 years old to rent a car.
Which side does Jersey drive on: the left side of the road.
Speed limits:
Cities and towns: 32-48kph
Open roads: 64kph
Motorways: 64kph
Alcohol limits: it is an offence to drive while under the influence of alcohol. Blood alcohol limits in Jersey are set at 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood. Police fine anyone caught over the limit heavily, with possible jail time for offenders.
Compulsory items: drivers must carry their licence along with the car’s registration documents in the vehicle at all times.
Seatbelts: must be worn by anyone sitting inside a moving vehicle. Children under the age of 14 must be seated in the rear of the car with a seatbelt. Children who are too small to be safely secured with a regular seatbelt must sit in a child restraint booster seat.
Mobile phones and GPS: it is illegal to drive while using a mobile phone in Jersey. However, it is acceptable to use a hands-free kit while driving. Even though the island is small, GSP navigation kits can be used but need to be programmed when the car is stationary.
Cost of fuel in Jersey: unleaded and diesel are found throughout petrol stations in Jersey and are slightly lower in price than in the UK.
Car hire and fuel payment: credit cards may be used to purchase fuel or hire a car in Jersey.
Insurance: third-party insurance is often included when hiring a car in Jersey. In addition, it is advised that added extra insurance be taken out to cover for minor damages.
Traffic and parking: while in the towns of Jersey, there are some parking restrictions to be aware of. Vehicles cannot park where there is a yellow line. Most street-side parking in the towns of Jersey requires payment by a pay-card, which can be purchased at convenience stores, supermarkets and post offices around the island. Parking isn’t expensive, but visitors will be fined if the parking rules are not followed. Traffic is usually not congested on the island, even though there is a high people-to-car ratio, though morning and evening rush hours are best avoided.
Our travel editor's recommended drives
Saint Helier to Saint Aubin: this scenic drive takes tourists from the largest city of Saint Helier, across the beautiful bay it overlooks and into the village of Saint Aubin.
Vingtaine du Nord: the northern coastline of Vingtaine du Nord is a stunning area that includes wonderful natural scenery and historical remnants to explore. St John’s village is located nearby.
Circle the interior: the small size of the country makes it possible to explore the interior expediently. Visitors can find many farms, valleys and charming villages in the middle of the island.
Jersey travel tips
Jersey is a grand destination that offers a range of exciting and relaxing activities and attractions for visitors. Most travellers to the island are UK residents who are attracted by the sandy beaches, the French and British culture, the laid-back ambiance and the numerous fascinating attractions. While travel here is almost always trouble-free, it is helpful to be aware of a few important tips when holidaying in Jersey.
Jersey weather and tourist seasons
The island boasts a temperate climate, which doesn’t vary as much as most other destinations around Europe. The summers are cool, with average temperatures of around 15°C during the daytime ? similar to that of southern England. Temperatures experienced during the winter are usually between 8 and 10°C, but the number of sunny days outnumbers those in the UK.
Jersey contact numbers (+44)
Medical -112
Police – 112
Fire – 112
To report an accident to the police – 0800 555 111
Irish Embassy – 44 0 745551
Holidays and festivals
There are many interesting festivals and events held during the Jersey yearly calendar. The most renowned festival on the island is the Jersey Battle of Flowers Grande Parade, which boasts flowered floats, tens of thousands of people and a vibrant atmosphere powered by a love for flowers. At night, the Moonlight Parade is popular. These events span a few days during October. In September, the island comes alive once again with the International Air Show, displaying military aircraft and civilian aircraft from all over the globe. The Jersey Jazz Festival, held at the end and beginning of March and April respectively, attracts international jazz musicians.
Money matters
Jersey has its own currency, the Jersey pound, which can be used interchangeably with the UK’s pounds sterling, which is considered legal tender on the island. There are money exchanges in the main cities of the island. Major credit cards and debit cards are also accepted in Jersey. ATMs are found at the airport and in shopping centres, ports and banks in the large cities like Port Helier.
Health and safety
The island is considered a safe holiday destination, even in relation to the nearby countries of France and England. Of course, you need to use common sense when walking the streets at night, but there is a low crime rate. For those who are in need of medical assistance, the hospitals located in the primary towns, such as St Helier, are of high quality.
Fitting in…
When travelling in Jersey, do not automatically assume that locals are British in any sense. Some citizens call themselves French if they have French heritage, while others refer to themselves as Normanic or British. Calling a resident British may offend them, so it is best to just call a local a Jerseyman or Jerseywoman.
Visas for Jersey
Because Jersey is part of the British Crown, travellers from the UK do not need a visa or passport for travel into Jersey or any other English Channel island. In addition, nationals of countries like Australia and Canada (British Commonwealth countries) needn’t obtain a visa for entry into Jersey if they already have a visa or right of entry into the UK. Similar restrictions apply to travellers from the European Union.
Electricity
The voltage in Jersey is the same as the UK, 220-240 Volts and 50 Hertz. The electrical sockets are also the same, with three rectangular, elongated pins.
Business hours
Normal business hours inJersey run from 09:00 to between 16:30 and 17:30, Monday to Friday. Trading hours in Jersey depend on the store and service, with some places opening as early as 08:00 and closing at 18:00, Monday to Saturday. However, there are supermarkets and other shops that open from 07:00 to 22:00.
Helpful phrases
The official language spoken in Jersey is English, but there are several other languages of importance throughout the island. Many residents use French in their everyday lives and for official purposes. The rural areas often use a dialect of Normanic called Jerriais. In addition, Portuguese is widely spoken on the island.
Portuguese/French
Ola/Bonjour - Hello
Nao compreendo/Je nes comprends pas - I don't understand
Disculpe-me/Excusez moi - Excuse me
Como se chama?/Comment vous appelez vous? - What is your name?
Onde e… ?/Ou sont… ? - Where is… ?
De nada/De rien - You are welcome
Obrigado/Merci boucoup- Thank you very much
Resources online
www.lonelyplanet.com/the-channel-islands/jersey
