Electricity
Electricity provision, almost without exception in public and private accommodation, is based on an electrical current of 220/240 volts, 50 Hz. Most sockets are built to accommodate standard British (three-pronged) appliance plugs. Electricity usage in Government properties is measured by a meter, which is either read and charged to you quarterly or requires an electricity card to keep the electricity supply topped up. The price of electricity is 35p per unit for all consumers. Electricity cards can be purchased from all of the supermarkets. If a card is faulty, please contact the Exchequer Office (Treasury) on 28411 or by email [email protected] to arrange for it to be exchanged.
Heating and Fuel
Most properties have heating and hot water systems fuelled by Kerosene (stored in outdoor fuel tanks), and cookers tend to be powered by electricity or gas (supplied in large cylinders). Kerosene top-ups and replacement gas cylinders must be ordered from Stanley Services fuel station by calling 22622 or emailing: [email protected] during office hours. You will be asked the amount required, the name of your account and the address to deliver to. Out-of-hours deliveries can be made, though this will incur an additional delivery charge. It is advisable to top up your fuel tank regularly to avoid the risk of it emptying and requiring extensive repair work.
Water
Water charges are included in the Domestic Service Charge. Tap water is processed at the filtration plant and is safe to drink. The Public Works Department Water Section maintains services. Falkland Islands Government press releases are issued to alert the public if any issues may affect the water supply within Stanley or if any repair and maintenance work is scheduled that may impact certain areas.
Waste and Recycling
Each property is assigned a black general waste bin, which is emptied weekly (usually every Saturday) and a green bin for cans (collected on the last Sunday of every month). Recycling options for paper, plastics or cardboard are currently not available on the Islands, but glass bottles or jars can be taken to various recycling points around Stanley, and there are receptacles for recycling small household batteries in the supermarkets and grocery stores.
Internet and Mobile Phone
Sure (South Atlantic) Ltd is the exclusive communications provider in the Falkland Islands for internet and telephone services. Being on a remote set of islands means reliance on satellite facilities. This, in turn, means that internet speeds are slower than in the UK and elsewhere and are, therefore, more expensive. However, a range of broadband packages are available to choose from, as well as data and broadband package booster options at an additional cost. The Internet is also free during off-peak hours ( between 12 midnight and 6 am). Use of Starlink on the Islands is currently not permitted without an approved VSAT Licence, which costs £5,400 per annum.
Before setting up a Broadband account, you must apply to have a residential telephone line installed by submitting this form.
Installation charges will be less if there is an existing telephone connection on the property, and both line rental charges and broadband charges are itemised on your monthly Sure bill. Before setting up your Broadband account, it is worth visiting the Sure website for more information on broadband packages and FAQs about setting up an account:
Then fill out this form to apply for broadband.
Will I have internet access when I arrive?
To have Wi-Fi set up and ready for your arrival, speak to your FIG department contact or employer to see if they can assist with the process. If you have filled out the necessary forms, accompanied by written permission, to Sure via email, they may be able to liaise with Sure technicians to get the phone line installed/connection updated and drop off a router at your accommodation prior to your arrival. Otherwise, you will not have immediate internet access. Instructions to set up your router are available on the Sure website.
Setting up broadband internet
Can I use my current mobile SIM when I arrive?
Check on the Sure website to see whether your current network SIM has roaming capabilities in the Falklands. Find out what charges may be incurred here.
* You may only be able to receive incoming calls or texts from your current network, depending on your roaming capabilities, so make sure to check with your current network provider regarding your options.
If you hope to make phone calls on arrival—and your mobile SIM has full roaming capabilities—make sure to top up your credit before departing for the Falklands, as it may not be possible to top it up again until you have internet access.
Alternatively, friends or family could call your mobile directly when you arrive, though you should warn them that the call charges are likely expensive.
*If you wish to retain an existing pay-as-you-go SIM, (with or without roaming capabilities) check with your network provider if there are options to top up every 3-6 months to keep the number active in your absence.
How do I purchase a local SIM card?
A Falkland Islands SIM card can be purchased from the Sure shop on Ross Road. You will fill out a form and be assigned a mobile phone number.
Phone numbers in the Falkland Islands are 5 digits long, with mobile numbers starting with a 5 or a 6, for example, 54321. The international code for the Falkland Islands is +500 (e.g. 00500 54321). Ensure that your mobile phone is unlocked before arriving in the Islands to ensure that it will accept the network provider change.
Whilst mobile coverage across the Islands has greatly improved in the last few years, there are still areas where signal is limited. If you are heading out into Camp or an area with limited signal, it is wise to tell someone else where you are going and when you intend to return.
Useful links include broadband/Wi-Fi hotspots and accessing mobile data, pay-as-you-go, and monthly plans.
A pay-as-you-go mobile SIM costs £30 (which includes £10 credit), as does the connection fee for a monthly plan SIM. See the link for current pay-as-you-go rates here.
Find monthly plan options and further information here.
Smartphone users can access both 2G and 4G, though the signal for both 2G and 4G is not island-wide. Broadband and Wi-Fi Hotspots can be accessed from various locations in Stanley.
Find more information to see where you can access these hotspots and purchase Wi-Fi Hotspot cards here.
Data allowance depends on the monthly mobile plan you have signed up for, but boosters can be purchased. Data can also be added for pay-as-you-go, but the amount will be taken from your current credit balance (See the price plan link above for more details).
Useful Links
The Sure website also provides useful numbers for pay-as-you-go packages to perform functions such as checking your balance or voicemail, or adding credit using a top-up card. Find out more about pay as you go packages here.