In your first few days in the Falklands, it is important to sort the essentials so you can quickly settle into everyday life.
What to Expect on Arrival
When you first land on the Falkland Islands at Mount Pleasant Airport, you can expect a nice, easy arrival. You will then go through customs and collect your bags, which is typically a quick and smooth process. A 40-minute shuttle or drive will then take you to Stanley, the capital and main hub of the Falklands. It is useful to have some local cash (Falkland Island pounds) to hand, but many places also accept British pounds. Once you arrive in town, most employers or accommodation providers will help you settle in. You will have a chance to get familiar with your surroundings and soon feel at home.
Banking
If you plan on opening a local bank account, bring the correct documents (ID and proof of address). This can make managing your money easier, and can be done through Standard Chartered. See Banking & Finance for more information.
Phone service
The only local provider of phone connections on the Falkland Islands is Sure (Falkland Island Communications). They have a store in Stanley where you can get a SIM card and select a tariff that suits your needs.
Many international mobile operators allow roaming services in the Falklands, although this tends to be very expensive. It is nonetheless recommended that you keep an international SIM active in the Falklands, particularly if you use that SIM for two-factor authentication texts.
Transport
It is easy to get around Stanley. You can walk to most places, but there are also taxis available. However, it is strongly recommended that you purchase a car, as even in Stanley, the weather doesn’t always make it easy to go everywhere you need on foot. There is no MOT equivalent in the Falklands, so the second-hand car market tends to be very active. If you are looking to travel further afield, the local air service flies to most outer islands and main settlements outside of Stanley, but a 4×4 is a must to explore East and West Falkland to the fullest.
See Transport & Infrastructure for more information.
Take a look at our support network information for great insight into what you may need as part of Island life.