Falkland Islands

General Information

The Falkland Islands are located off the coast of Southern South America in the South Atlantic Ocean east of southern Argentina. Although first sighted by an English navigator in 1592, the first landing (English) did not occur until almost a century later in 1690, and the first settlement (French) was not established until 1764. The colony was turned over to Spain two years later and the islands have since been the subject of a territorial dispute, first between Britain and Spain, then between Britain and Argentina. The UK asserted its claim to the islands by establishing a naval garrison there in 1833. Argentina invaded the islands on 2 April 1982. The British responded with an expeditionary force that landed seven weeks later and after fierce fighting forced an Argentine surrender on 14 June 1982.

The economy was formerly based on agriculture, mainly sheep farming, but today fishing contributes the bulk of economic activity. In 1987, the government began selling fishing licenses to foreign trawlers operating within the Falkland Islands' exclusive fishing zone. These license fees total more than $40 million per year, which help support the island's health, education, and welfare system. Squid accounts for 75% of the fish taken. Dairy farming supports domestic consumption; crops furnish winter fodder. Exports feature shipments of high-grade wool to the UK and the sale of postage stamps and coins. The islands are now self-financing except for defense. The British Geological Survey announced a 200-mile oil exploration zone around the islands in 1993, and early seismic surveys suggest substantial reserves capable of producing 500,000 barrels per day; to date, no exploitable site has been identified. An agreement between Argentina and the UK in 1995 seeks to defuse licensing and sovereignty conflicts that would dampen foreign interest in exploiting potential oil reserves. Click on the following for additional information: Travel Etiquette - Learn the Language - Best Time to Go - Travel Warnings - Money and Costs

Map of Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

Travel Etiquette
Behavior and customs vary greatly from country to country. We discuss the correct travel etiquette so that you won't be caught out. TravelEtiquette was formed to offer a unique reference point on essential etiquette advice and information for worldwide travel. Our features and articles are written by professional journalists and experts - who have a particular interest, or a background in this area. So – know before you go. Visit TravelEtiquette so you will know how to, as the old adage states, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.”

Learn the Language
The official language is XXXXXXX. However, you can normally get by with English in the major cities.

You will enjoy your visit to Falkland Islands if you know the language - or at least, some of the language. Visit the Getting Away Language Learning Center to find out how you can make your visit more meaningful. The Getting Away Language Learning Center will give you all of the information you will need to begin learning today!

Best Time to Go
The islands have a cold marine climate with strong westerly winds. It is often cloudy and humid, and rain occurs on more than half of days in year with an average annual rainfall of 24 inches. in Stanley, there is occasional snow throughout the year, except in January and February, but seldom does it accumulate. Migratory birds and mammals return to the Falklands beaches and headlands between October and March. December and January are the best months for wildlife watching, as the extended daylight hours provide ample viewing time as well as opportunity for other outdoor activities. However, December and January are also the wettest months, though rain falls throughout the year. October through April is the peak tourist season.

The Falkland Island Pound is the local currency. The local currency is on par with the UK pound sterling, which circulates along with the local currency. US dollars are also widely accepted, as are travelers checks. Visa and Mastercard are the most widely accepted credit cards with American Express, Eurocard and Diners Club accepted more selectively. All banking and exchange activities operate out of the Standard Chartered Bank in Stanley, the only financial institution on the islands. There is no ATM but the bank will give cash advances on credit cards, and Brits with guarantee cards can cash personal checks for a fee.

The Falklands are not a cheap place to visit. This may be in part due to the small number of visitors. Flights to the islands are expensive, and there's little in the way of tourist infrastructure once you're there. Most facilities, however, are excellent, and guests pay accordingly. B&Bs and self-catering cabins are the cheapest accommodation options aside from camping. For such lodging and a three-meal day, expect to pay at least F£50.00 . A moderate hike in standards can easily double that figure. For upscale accommodation (or the Falklands version thereof) and an allowance for inter-island travel, double your budget again.

Currency Exchange - Get your currency needs managed in advance! Many airports, railroad stations, bus depots, and other points of entry have no currency exchange. When currency exchange is available in airports, lines can be long and rates can be "sky high". These long waits and usurious fees can be a nightmare. Order in advance from All Foreign Currency right online. It's fast, easy, and you save time and money! The can also provide you with Travelers' checks, bank drafts, and transfers. U.S. dollars are not accepted everywhere and rates can be atrocious! Current Exchange Rate: Check Today's Exchange Rate

Travel Warnings
Go to the United States Department of State (http://travel.state.gov) and click on Travel Warnings.

If you have something you believe should be added to this section of Getting Away, please send the information to Jim at Getting Away. mailto: jimbruner@gettingaway.com

Passports
A passport, and a visa is required for most travelers to the Falkland Islands.

Transportation to the Falkland Islands is strictly by air. There are six civilian flights a month from RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire, England, and weekly flights from the airports of Santiago and Punta Arenas in Chile. Mount Pleasant International Airport is about 60km (35mi) west of Stanley.

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Mount Pleasant International Airport and Stanley are connected by regular bus service, but transportation outside the two is often sporadic and can be expensive. There are a few regular inter-island flights, courtesy of the Falkland Islands Government Air Service (FIGAS), which flies 10-seat small planes on demand to grass airstrips throughout the Falklands. The 14kg (30lb) baggage limit is strictly enforced. You can also charter boats for day trips to settlements throughout the islands. Rental cars are available in Stanley, and some camp lodges provide 4WDs with driver-guides for their guests. Visitors may use their home driver's licenses for up to 12 months. Driving is on the left.

If you have something you believe should be added to this section of Getting Away, please send the information to Jim at Getting Away. mailto: jimbruner@gettingaway.com

If you have something you believe should be added to this sectuib of Getting Away, please send the information to Jim at Getting Away. mailto: jimbruner@gettingaway.com

Coming Soon. In the meantime, if you have something you believe should be added to this section of Getting Away, please send the information to Jim at Getting Away. mailto: jimbruner@gettingaway.com

Things to See and Do
Tourism, especially eco-tourism, is increasing rapidly, with about 30,000 visitors in 2001. Another large source of income is interest paid on money the government has in the bank. The British military presence also provides a sizeable economic boost. The Falklands will leave you gasping for descriptives and not just because of the bracing climate. This is a chance to see some of earth's most hardy and delightful residents at home in their windswept paradise. Human settlement has also told an intriguing and complicated story on these islands.

South Georgia, with its snowcapped peaks and glaciers plunging towards the water, has been described as an alpine range rising straight out of the ocean. In summer, there are swathes of green and the island is awash with colonies of king penguins, fur seals and wandering albatrosses.

Coming Soon. If you have something you believe should be added to this section of Getting Away, please send the information to Jim at Getting Away. mailto: jimbruner@gettingaway.com

When it comes to travel guides and other travel resource information, I personally prefer the travel guides and books put out by Fodor.

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