5 common misconceptions about living in Guernsey
At first glance, Guernsey might seem like a smaller, quieter version of the UK - but look a little closer, and you’ll discover an island with its own rhythm, culture, and charm.
While Guernsey has many similarities to the UK - like the English language, sterling currency, and driving on the left - it also has its own distinct identity and a lifestyle that's uniquely its own.
If you're considering relocating to Guernsey, here are five common myths about island life - and the truth behind them.
1. “You can’t get things delivered to Guernsey”
False! While it’s true that some UK retailers don’t ship to the Channel Islands, there are options to get your goods delivered.
- Amazon? Yes, they deliver to Guernsey
- Uber Eats or Deliveroo? Not yet - but local delivery services and takeaways offer excellent alternatives
- If there's an overseas retailer that doesn't deliver to Guernsey, you can use myUKaddress, a Guernsey Post initiative to get your deliveries to your door
- There's plenty of retailers that do deliver to Guernsey. Browse the list on RockShopper.
2. “There are no High Street shops or supermarkets”
Not true! While Guernsey doesn’t have every UK chain, it offers a great mix of familiar brands and independent retailers.
- Supermarkets include Waitrose, M&S Food, Morrisons Daily, and Co-op.
- The High Street in St. Peter Port is full of charm, with boutiques, bookshops, and local artisan stores.
For more information about shopping in Guernsey, check out our page:
3. “The standards of medical care will suffer”
Whilst Guernsey is not part of the NHS, it provides a high-quality healthcare:
- Primary Care (GPs, A&E, ambulance, dental, physio) is private, with residents receiving a States grant toward GP consultations.
- Secondary Care is provided by the Medical Specialist Group (MSG) and is fully funded by the States of Guernsey when referred by a GP or consultant.
- Princess Elizabeth Hospital operates like a UK District General Hospital, with all care led by consultants.
Learn more about Guernsey's healthcare system:
What is the healthcare system like in Guernsey?
4. “I’ll get bored - there’s nothing to do!”
Quite the opposite! Life in Guernsey is rich with outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, and community events.
- Outdoor activities: Cliff path hikes, sea swimming, kayaking, and cycling
- Culture: Museums, art galleries, Castle Cornet, Hauteville House
- Dining: From beach cafés to award-winning restaurants
- Events: Year-round festivals, regattas, and seasonal celebrations
Explore what's on in Guernsey:
5. “The internet connection is terrible”
Not anymore! Guernsey is investing £37.5 million in a full-fibre broadband rollout, ensuring all 30,000 properties will have access to gigabit-speed internet by the end of 2026.
- Fibre broadband offers speeds up to 125x faster than basic connections
- Ideal for remote work, streaming, and smart home tech
- Supports Guernsey’s ambition to be a digitally resilient jurisdiction
Learn more about the fibre rollout:
If you are considering relocating to the island, the team at Locate Guernsey are on hand to provide confidential guidance throughout your relocation journey free of charge. If you would like to understand how Guernsey could work for you, please get in touch:
