Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Travel Information

The Falkland Islands, located in the South Atlantic Ocean, are a remote and rugged destination known for their natural beauty, rich wildlife, and unique history. With a population of just over 3,000 people, the islands offer a peaceful and unspoiled environment for visitors to explore. Here are the top 10 things to do in the Falkland Islands:

1. Visit Stanley

The capital of the Falkland Islands, Stanley, is a charming and historic town with a population of around 2,000 people. It's worth to explore the town's small museums, visit the Falklands War Memorial, and take a stroll around the colorful houses.

2. Explore the wildlife

The Falkland Islands are home to a wide variety of wildlife, including penguins, seals, sea lions, and many species of birds. Visitors can take guided tours to see these animals in their natural habitats.

3. Go hiking

The Falkland Islands offer some of the best hiking in the world, with trails that take visitors through rugged landscapes and past stunning vistas.

4. Go Fishing

The Falkland Islands are known for its excellent fishing, the clear waters of the South Atlantic are teeming with fish, such as king crab, squid, and cod.

5. Visit the Museum of Falkland Islands

Located in Stanley, this museum provides an interesting insight into the history and culture of the Falklands.

6. Take a boat tour

Boat tours are a great way to see the Falkland Islands' coast and wildlife, visitors can go on boat trips to see penguins and seals colonies, and also to visit the many shipwrecks that lie off the coast.

7. Visit the Volunteer Point

This is one of the best places in the islands to see King Penguins, a must-see for any birdwatcher.

8. Take a flight over the islands

Take a scenic flight over the islands and see the beautiful landscapes from above.

9. Go to the Port Howard

This is a small settlement located on the west coast of the West Falkland. It is a great place to see sheep farming, and to visit the local pub.

10. Visit the Gypsy Cove

This is a small bay located just a few kilometers from Stanley, it's a great place for a picnic and a swim.

Climate

The Falkland Islands have a cool and temperate maritime climate, with mild winters and cool summers. The average temperature ranges from around 41°F (5°C) in the winter to around 55°F (13°C) in the summer. Rainfall is relatively low, with an average of around 17 inches (430mm) per year.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit the Falkland Islands depends on what you're looking to see and do. The summer months of December to March are the warmest and driest, making them the best time to visit if you're looking to go hiking and explore the outdoors. This is also the best time to see the wildlife, as many species of birds and animals breed during this time.

The winter months of June to September are the best time to visit if you're looking to see the penguins and seals, as many of these species breed during this time. This is also the best time to see the whales, as they migrate through the waters around the islands during this time.

Overall, the Falkland Islands can be visited all year round, but it is important to keep in mind that the weather can be unpredictable and can change quickly, so visitors should be prepared for all eventualities.

Here are some general travel tips regarding entry requirements that apply across all countries:

Passport

Make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of your arrival in the country you are visiting. Some countries will not allow you to enter if your passport is set to expire within a certain period of time.

Visa

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if you need a visa. Some countries require a visa for entry, while others do not. Make sure to apply for a visa well in advance of your trip as the process can take several weeks. Check the latest Visa requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Health Requirements and COVID-19 Rules

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if there are any health requirements for entry. Some countries require vaccinations or proof of medical insurance. Check the latest health requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Travel Insurance

Consider purchasing travel insurance, especially if you are traveling internationally. Travel insurance can cover you in the event of trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and other unexpected events. Our travel insurance partner is SafetyWing. For dangerous activities and/or countries consider a rescue service like those offered by our partner, Global Rescue.

Customs

Be familiar with the customs and laws of the country you are visiting. Some countries have strict laws regarding drug possession, alcohol consumption, and dress codes.

Currency

Check the currency exchange rate and make sure you have enough local currency for your trip. Some countries may not accept credit cards or travelers cheques, so it is always good to have some cash on hand. At WhereNext we recommend use a Wise debit card, which provides low cost currency conversions and ATM withdrawals.

Research the country

Research about the culture, customs and laws of the country you are visiting. It will help you to understand the place more and also prepare you better for the trip.

Contact Information

Make a copy of your passport and keep it in a separate place from your passport. Also, leave a copy of your itinerary and contact information with a friend or family member at home.

Hotels

The Falkland Islands have a limited number of hotels available for visitors, many of which are located in Stanley, the capital city. These range from budget-friendly options to more luxurious accommodations.

Guest Houses and B&Bs

There are also several guest houses and B&Bs available for visitors to the Falkland Islands. These can be a great option for those looking for a more personal and homely experience.

Self-Catering Accommodations

Self-catering accommodations, such as apartments and cottages, are also available for visitors to the Falkland Islands. These can be a great option for families or groups of friends traveling together, as they offer more privacy and flexibility.

Camping

Camping is also an option for visitors to the Falkland Islands, although it is more limited than other options. There are several campgrounds available, but they are mostly located outside of Stanley, and usually, don't have many amenities.

Estancias

Estancias are traditional farmhouses, and some of them have been converted into guesthouses, offering visitors the opportunity to experience the Falkland Islands' rural culture and natural beauty.

Air

The main airport in the Falkland Islands is Mount Pleasant Airport, located about 40 miles (60km) from Stanley. There are flights from major cities in South America and also from Punta Arenas, Chile.

Bus

Buses are available in the Falkland Islands, but they are limited, they mostly provide transportation between Stanley and the Mount Pleasant Airport.

Car Rental

Car rental is also an option for visitors to the Falkland Islands, although it is limited. There are several car rental companies available, but they are mostly located in Stanley.

Taxis

Taxis are available in the Falkland Islands, but they are limited, they mostly provide transportation between Stanley and the Mount Pleasant Airport.

Boat

There are no regular boat services in the Falkland Islands, but visitors can hire boats to explore the coast and see the wildlife. There are also several companies that offer boat trips to see penguins and seals colonies.

Trekking

The Falkland Islands offer some of the best hiking in the world, with trails that take visitors through rugged landscapes and past stunning vistas. Visitors can also explore the islands by bike, horseback, or even kayak.

Money Tips for Travel

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Notify your bank and credit card companies of your travel plans to avoid any potential issues with international transactions.
• Bring a mix of cash, credit, and debit cards--and possibly a travel money card.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.
• Make sure to have a backup option for accessing money in case your primary method doesn't work.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• NEVER accept currency conversion at ATMs! Always get your home bank to convert at much better rates.
• Think about getting a Wise or other travel debit card; these can provide much better rates and some free ATM withdrawals.

ATM and Credit Cards

• Research the availability of ATMs and credit card acceptance at your destination before you depart.
• Keep your ATM card in a safe place and be mindful of your surroundings when using it.
• Try to stick to using ATMs that are affiliated with major banks.
• Keep your credit card information safe and secure, and be aware of potential scams.
• Make sure your cards have the necessary security features, such as chip and pin.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.

Exchange Rates

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• Be careful of places that may offer to exchange money at rates that seem too good to be true.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It covers a wide range of needs--even some you might not expect!

Medical Coverage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for medical expenses if you become ill or injured while traveling. This can include coverage for doctor visits, hospital stays, and emergency medical transportation. It's also a good idea to ensure that your travel insurance covers COVID-19 related illness and delays!

Trip Cancellation and Interruption

Travel insurance can provide coverage if you need to cancel or interrupt your trip due to unexpected events such as illness, weather, or travel bans. It can also provide coverage if your trip is delayed or if your travel provider goes out of business.

Lost or Stolen Luggage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for lost or stolen luggage, as well as personal items such as passports and electronic devices.

Emergency Assistance and Evacuation

Many travel insurance plans offer emergency assistance services, such as providing information on local hospitals and doctors, assistance with replacing lost or stolen documents, and help with arranging transportation in the event of an emergency. At WhereNext we have partnered with Global Rescue for evacuation services, which are highly recommended if you are undertaking dangerous activities or are travelling to dangerous parts of the world.

Liability coverage

Travel insurance can also provide liability coverage in case you cause an accident or harm someone while you are traveling.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It can help cover the costs of medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost or stolen luggage, and more. It's always a good idea to review the coverage and compare the different options available before making a decision. At WhereNext we both use and have partnered with Safety Wing for general travel insurance.

When traveling, getting mobile access is very important these days. If you are working remotely, wanting to update social media, or need to access your banks SMS authentication messages having a reliable service is a must. At WhereNext we recommend:

eSIM

Services such as those offered by our partner, Airalo, allow you to easily order and install an eSIM for different countries or regions that you are traveling in.

Dual SIM phone

If you have a phone that supports dual SIM's then you can get a SIM on arrival for each country, this is probably better done at a telco store rather than at the airport.

Extend your home plan

Depending on where you live and your mobile service provider you may be able to extend your plan to cover mobile roaming at reasonable rates.

Keep your primary SIM

With the amount of accounts we all have that require two factor authentication via SMS, keeping a constant number for these accounts is a must.

There are several online communities and platforms that you can use to meet people while traveling, both for making new friends or for networking professionally. Some popular options include:

Facebook groups

There are many Facebook groups dedicated to connecting people while traveling, from expat groups and travel communities to groups specific to certain cities or regions of the country. You can search for groups based on your interests or location and connect with others who share similar interests.

Meetup

Meetup is a platform that allows you to find groups of people that share your interests in your local area. There are Meetup groups all around the world, and they cover a wide range of topics, such as language exchange, sports, and cultural activities.

Internations

Internations is a social network for people who live or work abroad. It has a large community of expats and organizes regular events, activities and gatherings that allow members to connect and socialize.

Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing is a platform that connects travelers with local hosts, who offer free accommodation and a chance to experience the local culture. It's a great way to meet locals and make friends!

Reddit

Reddit has a large community, and there are several subreddits dedicated to connecting expats and travelers. You can use it to ask questions, get advice, and connect with others who are also living or traveling in the country.

Linkedin

LinkedIn is primarily a professional network, but you can also use it to connect with people who work in the same industry or have similar backgrounds. It can be useful to connect with people before you arrive and establish a few professional contacts to help you get started.

At WhereNext, we use Nomad List as a global community and then research more local ones for our destination. These are just a few examples of online communities you can use to meet people; please suggest any others that you think are appropriate for this destination.