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What to Pack & Bring

What to Pack & Bring

Summer & Shoulder Seasons

For summer visits (June-August), pack lightweight, breathable clothing. Materials like cotton and linen offer good choices. Shorts, t-shirts, sundresses, and skirts keep you cool during the day. Swimwear suits beach days. Evenings, especially near the sea, cool down, so include a Light jacket or cardigan. High temperatures and strong sun indicate clothing with sun protection.

Spring & Autumn Layering

Winter Attire & General Dress

Winter (November-March) calls for warmer layers. Pack sweaters, fleeces, and trousers. A Waterproof and windproof jacket stands as an important item for rainy or windy days. An Umbrella also gives utility during this wetter period. While milder than many European winters, dampness can create a cooler sensation.

Dress Code Notes

  • Gibraltar has a relaxed dress code, similar to the UK or Spain.
  • Modest dress (shoulders and knees covered) is recommended for religious sites.
  • Everyday comfortable clothes suit general sightseeing.

Footwear Pointers

Walking Shoes

Comfortable walking shoes are mandatory for exploring Gibraltar. The territory has many hilly areas and numerous stairs, especially on the Upper Rock.

Essential for all exploration.

Hiking Footwear

For hiking or exploring the Upper Rock, sturdy Walking shoes or light hiking boots provide good support. The terrain can be uneven and steep.

Important for Upper Rock trails.

Casual Options

Sandals or flip-flops suit casual wear or beach visits in warmer months. Dressier shoes are not generally part of upscale restaurant or evening venue visits, which are few.

Good for relaxed moments.

Travel Documents

Useful Papers

Careful organization of your travel documents wards off problems. Begin with your Passport and any visa documentation. Verify your passport's validity well in advance; many countries want it valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay. Have the original documents, and carry copies separately.

  • Passport and Visa: Originals, plus copies kept separately.
  • Travel Insurance: Policy number and emergency contacts.
  • Driving Permit: International Driving Permit (IDP) for Spain driving.
  • Health Records: Vaccination records, doctor's note for prescriptions.
  • Reservations: Printed and digital copies for flights, accommodation, tours. Store digital copies in cloud or email.
  • Emergency Contacts: Family/friends, local embassy/consulate.
  • IDs for Discounts: Student, senior, or press IDs for potential savings.
  • Organize all papers in a Travel document organizer.

Tech Essentials

Power & Connectivity

Gibraltar uses Type G plug sockets, same as the UK. Electricity is 240V at 50Hz. Travelers from countries with different plug types (like USA or EU) will need a Travel adapter. Most modern electronics are dual voltage, but verify your device chargers.

Mobile Usage & VPN

  • Your mobile phone works if unlocked and supports GSM networks.
  • Consider a local SIM card (Gibtelecom) or an ESIM. A small SIM card ejector tool is useful.
  • For internet security, consider a VPN like NordVPN or ExpressVPN, especially on public Wi-Fi.

Cameras & Power Banks

Gibraltar offers many scenic views. If you enjoy photography, consider camera equipment with zoom capabilities for wildlife and distant landscapes. Protect your gear with a padded Camera bag or case. B&H Photo supplies camera equipment.

Chargers & Apps

  • Portable chargers or Power banks are almost mandatory.
  • Download offline maps (Google Maps) for data savings and offline access.
  • For backup, use cloud storage for photos and documents. An External hard drive or USB stick provides another physical backup.

Data Backup & Security

Cloud Storage

Utilize cloud services (e.g., Google Drive, Dropbox) for automatic photo and document uploads. This provides remote access and security.

Physical Backup

An external hard drive or USB stick serves as a local backup for large media files, specifically photos and videos.

Device Security

Password-protect all devices and enable remote wipe features. Use VPNs on public Wi-Fi for secure browsing.

Health & Comfort

First Aid & Meds

Pack a Destination-specific first aid kit. Include standard travel items like plasters (Band-aids), antiseptic wipes, pain relievers (Ibuprofen or paracetamol), and antihistamines. If prone to motion sickness, bring remedies for boat trips. Given wild monkeys, consider items for minor cuts or scratches, though avoiding close contact is best.

Prescriptions & Over-the-Counter

  • Bring an adequate supply of all Prescription medications, with a copy of your prescription or a doctor’s note.
  • For Over-the-counter medications, pack items for common travel issues.
  • A Compact travel first aid kit forms a good base. Suppliers include Adventure Medical Kits.

Sun Protection & Hygiene

Sun protection maintains importance year-round, especially in summer. Pack high-SPF sunscreen and reapply it often. After-sun lotion and Lip balm with SPF also demonstrate utility. Insect repellent is less important in urban areas but might contribute to comfort near green spaces.

Water & Personal Care

  • Water purification options are not necessary; tap water in Gibraltar is safe to drink. Consider LifeStraw for other destinations.
  • Carrying a reusable water bottle is good for environmental reasons and to save money on Bottled water.
  • Pack personal hygiene essentials in travel sizes. A hanging Travel toiletry bag helps organize these items.

Altitude & Motion Sickness

Altitude

  • Altitude sickness is not a concern in Gibraltar due to its low elevation.
  • No special precautions are needed for height-related health issues.
  • Focus on comfortable walking for uneven terrain rather than altitude considerations.

Motion Sickness

  • Motion sickness remedies contribute to comfort for boat trips, like dolphin watching tours.
  • Winding bus or taxi rides up the Rock might also trigger motion sickness for some.
  • Bring your preferred anti-nausea medication.

Activity Gear

Hiking & Day Trips

A Daypack carries water, snacks, and extra layers for hiking. Appropriate footwear, as mentioned, stands as an important item. Consider a packable Travel backpack.

  • Water bottle
  • Snacks
  • Light jacket
  • Map or GPS

Dolphin Watching

For dolphin watching tours, consider bringing Binoculars for better viewing of marine life and the coastline. A camera with zoom supports distant shots.

  • Binoculars
  • Zoom camera
  • Light jacket
  • Motion sickness remedy

Swimming & Beach

For swimming or beach relaxation, pack a Swimsuit, a towel, and a Beach bag. Water shoes are useful for pebble beaches or rocky areas.

  • Swimsuit
  • Beach towel
  • Water shoes
  • Sunscreen

Rent vs. Bring Equipment

Items to Bring

  • Basic hiking gear and beach essentials are easy to pack.
  • Binoculars greatly enhance enjoying the views and spotting wildlife.
  • Personal medication and specific toiletries.
  • General travel gear.

Items to Rent Locally

  • Specialized equipment, like scuba diving gear, is better rented locally due to bulk.
  • Consider renting bikes if you only plan casual use, as the Rock is too steep for most cycling.
  • Items you will use only once or for a very short duration.
  • Bulky items not easily transportable.

Other Essentials

Comfort & Security

Beyond the essentials, some miscellaneous items considerably enhance your travel comfort and security. For long flights or bus journeys, Comfort items for transportation like a Neck pillow, Eye mask, and Earplugs promote rest.

Security Measures

  • Security items like Travel locks for luggage.
  • A money belt worn under your clothes provides a secure place for cash and documents.
  • An RFID-blocking wallet protects credit card information.
  • Consider a portable personal alarm for emergencies.

Reusable Items & Cash

Embrace Reusable items to minimize your environmental impact and save money. A reusable water bottle helps reduce plastic waste. A Reusable shopping bag folds down easily and helps carry purchases. A Reusable travel utensil set is useful for picnics or street food.

Cash & Personal Care

  • A small amount of GBP cash upon arrival works for immediate expenses.
  • Consider any highly specific personal care items or medications you rely on, as their local selection might differ.
  • While many things are available in Gibraltar, having your preferred items helps comfort.
  • A travel-sized laundry soap for quick washing of small items.

Sustainable Travel Items

Reusable Water Bottle

Reduces plastic waste.

Reusable Shopping Bag

For purchases and souvenirs.

Travel Utensil Set

For picnics or street food.

Solar Charger

Eco-friendly device charging.

Destination-Specific Items

For The Upper Rock

  • Secure bag for valuables (from monkeys).
  • Sturdy walking shoes for uneven paths.
  • Binoculars for panoramic views.

For Spanish Border Crossings

  • Basic Spanish phrasebook or translation app.
  • Some Euros if venturing into Spain.
  • International Driving Permit (if driving in Spain).

Packing Pro Tips

Roll clothes tightly to save space and minimize wrinkles.

Pack heavy items near the wheels of your luggage for stability. Use packing cubes for organization.