Tourism FAQ's

Airport Information

The Island has air links with most major airports situated in the UK and Ireland. For up to date flight information either click here or ring the Aiport Information Office on 01624 821600

Banks and Building Societies

Most high street banks and building societies have premises on the Isle of Man. The opening hours are generally 09.30am to 4.30pm. Bank Holidays are the same as those in the UK with 2 additional holidays, Senior Race Day (TT Races) which is always a Friday early in June and Tynwald Day (Manx National Day) which is celebrated on the 5th July unless it falls on a Saturday or Sunday in which case it is celebrated on the following Monday.

Bus Services

The Isle of Man Transport Division provides a comprehensive bus service Island wide. Operating daily between approximately 07.00hrs and 23.00hrs. You can obtain a bus timetable from the Isle of Man Welcome Centre at the Sea Terminal, Douglas or alternatively click here. Buses on routes 1,2 and 8 pass the Isle of Man Airport, calling at bus stop immediately outside the terminal. Buses in Douglas stop at Lord Street, North Quay and Peveril Square, all of which are very close to the Sea Terminal Building. Island explorer tickets can be a very economical way of getting around the Island. For further information call Passenger Transport on 01624 662525

Car Hire

There are several car hire companies on the Island should you wish to hire a car. Clean driving licences are required. Driving in the Isle of Man is on the left, as in the UK. Seatbelts must be worn and the Horse Trams that run up and down Douglas Promenade can only be overtaken on the left. Please note: It is illegal to drive a vehicle whilst using your mobile phone.

Car Parking

There is free parking available in designated spaces in all the main towns; however, there is a time limit to how long you can stay. Parking discs are required to display in the windscreen showing the time you arrived. These discs are widely available - your hotel may have a supply, but if not you can obtain them from the Isle of Man Welcome Centre at the Sea Terminal in Douglas, or on the Steam Packet ferries. Car hire companies should provide these already in the car.

Caravans

The importation of caravans to the Island is controlled by way of an agreement between the Department of Local Government and the Environment and the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company. Persons wishing to import a caravan must submit a written request to:

Currency

The Isle of Man has a unique constitutional relationship with the United Kingdom which enables it to elect its own Government, make its own laws, levy its own taxes and control expenditure.

The nurturing of a low personal and company taxation policy has led to the establishment of a vibrant and successful finance centre and therefore it is fitting also that it should issue its own currency, the Manx pound, which is equivalent in value to its United Kingdom counterpart.

The issue of its own currency is a positive statement of independence and the power of self determination. It is also an important source of investment income which would otherwise accrue to the United Kingdom if that country's currency was allowed to displace it.

Further information about Manx Pound can be found here.

Maps

Maps of the Isle of Man can be foundhere. Ordance Survey and walking mapscan be purchased from the Isle of Man Welcome Centre by mail at The Sea Terminal, Douglas, Isle of Man IM1 2RG or Tel: +44 (0) 1624 686801 during operational hours (answer phone out of hours) Fax: +44 (0) 1624 627443 Email: tourism@gov.im

Marriage

I am looking to get married in the Isle of Man, how do I arrange this? For further information on getting married in the Isle of Man please check out The General Registry website

Medical Insurance

I want to take a holiday on the Isle of Man. Will i receive medical treatment if I need it? All visitors are entitled to immediate and necessary medical treatment in an emergency situation, for which no charge will be made. However, if you are subsequently admitted to hospital a charge may be made for all treatment received unless you are a resident of the UK. Therefore we advise you take out comprehensive health care insurance prior to any trip to the Isle of Man

Passports

A passport is not required if entering the Island from the United Kingdom. For up to date information on passports and immigration, please see here