Language

English is the official language on the island however, Manx Gaelic, which is related to Scots and Irish Gaelic, is still sometimes heard. At one time spoken by all the Manx, the tongue was replaced by English just in the last century. In the 2001 census report, 1,689 people still claimed some knowledge of the language.

Currency

The Isle of Man Pound has parity with Sterling. £1 = 100 pence. Notes are in denominations of £50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of £2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 pence. British currency circulates freely and Scottish and northern Irish notes are also accepted. Manx notes and coins are not generally accepted in the rest of the UK so it’s advised to exchange all currency before leaving the island.

Time

OTC + 0. The island is subject to Daylight Saving Time.

Electricity

220V, 50Hz. The Isle of Man uses UK three-prong plugs. US visitors hoping to use electrical appliances from home will need to use a transformer and an adaptor.

Communications

For international telephone calls, the country and area code for the Isle of Man is +44-1642. Cell phones have good coverage and a few UK companies rent out phones for short-term contracts or pay-as-you-go. Internet cafes and WiFi within hotels usually have good connection speeds.

Duty-free

The Isle of Man falls within the tax territory of the EU, even though it is not an EU member state, therefore travelers from within the EU cannot make duty free purchases. Most goods produced in the UK or brought into the UK can be taken onto the Isle of Man without further customs formalities. Goods brought directly to the island are subject to the same import prohibitions, restrictions and licensing that would apply as if they were imported into the UK.

Tourist Office

Isle of Man Tourist Office: +44-1624-686766 Monday to Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Sundays (between June and September) 09:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. www. visitisleofman.com

Consulates

The French Consulate is the only foreign representation in the Isle of Man. All embassy contact to the island is done via the UK. See UK listings.

Emergency

Police: 999 or +44-1624-631212 Fire: 999 or +44-1624-647300 Medical: 999 or +44-1624-650040