St. Kitts Travel Tips
Things You Need To Know When Traveling To St. Kitts

Departure Tax
There is a departure tax of EC$45 (about US$16.50) payable in cash at the airport.

Immigration
Citizens of Canada and the U.S. need proof of citizenship (preferably a passport or birth certificate) and photo ID, as well as proof of sufficient funds and return or onward passage. Reconfirm travel document requirements with your carrier before departure.

Banking
The following banks operate in the British Virgin Islands:

• Credit Union
• Bank of Nova Scotia
• First Caribbean International Bank
• Royal Bank of Canada
• St. Kitts Nevis-Anguilla National Bank
• Development Bank of St. Kitts & Nevis

Banks are open Monday-Thursday 8am-2pm; Friday 8am-4pm Saturday 8:30am -11am.

Each bank provides 24 hour ATM services where you can get cash advances from your VISA or MasterCard. You can also withdraw from or check the balance of the primary checking and savings accounts linked to your bankcard, via the PLUS/Electron or Cirrus/Maestro networks.

Capital
The capital of St. Kitts is Basseterre. Its French name simply means "lowland." Today Basseterre's French heritage is not nearly as prominent as its British colonial past. The centerpiece of the city's evocative Georgian architecture is its Circus, a diminutive roundabout modeled in proper Victorian patriotism after Piccadilly, in London. In the middle of the Circus stands the bright green bronze of the Berkeley Memorial Clock, an ornate, cast iron tower with four clock faces and more than a little architectural decoration.

Clothing
Light summer clothing may be worn all year. Dress is informal, even at elegant hotels and plantation inns, though you may want to dress up a bit for a nice dinner. Nudity is not permitted at any beach. Swimwear or scant clothing should never be worn in towns or villages.

Credit Cards
Major credit cards are accepted.

Currency
The currency of St. Kitts is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (EC$). U.S. bills are accepted by most stores and businesses and change is given in E.C. currency. U.S. coins are not accepted.

Exchange Rate: US$1 = EC$2.70

Customs Regulation
For travelers over 18-

• 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 225 g of tobacco,
• 1.136 liters of wine or spirits.

Driving
If you prefer to take yourself around our beautiful island, you will have no problem getting a vehicle to rent. You will have a wide range of vehicles ranging from luxury cars and vans to motor bikes. Rented vehicles are available from several rental outlets listed below. Driving in St. Kitts is on the left side and requires you to have a driver’s permit. This permit can be obtained from the Traffic Department for EC$50.00. Remember to keep on the left side of the road and drive safely.

Electricity
The domestic market is served by a 230 volt single phase supply. However, a 117 volt supply is available in most hotels.

Government
The legal system is based on English Common Law served by a high court of justice, a Court of Appeal and her Majesty's Privy Council in London. St. Kitts has agreed to be included in the Caribbean Court of Appeals Circuit.

Language
English is the official language.

Marriage Licenses
Proper documents must be presented for marriage approval. The cost is around US$80 with a wait period of two days. Guests should bring: Passports or birth certificates. For couples wishing to be married by a minister on St. Kitts, a letter from the couple’s stateside minister must be presented verifying that they are unmarried and have received proper marital instructions.

Population
The population is 38,836 (July 2004 est.).

Telecommunications
Cable & Wireless serves 17, 000 telephone lines in St. Kitts & Nevis. Direct Dialing, Leased Circuits, Internet, Class Services, Voice Mail, Caller ID and other features are currently offered. ISDN and DSL services are also available. The area code for St. Kitts is 1-869.

Police / Ambulance - 911
Fire - 333
Air Ambulance - (869) 465-2801
JNF General Hospital - (869) 465-2551

Time Zones
Atlantic Standard Time is observed throughout the year. St. Kitts is 4 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (-4 GMT). Daylight Saving Time is not observed.

Gratuities
Is the same as in the US - 10% to 15%, depending on the service. Some restaurants and hotels will automatically add a 10% gratuity. If you are in doubt, do not feel uncomfortable asking. Usually, porters and bellhops receive 50 cents per bag, taxi drivers 10-15% of the fare.

Water
The water is of good quality and suitable for drinking. It is collected from direct precipitation, mountain springs and wells, and is chemically treated for purification. Locally bottled water is also available.