Castries Basics

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Time: Local time is GMT -4.

Electricity: 240 volts, 50Hz. Three square-pin plugs are standard.

Money: The unit of currency in Saint Lucia is the East Caribbean Dollar (XCD), which is tied to the US Dollar. The EC$ is divided into 100 cents. US dollars are also accepted at most tourist establishments and ensure a better exchange rate. ATMs are available in Castries, Rodney Bay, Soufriere and Vieux Fort. Banks are open Monday to Friday from 8am to 2pm, some are open till 5pm. Major credit cards are accepted at all large hotels, shops and restaurants. Most hotels will exchange foreign currency, and there are change bureaux in Castries.

Currency Exchange Rates

XCD 1.00 =

A$ 0.60

C$ 0.47

IRR 3.45

NZ$ 0.69

£ 0.26

US$ 0.38

R 3.98

Note: These currency exchange rates are not updated daily and should be used as a guideline only.

Language: English is the official language, but St Lucian Creole is widely spoken.

Entry requirements:

Entry requirements for Americans: United States passport holders must have a passport or a Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) compliant document, or a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license, as well as proof of citizenship, such as an original or certified birth certificate. US citizens may stay for up to six weeks without a visa.

Entry requirements for UK nationals: UK citizens must hold a passport. A visa is not required for a stay of up to six weeks.

Entry requirements for Canadians: Canadians may enter St Lucia with a passport, or a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license, as well as proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate. No visa is required for a stay of up to six weeks.

Entry requirements for Australians: Australians require a passport to enter St Lucia. A visa is required, which can be obtained on arrival for a fee of US$ 50 and a stay of up to six weeks.

Entry requirements for South Africans: South Africans require a passport. A visa is required, which can be obtained on arrival for a stay of up to six weeks.

Entry requirements for Irish nationals: Irish nationals require a passport, but a visa is not necessary for a stay of up to six weeks.

Entry requirements for New Zealand nationals: New Zealand nationals require a passport. No visa is required for a stay of up to six weeks.

Passport/Visa Note: Visitors must hold documents for the next destination, return or onward tickets and sufficient funds. As part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), all travellers travelling between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean region are required to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter or re-enter the United States. If departing from the USA a valid passport will be required by immigration authorities.

Health: There are few health risks associated with travel to St Lucia, although the mosquito-carried dengue fever is a risk throughout the island. HIV/AIDS is prevalent and precautions are advised. Bilharzia is endemic. No vaccinations are required, however a yellow fever certificate is necessary for travellers arriving from infected areas. Health care costs are high on the island and health insurance is recommended, which should cover medical evacuation. EHIC card holders are entitled to emergency medical treatment in the case of evacuation to Martinique, on the same terms as Martinique nationals, of which 70 percent of the costs can be reclaimed.

Tipping: A service charge is not automatically added to bills and about 10% of the bill is expected. Taxi drivers, porters and chambermaids also expect small tips.

Safety: Most visits to St Lucia are trouble-free, but visitors should take common-sense precautions against robbery and theft. Isolated areas, such as beaches, should be avoided after dark. Hurricane season is generally from June to November.

Customs: It is an offence for anyone to dress in camouflage clothing. Homosexuality is illegal.

Business: Due to its popularity as an offshore banking location, business dress in St Lucia requires a level of formality. Handshakes for both men and women are the common form of greeting at the beginning and end of meetings, and business cards are usually exchanged. Business hours are generally 8am to 4.30pm throughout the week and 8.30am to 12.30pm on Saturdays.

Communications: The international access code for St Lucia is +1 758. The outgoing code is 011 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 01144 for the United Kingdom); the outgoing code is not needed for calls to Canada and the US. City/area codes are not in use. Pay phones accept coins and pre-paid cards, available at shops throughout the island. AT&T calling cards can be used for cheaper international calls. Mobile phone operators provide good GSM 850, 900, 1800 and 1900 network coverage of the island. Email and Internet access is available at Internet cafes throughout the island.

Duty free: Travellers to St Lucia may bring in 200 cigarettes or 250g tobacco, and 1 litre wine or spirits without paying customs duty.