The Basics

Time

Local time in Ascension Island is GMT. (GMT -1 between the last Sunday in March and the last Sunday in October).

Electricity

Electrical current is 240 volts, 50Hz. Flat three-pin plugs are standard.

Language

English is the official language.

Travel Health

Medical insurance is required when visiting Ascension Island. No vaccination is required before travel but a vaccination against yellow fever is recommended in case of a flight/ship being diverted to a risk area (Africa). Non-malarial mosquitoes can be a nuisance and travellers should arm themselves with mosquito repellent. A small hospital is available to deal with day-to-day complaints but sophisticated treatment is not available on the Island. Travellers should carry adequate supplies of prescription medication. A UK-qualified dentist is available on the island. Travellers planning on diving should be aware that there is no decompression facility on Ascension, nor are there qualified rescue divers.

Tipping

Tips of 10 to 15% are expected in restaurants and upmarket hotels in Ascension Island if a service charge hasn't been included. Other services are discretionary.

Safety Information

The level of crime on Ascension Island is very low. Crimes or violence against residents or visitors are virtually unheard of. Visitors hiring cars should be aware that wild sheep and donkeys can congregate on the roads, especially during wet weather.

Local Customs

Customs in Ascension Island are much like those of the UK with handshaking being customary when introduced to someone new.

Business

Business is conducted much like in the UK. Politeness and punctuality are key to good business relations, and initial meetings are often conducted formally and impersonally, becoming more open and social as things progress. Business cards are exchanged at introductions. Dress is formal, with dark suits preferred. Business hours are generally 8am to 5pm Monday to Friday with an hour taken at lunch.

Communications

The international dialling code for Ascension Island is +247. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (eg. 0044 for the united Kingdom). Prepaid phone cards and telephones are available from Cable and Wireless Ascension Island. Most hotels provide Internet connections.

Duty Free

Travellers to Ascension Island over 16 years with goods purchased personal consumption do not have to pay duty on these goods provided they are for personal use or are gifts for family and friends. This does not apply to large quantities of alcohol or tobacco if the amounts exceed the following limits: 200 cigarettes or 250g tobacco, 1 litre of spirits, 2 litres of wine or 12 x 340ml beer.