Antigua

Antigua and Barbuda is an exquisite twin-island Caribbean country comprised of of two major inhabited islands, Antigua and Barbuda, and a number of smaller islands. Antigua is home to some extraordinary beaches as well as the nation’s vibrant capital, St Johns, which boasts a wonderful cathedral and some excellent museums. A visit to neighbouring Barbuda is an altogether more laidback experience. The island is remarkably undeveloped and is blessed with an abundance of intriguing wildlife and countless idyllic palm-fringed beaches. Whether exploring the old fort, the graceful harbours dotted along Antigua’s curving coastline or the calm clear waters of Half Moon Bay, you are bound to find plenty to keep you blissfully entertained in this charming dual-island nation.

Currency

East Caribbean Dollar (XCD; symbol EC$) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of EC$100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of EC$2 and EC$1, and 25, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents. US currency is accepted almost everywhere. The EC Dollar is pegged to the US Dollar.

There are no limits on the import of local and foreign currency, provided it is declared upon arrival. The export of local and foreign currency is permitted up to the amount imported and declared.

Banking

Banking hours: Monday-Thursday 08h00-15h00; Friday 08h00-16h00. The Bank of Antigua also opens until midday on Saturdays.

Major credit cards including American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are accepted all over the islands.

ATMs are available on the islands, with more found in the major resorts and towns such as St John’s.

Travellers cheques are widely accepted and they can be exchanged at international banks, hotels and larger stores. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller's cheques in US Dollars rather than Pound Sterling or Euros.

Although the EC Dollar is tied to the US Dollar, exchange rates will vary at different exchange establishments. There are international banks in St John's, and Pound Sterling and US Dollars can be exchanged at hotels and in the larger shops.

A small airstrip at Codrington on Barbuda is equipped to handle light aircraft. Antigua Barbuda Montserrat Air (www.antigua-flights.com) operates daily scheduled flights between Antigua and Barbuda.

To fly to other islands from Barbuda it is necessary to transfer back to VC Bird International airport on Antigua.

It is perfectly safe to drive around Antigua by road and this is a good way to explore the country. Main roads are of good quality but may become dirt tracks if you go off the beaten track. Travellers thinking of driving to remote locations may want to consider hiring a 4-wheel drive vehicle.

A car is not strictly necessary as public transport does exist, but buses, most of which run from St. Johns, tend to serve local rather than tourist routes.

Car hire services can be organised in advance from your home country but is easy to do on arrival. In addition to a valid driver’s licence, a permit to drive in Antigua is required. The hire company can assist in getting this temporary licence. There are several reputable car hire companies on Antigua (some of which also hire out mopeds and bicycles). Hire rates are for the day and there is no mileage. Cars are driven on the left side of the road and few streets are lit at night.

If travelling with young children, be aware that car hire companies do not provide child or booster seats. It is not a legal requirement to use these, but the conditions of the roads on Antigua make it advisable.

Taxis are available everywhere with standardised rates. US Dollars are more readily accepted by taxi drivers. Taxi drivers are also qualified as tour guides for sightseeing trips. Taxis are identified by ‘TX’ on licence plates.

Mains water is normally chlorinated and, whilst relatively safe, may cause mild abdominal upsets. Bottled water is available and is advised for the first few weeks of the stay. Milk is pasteurised and dairy products are safe for consumption so there is no need to be overly cautious. Local meat, poultry, seafood, fruit and vegetables are generally considered safe to eat.

Fresh catches are amongst Antigua's gastronomic specialities with lobster, red snapper, conch, mahi mahi, shrimp and other fish always worth sampling. Most resorts have their own restaurants, but to sample authentic Antiguan fare, head to one of the excellent local restaurants, which are scattered around both the islands. Renowned for their hearty Caribbean dishes, some of these restaurants also offer beach views.

On Antigua you will find all types of international cuisine including French, Italian and American food as well as local specialities. Meanwhile, delectable street food, such as barbeque chicken, fish and rotis, can be found around St John’s and English Harbour.

10 to 15% is included on hotel bills for staff gratuities, plus an 8.5% government tax.

The islands enjoy a very pleasant balmy tropical climate which remains warm and relatively dry throughout the year, with relatively little variance. Temperatures range from lows of 22°C (72°F) to highs of 40°C (104°F) all year round, with October to January being the hottest time of year, staying in the region of 30°C (86°F) to 35°C (95°F). Cooling winds blow in from the south east so the heat rarely feels too unbearable. In general, humidity in Antigua and Barbuda is quite low.

The rainy season runs from around June to November, and during this time daily rain showers are common; there is also a good chance of tropical storms and hurricanes across the islands. Their location in the hurricane zone means the islands are vulnerable to powerful storms every two or three years, whilst hurricanes can hit every two to six years.

Dress for a tropical climate - lightweight cottons or linens will be appropriate for most of the year, but those visiting the islands from June to September should bring waterproofs so that they’re not caught out when the rains come.