Anguilla Cap Juluca

Idyllically set in the Eastern Caribbean, the British Overseas Territory of Anguilla is the quintessential Caribbean island destination. It comprises one small main island as well as a scattering of little offshore islets. Featuring over 33 idyllic white-sand beaches lapped by crystal-clear turquoise waters, Anguilla is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty. Most beaches are fringed by open-air beach bars offering an array of Carribean-style rum punches, sizzling barbecues and reggae beats filtering into the Carribean breeze. Visitors can look forward to snorkelling at the beautiful unspoilt Barnes Bay, swimming and soaking up the sun on one of the many pristine palm-lined beaches, and visiting a variety of world-class restaurants and local food shacks, most of which line the stunning beaches up to the water’s edge.

Currency

The local currency is the Eastern 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$1, and 25, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents. The EC Dollar is tied to the US Dollar.

Banking

Banking hours: Monday-Thursday 08h00-15h00, Friday 08h00-17h00.

American Express and Visa cards are widely accepted in hotels and restaurants or shops accustomed to serving tourists. ATMs are available in at the airport, several banks in The Valley and at certain shopping malls. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller’s cheques in US Dollars.

Currency may be exchanged in the capital. US Dollars are widely accepted and prices quoted are generally in US Dollars.

With no direct flights to Anguilla, visitors from the UK tend to fly via Antigua (British Airways and Virgin Atlantic) and then make the local transfer by small charter plane. Norwegian runs a direct flight from the UK to San Juan in Puerto Rico, from where Seaborne and Tradewind Aviation have daily schedules to the island. From North America most visitors fly to St Maarten (American Airlines, United and Air Canada are among the many airlines serving the route) and then take a boat across to the island. It is also possible to fly via Puerto Rico. Charter companies that run planes between Anguilla and neighbouring Caribbean islands include Trans Anguilla Airways and Anguilla Air Services.

The road network is good but basic and the main road is asphalt, stretching throughout the 25-kilometre length of Anguilla. Cars are easily available for rent, though they can become booked out in high season over Christmas and New Year, so reserve early. There are numerous rental agencies available, both local and international. Companies generally deliver to your hotel. Most companies require drivers to be over 23 years old to rent a car.

Taxis are available at the airport and seaports with fixed prices to the various hotels. Island tours can be arranged on an individual basis.

Anguilla boasts an exciting array of gourmet, gastronomic dining experiences (by chefs from the excellent hotel dining rooms that have set up independent restaurants) as well Mexican and Italian and of course the informal fare of the beach bars. While most ingredients are imported, local fish, lobster, Anguillian crayfish and some local crops are used.

Mains water is normally chlorinated and, whilst relatively safe, may cause mild abdominal upsets. Bottled water is readily available and is advised. Milk is pasteurised and dairy products (all imported) are safe for consumption. Local meat, poultry, seafood, fruit and vegetables are generally considered safe to eat.

The normal practice for tipping is 10-15%.

Anguilla is hot throughout the year, tempered by trade winds in local areas, particularly early in the year. The average rainfall for the year is 89 cm and the hurricane season is from July to November.

Electrical sockets in Anguilla are very similar to the electrical outlets found in the United States and Canada, and if your appliance has a North American plug, it's possible that you won't need any adapter at all in order to plug in there. However, there are two potentially very important physical differences that may need to be addressed with an adapter: grounding and/or polarization. If your plug has one or both, and the socket doesn't, then the plug may not physically be able to fit into the socket without an adapter.

Electrical sockets in Anguilla usually supply electricity at between 110 and 120 volts AC. If you're plugging in a U.S. or Canadian 120 volt appliance or an appliance that is compatible with multiple voltages, then an adapter is all you need.If your appliance isn’t compatible with 110-120 volts, a voltage converter will be necessary.