Capital: St John’s
Time zone: GMT – 4
Telephone services: Country Code: 1 268
Outgoing Code: 011
Emergency telephone numbers: 999/911
Tourist information: Antigua Department of Tourism, PO Box 363. Nevis Street Friendly Alley, St John’s, Antigua Tel: 462 0480 or 462 0029 Fax: 462 2483.
Passport information: Valid passport required by all except nationals of the USA do not require a passport providing they have other documents with proof of their identity. Passports have to valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended period of stay. Return Ticket required. Requirements may be subject to short-term change. Contact embassy before departure.
Visa information: Required if stay is longer than 6 months.
Health information: Polio, Typhoid: Vaccination recommended
Yellow Fever: A vaccination certificate is required from passengers over 1 year of age arriving from infected areas
Food & drink: Water is untreated and not safe to drink.
Currency: Eastern Caribbean Dollar (EC$) = 100 cents Exchange: US$ and Sterling can be exchanged at hotels and larger shops.
CC: Accepted TC: Exchanged at banks, large hotels and shops.
ATM availability: Over 70 locations.
Cost of living: Can be very expensive, especially in the tourist centres. Accommodation is cheaper in the summer than in the winter
Languages: English, English Patois is also spoken.
Weather: Tropical, warm climate. Rainfall is minimal.
Electricity: 1220/110 volts AC 60 Hz. American style 2 pin plugs are generally used. Some hotels have outlets for 240 volts to be used in which case European type 2 pin plugs are used.
Post: 5 – 7 days.
Transport: ROAD: Mostly all weather. Buses are irregular. TAXI: Available everywhere charging standard rates, US$ commonly accepted. CAR HIRE: Can be arranged before arrival although is easy to arrange on arrival. DOCUMENTATION: A national driving licence is acceptable but a local licence must be obtained.
Special information: Embracing is the common method of greeting friends and family. Dress should be appropriate for the occasion and location i.e. keep beachwear for the beach / pool. Special events such as International Sailing Week and Tennis Weeks require accommodation to be booked well in advance.