Antigua and Barbuda: Useful Information

- Antigua's currency is the East Caribbean Dollar which is pegged to the US Dollar between 1 USD = 2.6 and 2.7 ECD. US dollar currency and US dollar travellers cheques are recommended.
- Cash dispensers (ATM's) are available at banks in St. John's and at the main tourist areas.
- The major credit cards are widely accepted. Note debit cards are also accepted but do not have the same level of protection in case of theft or fraud as credit cards.
- Telephones - most hotels provide a phone in the room, however, public telephones are available along Temple Street, St. John's and in many places throughout Antigua. Public telephone kiosks generally take phone cards, available at hotels, post offices and supermarkets.
- Mobile phones are covered by GSM mobile networks, 900 and 1900.
- International access code is 1 followed by 268
- Internet is widely available in hotels and internet cafes in the main areas. The internet TLD is .ag
- The main post office is in Long Street, St. John's. 8.00am to 4.00pm Monday to Friday.
- Voltage supply is 220 and 110 volt, 60Hz, most hotels have both. American style 2 pin plugs are used.
- Choice of TV channels and programmes is limited and reception can be poor. Most hotels provide TV's in the room or in separate lounges.
- Time zone is UTC / GMT –4
- Visit visa, not required for British passport holders but passports must have 6 months validity.
- Mains water is chlorinated and is safe to drink, bottled water is however widely used for drinking.
- Religion, Antigua is a Christian country predominantly Anglican, Catholic, Methodist and Moravian churches.
- Nearest British High Commission is in Barbados; telephone (1) 246 430 7800
- Etiquette, It is an offence to wear camouflage clothing, or even baggage with camouflage design.
- Age limit for being served alcohol is 18.
- Shop opening times; 8.30am – 4.00pm Monday to Friday and 8.00am – 12.00 noon Saturday. Half day Thursday.
Business hours; 8.00am – 5.00pm Monday to Friday and 8.00am – 12.00 noon Saturday.
- Nearest decompression chamber is Saba or St. Thomas (by air ambulance)
- Duty free allocations; 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250 grammes of tobacco plus 1 litre of wine or spirits plus 170ml of perfume.
- Health insurance is strongly recommended as local treatment is very expensive.
- Inoculations required; yellow fever if arriving from an infected country, typhoid and hepatitis A recommended but not mandatory.
Mosquito and sand fly repellent is a must, ask your hotel at the time of booking if mosquito nets are provided.
- Tourism Information Office; Queen Elizabeth Highway, St. John's 8.00am – 4.30pm Monday to Thursday and 8.00am – 3.00pm Friday.