Regional Notes
ANTIGUA & BARBUDA
GOVERNMENT
The islands of Antigua, Barbuda and the tiny Redonda together form an independent state within the British Commonwealth.
MONEY
The local currency is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (EC$), but US currency is accepted. Bills may include a service charge of 10%, plus an 8.5% tax. Taxi drivers expect a 10% tip. There are exchange facilities in hotels and larger shops. Banking hours are 8am to 1pm weekdays, and Fridays 3pm to 5pm.
COMMUNICATIONS
The telephone system is up to date: all numbers have international direct dialling. The post office in St John's (Antigua) has a Poste Restante service. Many hotels have a fax service.
LANGUAGE & CULTURE
The language is English, and the predominant cultural heritage is British.
Traffic drives on the left. Rental cars are available. A local temporary driving licence can be obtained with a valid home licence.
Public Holidays
New Year's Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Labour Day (first Monday in May), Whit Monday/May Bank Holiday (last Monday in May), Queen's Birthday (second Saturday in June), Caricom Day (beginning of July), Carnival (first Monday and Tuesday in August), Independence Day (November 1st), Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
HEALTH
Medical treatment is expensive. Travellers arriving from areas of Yellow Fever infection are required to have a vaccination certificate if they are aged one year or older. Bottled drinking water is available, and recommended for the first few weeks of stay.
IMPORTANT ADDRESSES, CONSULATES etc.
British High Commission, Price-Waterhouse Centre, 11 Old Parham Road, St John's, Antigua. Tel 462-0008/9.
US Consular Agent , Bluff House, Pigeon Point, English Harbour, Antigua. Tel. (268) 463-6531.
Canadian High Commission, Bishop's Court Hill, St Michael (PO Box 404, Bridgetown, BARBADOS).
SPECIAL FEATURES
You can clear in at English Harbour, Jolly Harbour, or St John's, all on Antigua, and get a cruising permit which is also good for Barbuda.
Regional Links
The Locations
West Coast of Antigua. Image served from www.turq.com, Photograph © Margo McLeod, 1999