Regional Notes

St Barts

GOVERNMENT

St Barthelemy is part of the Guadeloupe archipelago of islands. Guadeloupe is an overseas Department of France.

MONEY

The official currency is the French franc, but US dollars are accepted. Banking hours are Monday to Friday 8am to noon, and 2pm to 3pm. Banks close from the afternoon preceding a public holiday.

COMMUNICATIONS

The telephone system has international direct dialling, and telephone cards (Telecartes) are almost universal. These can be purchased from post offices. Other communication services, including internet, can be obtained at Le Centre Alize, in Gustavia.

LANGUAGE & CULTURE

French is the official language; English is widely spoken. Banana cultivation and tourism are mainstays of the economy. St Barts has retained a rural character, but it is also a very upmarket destination. It has no large resorts, specialising in discreetly affluent small hotels and rental houses with a repeat clientele. Its French cuisine and restaurants are world class, and correspondingly priced.

Beachwear should be restricted to the beach, but dressing in the evening is not formal: men are never required to wear tie and jacket.

Driving is on the right. Cars and scooters can be rented, and any valid driving licence is accepted.

Public holidays

New Year's Day, Three Kings Day (January 6), Carnival & Ash Wednesday (February 27-28) , Easter Weekend, Labor Day (May 1), Armistice Day (May 8), Feast of the Assumption (May 24), Pentecost Weekend (3-4 June), Bastille Day (July 14), St Bart's Pitea Day (August 8), All Saints Day (November 1), Armistice Day (November 11), Christmas Day.

HEALTH

There is a small hospital in Gustavia (Tel 27-60-35).

IMPORTANT ADDRESSES, CONSULATES etc.

American Consular Agent, 9 rue des Alpinias, Didier, Fort de France, MARTINIQUE. Tel (596) 71-96-90, or (596) 71-96-74 after hours.

British Honorary Consul, 23 rue Sadi Carnot, 197110 Pointe-a-Pitre, GUADELOUPE. Tel (590) 825757.

Canadian High Commission, Bishop's Court Hill, St. Michael, Barbados. Postal address: P.O. Box 404, Bridgetown, BARBADOS. Tel 1 (246) 429-3550.

The Locations

• Port du Gustavia
• Anse du Colombier