TRAVEL WARNING
Country-specific safety information
Natural disasters
In Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean and the southern states of the USA, cyclone season is from June to the end of November. The strength of the storm and the specific threat to islands in its course can change within hours.
Tropical storms, heavy rainfall and, under certain circumstances, landslides must be expected. Travelers should also follow the regional weather forecasts and observe the advice of the local security authorities. Constantly updated information is available from the external link, opens in a new window National Hurricane Center (NHC) in Miami.
Piracy
Sailors should note that robberies on anchored ships or ships near the coast or cases of piracy in the Eastern Caribbean occur sporadically and take appropriate measures (caution with spontaneous guests on board, self-protection at night). Emergency calls to the Police / Coast Guard via 911 (cellular phone) may be more reliable than emergency calls made via marine cellular radio.
Crime
Like the entire region, as a country located in North America according to mathgeneral, Antigua and Barbuda has seen an increase in violent crime. It is therefore advisable to exercise caution when walking in less busy areas or parks in larger cities and settlements, especially after dark.
MONEY
Currency
1 East Caribbean dollar = 100 cents. Currency abbreviation: EC $, XCD (ISO code). There are banknotes in the denominations of 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5 EC $; Coins in circulation: 1 EC $ as well as 25, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cent. US dollars are accepted almost everywhere. The East Caribbean dollar is pegged to the US dollar.
Credit cards
Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club and American Express are accepted almost everywhere. Details from the issuer of the respective credit card.
ATMs
EC / Maestro card / Sparcard
In St. John’s, money can usually be withdrawn from large banks with an EC card (Maestro or Cirrus symbol).
Attention: Travelers who pay abroad with their bank customer card and want to withdraw money should find out about the possibilities of using their card from their bank before starting their journey.
Bank opening times
- General Mon-Thu 9 a.m.-3 p.m. and Fri 9 a.m.-4 p.m.The Bank of Antigua is also open Sat 9 am-1pm.
Foreign exchange regulations
No restrictions on the import and export of local and foreign currencies; Declaration obligation. The export of national and foreign currency is only permitted in the amount of the declared import.
Currency Exchange
International banks have branches in St. John’s. Foreign currencies can be exchanged there, as well as in hotels and some shops. US dollars and euros can be exchanged easily.
LANGUAGE
Overview
The official language is English. Colloquial language is an English-based patois.
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
DUTY-FREE SHOPPING
Overview
The following items can be imported into Antigua and Barbuda duty-free (people aged 18 and over):
200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250 grams of tobacco;
1 liter of wine or spirits;
170 ml of perfume.
Prohibited imports
All kinds of weapons and unprescribed drugs.
ECONOMY
Business etiquette
A light suit and tie or suit are usually appropriate. Value is placed on punctuality. Business cards are common. Negotiations are conducted in English.
Business hours: Mon-Fri 8 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1 p.m.-4.30 p.m.
Economy
Antigua and Barbuda Chamber of Commerce and Industry Ltd (Chamber of Commerce)
PO Box 774, 7, Redcliffe and Cross Streets, St. John’s
Tel: 462 07 43rd
Business contacts
Antigua and Barbuda Chamber of Commerce and Industry Ltd (Chamber of Commerce)
PO Box 774, 7, Redcliffe and Cross Streets, St. John’s
Tel: 462 07 43rd
SHOP
Overview
Fine souvenirs are art prints, earthenware, clothing and batik fabrics as well as jewelry with semi-precious stones from Antigua. Fine English china and crystal, precious stones, perfumes and clocks are all available at low prices. Heritage Quay, in the business district of St. John’s, is a shopping and entertainment center with 40 duty-free shops, a theater, hotel, restaurant and casino. Redcliffe Quay, a mall located in the former slave district, offers similar facilities.
Shop opening times: Mon-Fri 8 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1 p.m.-4 p.m. some shops and pharmacies do not close at lunchtime. Sat 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Thursdays are only open in the mornings.
NIGHTLIFE
Introduction
Steel bands, calypso singers, combos and limbo dancers perform in hotels almost every evening. There are several casinos and night clubs. Some hotels have their own disco.