| Note: All United States citizens are required to have a valid passport to re-enter the United States.
Size / Population: St. Kitts and Nevis are located in the Eastern Caribbean, roughly 1,200 miles from Miami. The population of St Kitts & Nevis is approximately 40,000. Basseterre is the capital of St. Kitts. Charlestown is the capital of Nevis. St Kitts is 69 sq. miles and Nevis is 36 sq. miles.
Political Status: The two islands (separated by a shallow 2 mile channel called "The Narrows") were British possessions until 1983, when they became a tiny, independent two-island nation, complete with U.N. membership. They retain much of their British heritage. It is the smallest nation in the Americas in both area and population.
Language: English is the language of both islands, and it is spoken with a decided West Indian lilt; Patois is commonly spoken as well.
Currency: Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD$). U.S. bills are accepted by most stores and businesses and change is given in E.C. currency. U.S. coins are not accepted. Travelers’ checks and credit cards accepted at some places.
Electricity: The domestic market is served by a 230 volt single phase supply. However, the electricity in most hotels is 110-117 volts, which is similar to North America.
Time Zone: Atlantic Standard Time throughout the year (one hour ahead of New York); Daylight Saving Time is not observed.
Communication: The country code is 869. Local phone numbers have seven digits. Phone numbers in St Kitts start with 465 and 466, and those in Nevis start with 469. To call North America dial 1 + area code + local number. The phone system on St Kitts & Nevis is modern, and cellular and Internet services are available.
Drinking Water: The water is of good quality and suitable for drinking. It is collected from direct precipitation, mountain springs and wells, and is chemically treated for purification. Locally bottled water is also available.
Transportation: Privately owned minibuses operate on both islands. There are no fixed schedules and service is irregular, especially in the evenings. Fares range from $1 to $4 depending on where you are going. Flag them down along the side of the road or go to one of the bus terminals. Taxis meet all flights at both island airports. There are no taxi meters. Rates are fixed for one to four passengers and five or more passengers, and are available from airport dispatchers, the ferry dock, The Circus in Basseterre, and hotel front desks. Verify with the driver whether the fare being quoted is in US or EC dollars. There is a 50% surcharge from 10pm to 6am. Island taxi tours are available in addition to standard taxi service.
There are plenty of car rental agencies on the islands. Bicycles, motorcycles and scooters can also be rented. Drivers must be 21-25 (varies by rental company) to rent and in possession of valid U.S. driver's license. Roads are generally in good condition, but not well lit at night, and some are poorly marked. Watch out for one-way streets.
The ferry ride between St. Kitts and Nevis takes about 45 minutes and provides beautiful views of both islands. There are six ferries operating between the islands. These vessels work together to provide service between Basseterre and Charlestown. The one-way fares are as follows: Adults: US$8.00; Children under 12 years old: US$4.00.
Local Customs: Driving in St. Kitts is on the left side and requires you to have a driver’s permit. This permit can be obtained from the Traffic Department for US$24. Horn honking is often used as a form of greeting.
Tip wait staff 10-15%. Most hotels and some restaurants automatically add a 10-12% service charge, so check first as it is not necessary to leave more unless you feel the service was above average. Tip porters and bellhops $1 per bag and housekeeping staff $3-$4 per night for good service. It is not customary to tip taxi drivers.
Nude and topless bathing are illegal in St Kitts & Nevis.
Getting Married: St. Kitts & Nevis are popular destinations for weddings and U.S. citizens can legally marry. Please contact a Vacation Express representative for details on resorts offering special wedding packages and to discuss your particular wedding requirements. Our experienced group department will be happy to assist with travel arrangements for all attendees. |
