Saint Kitts & Nevis

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Saint Kitts & Nevis

Located just to the west of Puerto Rico, this pair of sister islands provide visitors with an idyllic tropical island experience. Somehow, this vibrant island state has remained under the radar of mass tourism, carving out a niche as an alternative destination for those looking to avoid more crowded Caribbean islands. Both islands boast lush rainforest-clad mountains, pristine beaches, intriguing historic ruins and long-dormant volcanoes. The islands also feature equally charming, if slightly dilapidated, Georgian capitals where you will find plenty of historical treasures including the Brimstone Hill Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site constructed in the 1700s. Those looking for something more adventurous can enjoy hiking through forests, pedaling down mountain trails or diving and snorkeling in the area’s exceptional coral reefs.

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Saint Kitts

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    Saint Kitts

    Saint Kitts, the larger of the two-island nation of Saint Kitts and Nevis, is a Caribbean gem where history, nature, and laid-back charm meet. This volcanic island is dotted with lush mountains, sugarcane fields, historic plantations, and palm-fringed beaches, offering…

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Travel Information

Electricity

For the most part, there are two types of electrical sockets used in Saint Kitts and Nevis: the “Type G ” British BS-1363 and the “Type D” Indian (old…

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Banking

CurrencyEastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD; symbol EC$) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of EC$100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of EC$1,…

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Cuisine

Mains water is chlorinated and safe. Bottled water is available. Drinking water outside main cities and towns may be contaminated and sterilisation is…

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Climate

Hot and tropical climate tempered by trade winds throughout most of the year. The driest period is from January to April and there is increased rainfall…

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Transport

A selection of cars, motorcycles and mopeds are available to hire from several companies. It’s best to book cars well in advance. Car hire companies include…

Read more

Dress

Lightweight, light-colored clothing is recommended to keep you from overheating. Natural fabrics, such as cotton, are your best option. Formal wear is…

Read more

Electricity

For the most part, there are two types of electrical sockets used in Saint Kitts and Nevis: the "Type G " British BS-1363 and the "Type D" Indian (old British BS-546 5 amp "small") sockets. If your appliance's plug doesn't match the shape of these sockets, you will need a travel plug adapter in order to plug in. Electrical sockets in Saint Kitts and Nevis usually supply electricity at between 220 and 240 volts AC. If you're plugging in an appliance that was built for 220-240 volt electrical input, or an appliance that is compatible with multiple voltages, then an adapter is all you need. If your appliance isn’t compatible with 220-240 volt electrical output, a voltage converter will be necessary.

Banking

CurrencyEastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD; symbol EC$) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of EC$100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of EC$1, and 25, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents. US Dollars are also legal tender on the islands.The Eastern Caribbean Dollar is tied to the US Dollar.There are no restrictions on the import or export of local or foreign currency, provided it is declared upon arrival.BankingBanking hours: Monday-Thursday 08h00-14h00 and Friday 08h00-16h00.All major cards are widely accepted. ATMs are widely available. Travellers cheques are accepted. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller's cheques in US Dollars.Most major currencies can be exchanged at banks on the islands.

Cuisine

Mains water is chlorinated and safe. Bottled water is available. Drinking water outside main cities and towns may be contaminated and sterilisation is advisable. Milk is pasteurised and dairy products are safe for consumption. Local meat, poultry, seafood, fruit and vegetables are generally considered safe to eat.St Kitts and Nevis has built an excellent reputation for cuisine in recent years. Chefs on the islands guard local recipes zealously, but as well as Creole and West Indian fare, they also specialise in Chinese, Western and Indian dishes.Nevis’ restaurant scene is less highfaluting than that of St Kitts – Charlestown's restaurants cater more for Nevisians than visitors. On both islands, many of the most sophisticated restaurants are associated with hotels or resortsFresh fruit is ubiquitous on both islands. Colourful stalls can be found in markets and along beach promenades, selling mangoes, papayas, bananas and much more. A wide range of imported drinks are also available, not to mention a potent local liquor known as CSR (a spirit made from sugar cane).Tipping: In restaurants it is customary to add a 10-15% service tip onto the bill.

Climate

Hot and tropical climate tempered by trade winds throughout most of the year. The driest period is from January to April and there is increased rainfall in summer and towards the end of the year. The volume of rain varies according to altitude; rain showers can occur throughout the year. The average annual rainfall is about 125cm (50in) to 200cm (80in) with a wetter season from May to October. Like the other Leeward Islands, St Kitts lies in the track of violent tropical hurricanes which are most likely to develop between August and October.

Transport

A selection of cars, motorcycles and mopeds are available to hire from several companies. It's best to book cars well in advance. Car hire companies include Avis and Hertz, as well as a number of smaller, local vendors. You usually need to be at least 25 years old to hire a car.A good road network on both islands makes most areas of St Kitts and Nevis easily accessible. Roads tend to be narrow, winding and not well lit at night, so extra care should be exercised. The maximum legal speed limit is 63kph (40mph) outside built-up areas and 31kph (20mph) in towns. There's little traffic on the islands and not even a single set of traffic lights, so exploring by car is easy. To drive in St Kitts and Nevis, you need a full driving licence from your home country. You must also purchase a temporary St Kitts and Nevis licence, available through car hire companies and the Traffic Department. Cars are driven on the left side of the road. Taxis serve most destinations across the islands. There is a 50% surcharge between 2200-0600. Taxi drivers expect a 10% tip.Colourfully decorated, privately owned vans operate on several bus routes on St Kitts. Some bus stops are established, but you can flag down vans at any point along the road. This low-cost transport service is used extensively by locals and less frequently by tourists. Licensed vans are identified by their green licence plates starting with H or HA.The St Kitts Scenic Railway makes a 50km (30-mile) loop round the island. Passengers complete about two-thirds of the journey by train and the remaining portion by bus. The track was constructed to transport sugarcane from the island's plantations to the sugar factory in Basseterre.Several ferries make the 45-minute crossing between the islands of St Kitts and Nevis. See: www.sknvibes.com/travel/ferry.cfm for the latest timetables.

Dress

Lightweight, light-colored clothing is recommended to keep you from overheating. Natural fabrics, such as cotton, are your best option. Formal wear is not necessary on St. Kitts, but if you want to dress up for a nice dinner, you can bring along some more dressy clothing. Men will be safe with collared shirts and slacks, and women should bring along a sundress or a cocktail dress. Don't forget to bring sandals or flip flops, a sun hat, sunscreen and a pair of sunglasses.