What is the best currency to take to St Lucia?

While the official currency of St. Lucia is the Eastern Caribbean dollar(EC), U.S. dollars are widely accepted at most businesses on the island. In fact, prices are quoted in U.S. dollars at many St. Lucian resorts, restaurants, and tourist destinations.

Similarly, what is the best currency to use in Saint Lucia?

The Eastern Caribbean (EC) dollar is used on St Lucia and can be obtained at any bank. Most places accept US dollars, but change will be given in EC dollars. Most hotels, restaurants and larger stores accept credit cards, but local stores seldom do.

Also, how much money should I take to St Lucia? You should plan to spend around EC$457 ($169) per day on your vacation in Saint Lucia, which is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

People also ask, what is the best currency to take to the Caribbean?

Fred Mawer, Caribbean expert, replies US dollars are widely accepted on the islands you will be visiting, so there is no need to take the various local currencies. ATMs will usually issue only the local currency, not US dollars, and cruise ships have a captive market, so may not offer good deals on exchange.

Is St Lucia expensive?

Lucia are very reasonably priced, making this among the best-value islands in the Caribbean. St. Lucia is perhaps the most beautiful Caribbean island. Most resorts are along the western coast in the north, while the stunning Piton peaks in the far south of the island can make you feel like you are in Hawaii.

Related Question Answers

Do you tip in St Lucia?

In St. Lucia, unlike many Caribbean islands, the custom of tipping is left to each traveler's discretion. The local standard for gratuities is around 10 percent of your total bill for restaurant wait staff and taxi drivers. Of course, visitors should feel free to give more if they feel that the service was exemplary.

Does it rain all day in St Lucia?

St Lucia is a tropical island with a rain forest. Please take note of the word "rain" in the last sentence. It typically does not rain all day long, even during the rainy season. Showers last a few minutes and occur, maybe, 3 times a day and mostly at night.

How much does a beer cost in St Lucia?

Lucia , don't bother bringing US. A beer cost about $2.50 or $3.00 EC.

Is it safe in St Lucia?

St Lucians are relatively well-off, and crime rates are low. There were four incidents way back in 2010 involving local residents in a quiet and poorly-lit area of the Rodney Bay Village, but crime and violent crime remains low in St. Lucia.

Does St Lucia require a visa?

REQUIREMENTS FOR U.S. CITIZENS TO OBTAIN VISA TO ENTER ST LUCIA. * U.S. Passport valid at least 6 months beyond intended stay . * Valid passport required to enter or re-enter the U.S. * U.S. citizens do not need a visa for tourist or business travel to this country.

Can I use my debit card in St Lucia?

Debit Cards. Bank of Saint Lucia's Visa International Debit card allows you access to your Bank of Saint Lucia savings or chequing account from any where in the world.

What is the hottest month in St Lucia?

The weather in Saint Lucia The hottest months in Saint Lucia are May through September with 86°F, during the wet season.

Can you take food into St Lucia?

Customs Regualtions on Food Imports. There should be no difficulties in bringing in food stocks to St. Lucia. However, frozen meats will require inspection by a veterinary officer.

How much money should I take on a cruise?

Bring Some Cash With You Bring at least $20 in small bills. For an international cruise, don't worry about exchanging money for foreign currency. In popular cruise ports, service workers anticipate being tipped in American dollars.

Do I need a visa to visit the Caribbean islands?

Fortunately, with few exceptions, United States citizens do not need visas to travel to and from destinations in the Caribbean. Some of the most popular Caribbean tourist destinations, specifically Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, are territories of the United States.

Do you need mosquito repellent in Barbados?

As a tropical island Barbados does have some mosquitos, especially in the wetter summer months. Apply insect repellent to keep them away.

Do any Caribbean islands take euros?

United States Dollar & Euro For example, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint Barthélemy and Saint Martin, i.e. the islands that make up the French Caribbean, use the euro. Meanwhile, the British Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Turks and Caicos Islands and United States Virgin Islands use the United States dollar.

Do they accept US dollars in Bahamas?

The legal tender is the Bahamian dollar (B$1), which is equivalent in value to the U.S. dollar. Both U.S. and Bahamian dollars are accepted interchangeably throughout the islands. If you pay in US dollars, you will usually get US change. If you pay in Bahamian dollars, you will get Bahamian currency in return.

Which Caribbean islands use euros?

Currency Exchange

• Eastern Caribbean Dollar: Anguilla*, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica*, Grenada, Montserrat, Nevis*, St.
• Euro: Guadeloupe, Martinique, St.
• Netherlands Antilles Guilder: Curacao, St.
• U.S. Dollar: British Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Bonaire, Turks and Caicos, The Florida Keys.

Is it better to take US dollars to Barbados?

Although most establishments accept U.S. currency, you should pay in Barbados dollars – your money will go further. Visit in the offseason Though you may face a hurricane, visiting between May and November will save you some coin on airfare and hotels.

Where are US dollars accepted?

The US dollar is used as official currency in several countries besides the United States. Ecuador and Zimbabwe both switched to the US dollar after financial crises made their local currencies worthless. Other countries, such as Panama, Cambodia, and the Bahamas, use the US dollar alongside their own currencies.

Is US dollar accepted in Jamaica?

For the majority of travelers only US dollars are required. For most of the rest of tourists to Jamaica, mainly US dollars will be used with a minority of purchases made in Jamaican dollars. Only a small percentage of travelers will need to exchange large amounts of foreign currency into Jamaican dollars.

Are groceries expensive in St Lucia?

Prices very from reasonably price to very expensive depending on what you are purchasing. Of course local liquor is much cheaper than imported, but they are all taxed the same. VAT is 15% for grocery items, except for the few things that are exempted, your itemized bill will indicate this.

What is the best Caribbean island?

Let's have a look at our list of the best Caribbean islands to visit:

• Jamaica. Source: flickr. Montego Bay, Jamaica.
• St. Lucia. Source: flickr.
• Aruba. Source: flickr. Aruba.
• Grenada. Source: flickr. Grenada.
• Barbados. Source: flickr. Barbados.
• British Virgin Islands. Source: flickr.
• St. Barts.
• Martinique. Source: flickr.

What should I buy in St Lucia?

Top 10 Things to Buy in St. Lucia

• Painted Masks.
• Handmade Pottery.
• Cocoa Sticks.
• Hot Sauce.
• Rum.
• Local Honey.
• Batik Textiles.
• Wood Carvings.

What is the best tropical island to visit?

15 Best Tropical Vacations

1. Maldives. Maldives.
2. Bora Bora, Tahiti. Bora Bora, Tahiti.
3. Riviera Maya, Mexico. Beach at Tulum Ruins.
4. Editor's Pick Aitutaki, Cook Islands. One Foot Island.
5. Kaua'i, Hawaii. Kaua'i, Hawaii.
6. The Mamanuca Islands, Fiji. The Mamanuca Islands, Fiji.
7. St. Barts, The Caribbean.
8. The Abacos, The Bahamas. The Abacos, The Bahamas.

What do they speak in St Lucia?

English French

What side of St Lucia is best?

North versus South. You can have an incredible vacation anywhere on St. Lucia, but many guests find that one side of the island suits them better than the other. Families and night owls may prefer the north, while travelers seeking solitude or active outdoor pursuits should head south.

Can you use US money in St Lucia?

The currency of St. Lucia is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar which is linked to the US Dollar at the exchange rate of US$1 to EC$2.65. US Dollars are readily accepted throughout the island. Most hotels will exchange reasonable amounts of foreign currency, and there are change bureaus in Castries.

Do you need vaccines to go to St Lucia?

The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for St. Lucia: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.

Do you need a converter for St Lucia?

In Saint Lucia the standard voltage is 240 V and the frequency is 50 Hz. You cannot use your electric appliances in Saint Lucia without a voltage converter, because the standard voltage in Saint Lucia (240 V) is higher than in the United States of America (120 V).

Is St Lucia poor or rich?

Lucia - Poverty and wealth. There is little drastic poverty in St. Lucia, but there are clear differences between a wealthy minority, a comfortable middle class, and a poor lower class. With per capita income estimated at approximately US$4,000 in 1998, the island is one of the more prosperous in the Eastern Caribbean.

What is the rainy season in St Lucia?

Rainy season is officially from June-November, but September and October are when the hurricanes are most likely to hit. July and August can be very wet – and very hot and humid, with temperatures pushing 30°C.

Can you drink the water in St Lucia?

Drinking Water & Beverages The mains water supply in St. Lucia is chlorinated and considered safe to drink, but may taste a little strange if you are not used to the chlorine. Bottled mineral water is available from Hotels and Shopping Malls and is inexpensive if you prefer not to drink tap water.

How much spending money will I need for a week in St Lucia?

Put these numbers on your website. A vacation to Saint Lucia for one week usually costs around EC$3,200 for one person. So, a trip to Saint Lucia for two people costs around EC$6,399 for one week.

Should you tip in St Lucia?

In St. Lucia, unlike many Caribbean islands, the custom of tipping is left to each traveler's discretion. The local standard for gratuities is around 10 percent of your total bill for restaurant wait staff and taxi drivers. Of course, visitors should feel free to give more if they feel that the service was exemplary.

Do you need a car in St Lucia?

Lucia. The best way to get around St. Lucia is by car or minibus, though taxis are also available and water taxis around the island are plentiful. Rental cars or scooters can be obtained at the Hewanorra International Airport (UVF) in the southern town of Vieux Fort, which is about 40 miles to the south of Castries.

Where is the best island to vacation?

Best Island Vacations

• Capri.
• Fiji.
• Crete.
• Hawaii - The Big Island.
• British Virgin Islands.
• Corfu.
• Curacao.
• St. Lucia.