- Destinations
- Caribbean
- St Kitts and Nevis
St Kitts and Nevis
The twin-island nation of St Kitts and Nevis, situated in the
Leeward Islands of the eastern Caribbean, is shaped rather like a
tennis racquet and ball - the larger St Kitts is separated from its
ball-shaped southern counterpart, Nevis, by a two-mile (3km)
channel called The Narrows. At first glance, the small, sleepy
islands appear to be forgotten in time, a pair of quiet, lush and
natural islands that convey nothing of their former prosperity and
turbulent history. From their wealthy position as the most
illustrious sugar colony in the Caribbean in the early 18th century
they became the centre of conflict as European powers fought for
control of the islands, and the surrounding waters were an
irresistible attraction for pirates who lay in wait for the riches
transported on the merchant ships. Today the population consists
mainly of descendants from the slaves who were shipped from Africa
to work the sugar plantations, and vestiges of splendid estates
from their heyday as a playground for the elite are all that remain
as a reminder of the infamously profligate way of life of the rich
and famous of days gone by. These islands have become the tourist
pearls of the Caribbean, valued today more as a tropical paradise
than a major sugar producer, with clear and inviting waters, sandy
beaches and a natural splendour to stun even the most avid city
slicker. Together with a diverse range of activities, historical
sites, and the charm of their two capital harbour towns, the
volcanic islands are a seductive blend of colour, sunshine and
luxurious relaxation.
Information & Facts
Business
Business in St. Kitts and Nevis is conducted in a relatively
informal manner, but a fairly formal dress is expected despite the
heat. Handshakes for both men and women are the common form of
greeting, and business cards should be exchanged immediately after
being introduced. Business hours are generally 8am to 4pm Monday to
Friday with an hour taken at lunch.
Climate
The climate is tropical, but sea breezes keep the islands
relatively cool. There are no definite seasons; the yearly average
temperature is 79°F (26°C). Although rain is possible throughout
the year, the average is higher between July and November, which
coincides with the hurricane season.
Communications
The international dialling code for St Kitts and Nevis is +1
869. The outgoing code is 1 for the Caribbean, USA and Canada, and
011 for all other international destinations followed by the
relevant country code (e.g. 01127 for South Africa). City/area
codes are not in use. Internet services are widely available at
hotels and Internet cafes. Cable and Wireless Caribbean Cellular
(St Kitts) Ltd (GSM 850/1900) and Wireless Ventures Ltd (GSM
900/1800) provide cellular phone service.
Customs
Nudity is not allowed on beaches and beachwear should not be
worn in the towns or villages. It is an offence to wear camouflage
clothing. Homosexuality is illegal.
Duty Free
Travellers over the age of 18 may import 200 cigarettes or 50
cigars or 225g tobacco, and 1.136 litres of wine or spirits without
paying customs duty.
Electricity
Electrical current is 230 volts, 60 Hz, but a 117-volt
supply is available in most hotels. Round three-pin plugs and
three-pin rectangular blade plugs (as in the UK) are in
use.
Getting Around
Basseterre and Charlestown are small and easy enough to explore
by foot. Ferries are the most convenient way to travel between the
islands, taking about 45 minutes, but flights are also available
(10 minutes). Colourful minivan buses traverse the islands daily
except Sundays and can be flagged down anywhere as they go past.
Cars and taxis are available for hire in the main towns.
Health
No vaccinations are required for travel to the islands, but a
yellow fever certificate is required from visitors travelling from
a yellow fever infected country. Dengue fever is on the increase,
and precautions against mosquito bites should be taken. There is a
high incidence of HIV/AIDS. Medical facilities are adequate, but
limited, and health insurance is essential, which should include
emergency air evacuation. Most doctors and hospitals expect cash
payment.
Language
English is the official language.
Money
The official currency is the East Caribbean Dollar (XCD), which
is divided into 100 cents. It is tied to the US dollar at a rate of
US$1=EC$2.70. Most businesses accept US Dollar notes as payment,
but change is given in EC$. Travellers cheques and major credit
cards are widely accepted, and major currencies can be exchanged at
banks, with US Dollars the cheapest to exchange. Most banks are
closed on weekends, but provide 24-hour ATM services.
Passport Visa
Visitors are recommended to hold confirmed return or onward
tickets, all documents needed for next destination and sufficient
funds to cover their stay. As part of the Western Hemisphere Travel
Initiative (WHTI), all travellers travelling between the United
States and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean region are
required to present a passport or other valid travel document to
enter or re-enter the United States. If departing from the USA a
valid passport will be required by immigration authorities. It is
highly recommended that passports have at least six months validity
remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel
destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to
those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Safety
Although most visits to the islands are trouble-free, visitors
should still guard against robbery and other crimes of opportunity.
Valuables should be left in hotel safes where possible and remote
places, particularly beaches, should be avoided, especially after
dark. Hurricane season normally runs from June to November.
Time
Tipping
A 10% service charge is usually included in hotel and restaurant
bills, otherwise it is customary to leave 10-15% of the bill
depending on the service. Taxi drivers receive 10-15% of the
fare.