Camping

Camping can be arranged through St. Lucia Naturalist Society, St. Lucia National Trust and Forestry Division.

Churches

Almost 80% of the population of St. Lucia are Roman Catholics. The remaining the percentage include Anglican, Methodist, Baptist, Seventh Day Adventists, Church of Nazarene and the Church of Science. Service timings at various churches vary so it is best to inquire about church services at the reception.

     Climate and Clothing

The temperature in St. Lucia variates from 65 to 85 degrees farenheit between December and May and from 75 to 95 degrees farenheit between June and November. Winters on the island are more dry than summers and visitors should take along cool comfortable clothing. A jacket and a tie is rarely needed but at the same time an exaggerated sense of casual beachwear is not appreciated in areas off the beach.

Credit Cards

All major international credit cards are accepted at all major shopping centers, restaurants and hotels.

Crime

Crime is uncommon on the island. However those visiting the island should keep in mind not to make huge display of wealth for example by wearing expensive jewelry, by showing lots of cash etc. Crimes of any kind should be reported to the hotel, the tourist board or the police.

Customs Regulations

200 Cigarettes or 250 grams of tobacco or 50 cigars and one litre of spirit or wine include the duty-free allowance into the island.

Currency

Eastern Caribbean Dollar is the currency of St. Lucia and is linked to the US dollar at an exchange rate of US$ 1.00 = EC$ 2.65. US dollars are accepted throughout the island and most hotels offer exchanges of reasonable amounts of foreign currency. In addition, there are exchange bureaus located in Castries. EC dollars can be exchanged for foreign currency also at the branch of National Commercial Bank (NCB) at Hewanorra International Airport. The branch is open daily from 12:30 pm until the departure of the last flight.

Departure

A departure tax of EC$ 54 is charged to all passengers leaving the island.

Electricity

The electric current amounts up to 220 volts, 50 cycles AC. Few hotels have 110 volts, 60 cycles. A three-pin square plugs of UK standard are applicable. However two-pin round plugs or flat American plugs are rare. Adapters are mostly available at the hotels.

Handicap Access

For visitors with physical disabilities, most hotels provide ground floor accomodations but some hotels being built on hills or hilly slopes are not appropriate for wheel chairs. The Royal St. Lucian Hotel has large airy rooms with wider-than-normal doors and wider baths with rails. The Rex St. Lucian also accomodates rooms specially designed for handicapped visitors.

Health

Unless one comes from an infected area immunization is not required. If immunization is required then it must be taken within 6 days of arrival on the island. Drinking water from the taps is safe and bottled mineral water is also available. A resident doctor or one on call is available at all hotels. A resident doctor charges a fee of about EC$ 40 - 50 per visit. A doctor on call from outside the hotel may charge more. Several pharmacies are available in Castries. There is one on Gros Islet Highway and one in Gablewoods Shopping Mall. "Over the counter" medicines such as Aspirin and first aid facilities are also available at most hotels.

Language

The principle language on the island is English but a French-based patois is also widely spoken.

Local Time

The local time comprises of Greenwich Mean Time minus four hours and Eastern Standard Time plus one hour.

Lost Property

Lost property should be reported to the hotel who in turn informs the police station. The Tourist Board also assists in case of lost property.

Media

"The Voice" is the main newspaper on the island and is issued three times a week. "The Star", "The Crusader", "The Vanguard", "The Mirror" and "One Caribbean" are five weekly papers available on the island. The HTS and DBS are two television stations present on the island both of which broadcast evening news and current affairs. Several American channels are also broadcasted. Radio St. Lucia and Radio Caribbean International are the two radio stations available on the island. Both the stations air music, local news and current affairs.

Post Office

Most towns in St. Lucia has a post office each. Post offices are open between 8:30 pm and 4:30 pm from Monday to Friday.

Service Charge and Tax

8% on the hotel and restaurant bills are charged by the government plus a service charge of 10% is charged. In most hotels and restaurant however, the service charge is included in the prices quoted.

Telephones

International dial services are available throughout the island. It is possible to make credit card calls through local operators or through AT & T. Phone cards can be bought throught cable and wireless offices throughout the island.

Tipping

Tipping although not automatically added, usually consists of 10% to 12% of the bill. Taxi drivers, bellhops in hotels and other people providing service generally accept tips.

Travelling by Air

The island has two international airports namely, Hewanorra International Airport at Vieux Fort and George F. L. Charles Airport located near Castries. Airlines connected to St. Lucian services are American Airlines, US Airways, BWIA, Air Jamaica, Air Canada, American Eagle, Delta Air Llines, Virgin Atlantic, Caribbean Star and LIAT.

Travelling by Sea

Castries is the main sea port and a deep water anchorage for cargo and container ships is located at Vieux Fort in the south near the airport. For cruise ships, Pointe Seraphine is the port of entry.

Car Rental

Four wheeled vehicles can be booked in advance through travel agencies or at airports, hotels or through car rental offices on the island. Rental charges per week range from US$ 295 to US$ 390 depending upon the type of car and on the type of company. The average rate per day is US$ 65.00 not inclusive of insurance which may be an additional charge of US$ 15- 20 per day. For visitors, a temporary driving licence is necessary and can be obtained by showing a current driver's licence upon arrival at the airport or at the police station in Castries or at a car rental office at a cost of EC$ 30

Driving Tips