Antigua and Barbuda - Info/Services

Information Pages

Geography

The island of Antigua is 108 square miles. The island of Barbuda- (32 miles North of Antigua) is 62 square miles. Redonda, 20 miles north-west of Antigua, is half a square mile. The nearest islands are Guadeloupe, Montserrat and St.Kitts & Nevis.

Population
About 63.500 people live in Antigua, 1500 in Barbuda, and nobody - apart from seagulls - lives on Redonda, a small rock offshore of Antigua.

Capital

The capital of Antigua is St. John's, and Barbuda's capital is Codrington.

Government:

Antigua & Barbuda are members of the British Commonwealth under a Parliamentary system headed by a Prime Minister.

Literacy rate: Above 90%.

Language
English is the official language of Antigua & Barbuda. When talking between themselves, Antiguans talk a kind of patois.

Electricity
Some places have 110 volts, others 220, and often you can find both voltages in your hotel room. Check first before connecting anything!

Tips and taxes
Generally, hotels and restaurants add a 10% service charge and 7% government tax to your bill.


Weather

Generally, expect something between 23 C (73 F) and 30 C (85 F). Trade winds blow nearly all the time. The rainy season goes from June to November. The rest of the year, it can be very dry.

Dress code
Very relaxed, with the exception of some fine restaurants which require ties and jackets at dinner time.

TV and media
Cable TV or satellite with international channels, mainly American. The "Antigua Sun" is the main newspaper on the island. Some other publications are mainly limited to local stories. Numerous interesting tourist guides and brochures are displayed at the arrival terminal of the airport as well as in your hotel.

Communication

Internet is available everywhere, as well as several cell phone companies.

Driving
On the left, same as in the UK.

Airports

One international airport; Connections to and from the United States, Canada and Europe with American Airlines, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Air Canada, Delta, as well as regional flights. There is a small airport in Barbuda.

Travel documents
No visa needed for US, Canadian and European citizens. Passport and return or onward ticket are required.

Transportation

Car rental is available everywhere. There are plenty of taxis as well as public buses deserving the main destinations in Antigua. If you want to rent a car, you will need a temporary drivers license ( 20 USD for a period of 3 months.)

Banking and currency

Banks from all over the world are located in Antigua, known for its excellent offshore services sector. The main credit cards are accepted everywhere. The Antiguan currency is the East Caribbean dollar (EC), with a fixed exchange rate of 1 USD = 2.65 EC. US-dollars are accepted everywhere.