Population – Approximately 160, 000.
Capital: Castries
Location- Where we are…
Saint Lucia, the “Helen of the West Indies” lies roughly between 600 and 610 West longitude and 130 and 140 North latitude. It is approximately 1.300 miles southeast of Florida, in the Windward Islands. The Windwards are part of the Lesser Antilles, which are also part of the West Indies. The 238-square-mile island is 21 miles south from its nearest neighbour, the French island of Martinique; 24 miles north of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines both are visible on a clear day and 100 miles northwest /Southeast of Barbados.
Airports & Airport Tax
Saint Lucia has two airports the George F. L. Charles Airport (SLU) is a regional airport for Inter-Island travel situated on the northwestern coastline of the island in Castries, the capital city, and Hewanorra International Airport (UVF) situated in the southernmost tip of the island, in Vieux Fort.
There is no airport Tax since January 2008.
Flight duration between some major cities and Saint Lucia:
- 3 hours 40 mins from Miami
- 5 hours from New York
- 5 hours from Toronto
- 8 hours from London and Paris
Beaches
All beaches in Saint Lucia are public. However, nude or topless bathing is prohibited.
Banking ATM & Credit Cards
Banking hours - Monday to Thursday: 08.00am - 2.00pm
Friday: 08.00 a.m. - 5.00 p.m.
Most of the banks have ATM with international credit card option. Major international credit cards are widely accepted at all large shopping centres, restaurants, hotels, etc.
Business Hours
Most business places operate from 08h00 to 16h30 Monday through Friday and 08h30 to 13h00 on Saturdays. Almost all business places are closed on Sundays, with the exception of some shopping malls and supermarkets, which would remain open until 12h00.
Currency
Currency – Eastern Caribbean Dollar (EC$)
Exchange rate to the US Dollar = $2.70 at banks and $2.60 at most stores and hotels. US$ are widely accepted on the island. Money can be changed in banks and hotels.
Customs Regulations
The duty free allowance into Saint Lucia is 200 cigarettes or 250 grams of tobacco or 50 cigars, one litre of spirit or 2 of wine per person.
Drinking water
Tap Water is safe to drink although some people prefer to drink bottled mineral/distilled water available everywhere. Do not drink river water, even if it looks clean. Water is a valuable commodity on the island, so please do not waste it!
Driving
In Saint Lucia we drive on the left hand side of the road. You need a temporary driving permit. The cost for a permit is US$22. It is delivered at the airports or Police stations.
Our car rental partner will organise it for you.
Electricity
The voltage is 220 volts, 50 cycles AC (a few hotels are 110 volts, 60 cycles). Most sockets take 3 pin square plugs (UK standard). Adaptors are generally available at the hotels.
Emergency Telephone Numbers
Police, Fire and Ambulance: Dial 911.
Police Headquarters
Bridge Street, Castries,
Tel: 758 452 2854
or request the Police Rapid Response Unit Tel: 758 452 2854 ext. 167
Entry Requirements
Visitors must carry valid passports. Visas are not required where the visitor is a citizen of the USA or Commonwealth, or where there is agreement for exemption between the home country and Saint Lucia.
Health & Immunization
Immunization is not required unless coming from an infected area within six days of arrival. However, vaccinations against Hepatitis A, Polio and Typhoid are recommended. Our representative will assist you in case of medical care.
Language
The Official language on the island is English. A majority of Saint Lucians also speak a French based Creole which is also influenced by African and Amerindian languages.
Service Charges, Tax & Tipping
Hotel and restaurant bills carry applicable Government tax of 8% and service charge of 10%. In some instances these charges are included in prices quoted. The prices on labels in shops are what you pay.
Tipping is not automatically added and is customary at about 10% to 12% of bills. Tips are generally accepted by bell hops in hotels, taxis and other persons providing service.
Telecommunications
The international dialing code for Saint Lucia is 1+758. Calls can be made from the hotel. It might be cheaper to call home using telephone cards. Mobile Phones operators are DIGICEL and LIME (Landline, Internet, Mobile, Entertainment). Mobile phones are available for rent from both companies and cards can be purchased in different locations.
LIME is the main internet provider. Wireless Internet access is available in various locations (airports, marina, hotels…). There are numerous Internet cafés in the country.
To call from Saint Lucia:
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To the UK dial 011 44 + number.
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To USA: 1 + number.
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To France: 011 33 + number
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To Martinique: 011 596 596 + number/ cell: 011 596 696+ #
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To Guadeloupe: 011 590 590 + number/cell: 011 590 690 + #
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To French Guyana: 011 594 594 + number/ cell: 011 594 694 + #
Time
Saint Lucia is 4 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time.
Weather - Sub tropical climate kept mild by cooling trade winds make Saint Lucia a year round delight. Temperature is an average of 82°F (28°C). From June to November be prepared for sporadic tropical showers.
