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 which is the capital city. The Hewanorra International Airport (UVF) situated in the southernmost tip of the island, in Vieux Fort. There has been 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
Mon.-Thurs.: 8:00AM - 2:00PM
Friday: 8.00 AM - 5:00 PM
Most of the banks have ATM service with international credit card option. Major international credit cards are widely accepted at all large shopping centres, restaurants, hotels and so on.
 

Business Hours
Most business places operate from 8:00AM to 4:30PM Mon.-Fri. and 8:30AM to 1:00PM on Saturdays. Almost all are closed on Sundays, except some shopping malls, supermarkets and mini-marts which would remain open until 12:00PM
 

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 will need a temporary driving permit. The cost for a permit is US$22 which carries a validity of 3 months. It is delivered at either airports or police stations.
Our auto rental partner will organise it for you!
 

Electricity
The voltage is 220 volts, 50 cycles AC. Few hotels are 110 volts, 60 cycles. Most sockets take 3-pin square plugs (UK standard). Generally, adaptors are 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. If the visitor is a U.S.A. or Commonwealth citizen of the USA or if there is an agreement for the exemption between the home country and Saint Lucia, visas are not required.
 

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
English is the official language. 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 price labels of products in shops should be exactly 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 Phone 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, hotel among others). There are numerous Internet cafés in the country.

To call from Saint Lucia:

• To the UK dial 011 44 + number.
• To USA: 1 + number.
• To France: 011 33 + number.
• To Martinique: 011 596 596 + number/ cell: 011 596 696+ #
• To Guadeloupe: 011 590 590 + number/cell: 011 590 690 + #
• 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 is kept mild by cooling trade winds which make Saint Lucia a year round delight. Temperature is an average of 82°F (28°C). Yet, from June to November, please be prepared for sporadic tropical showers.