Welcome to Saint Kitts and Nevis 😊

Quick Facts About Saint Kitts and Nevis

Money and Finances

The official currency of Saint Kitts and Nevis is the Eastern Caribbean dollar (XCD). Coins come in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, and 25 cents, as well as 1 dollar. Banknotes come in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 dollars.

ATM Network

ATMs are available in Saint Kitts and Nevis, but may not be as widespread as in other countries. It is recommended to bring cash as a backup.

Credit Cards

Credit cards are accepted at most tourist locations on the islands, with Visa and Mastercard being the most widely accepted. However, it is also recommended to have cash on hand as some places may not accept credit cards.

Internet and Phones

In Saint Kitts and Nevis, the average internet speed for uploads and downloads is around 10 Mbps. There is no government interference in internet use.

Phone Plans and SIM Cards

The main telco companies in Saint Kitts and Nevis are Digicel and Flow. The average cost of a mobile phone plan is around $50 USD per month. Some sim compatibility issues may exist.

Dialling to Saint Kitts and Nevis

To call Saint Kitts and Nevis from another country, dial the international code (usually + or 00), followed by 1 (the country code for North America), and then 869 (the area code for Saint Kitts and Nevis). Within the country, dial the 869 area code before the local number.

Transport Around Saint Kitts and Nevis

Air Travel

Saint Kitts and Nevis have two major airports: Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport on St. Kitts and Vance W. Amory International Airport on Nevis.

Train Travel

There is no inter-city train network in Saint Kitts and Nevis.

Metro / Local Trains

There is no local train network in Saint Kitts and Nevis.

Buses

Public transportation in Saint Kitts and Nevis consists mainly of buses. A one-way ticket typically costs around $2 USD and journey times can vary depending on the destination.

Rideshare

Rideshare companies such as Uber and Lyft do not operate in Saint Kitts and Nevis. Taxis are the most common form of private transportation and fares can be negotiated with the driver.

Driving by Car

Driving is done on the left-hand side of the road in Saint Kitts and Nevis. Speed limits typically range from 40 to 50 km/h (25 to 31 mph) in urban areas and up to 80 km/h (50 mph) in rural areas. Rental cars are available but visitors must obtain a temporary driver's license from the Traffic Department for a fee of $25 USD.

Local Customs

In Saint Kitts and Nevis, tipping is common in restaurants, hotels, and taxi services. It is customary to tip around 10-15% of the bill. Locals usually greet each other with a handshake or a hug. It is respectful to address people by their titles, such as Mr. or Ms., until given permission to use their first name. When speaking with strangers, it is polite to be formal and avoid controversial topics. Men and women usually address each other with courtesy titles, and it's common for men to kiss women on the cheek as a greeting.

Health and Diseases

Medical System

The healthcare system in Saint Kitts and Nevis is of a good standard, with a mix of public and private healthcare providers. Medical costs can be expensive, with a typical visit to a doctor costing around $50-100 USD. It is highly recommended to have travel health insurance before visiting the country.

COVID Situation

Saint Kitts and Nevis has had a low number of COVID-19 cases thanks to their strict border control measures and aggressive testing and contact tracing strategies. As of now, there are no active cases in the country, and the government continues to closely monitor the situation.

Common Health Risks

Some common health risks in Saint Kitts and Nevis include mosquito-borne illnesses such as dengue fever and chikungunya. Travelers should take precautions to avoid mosquito bites by using insect repellent, wearing long-sleeved clothing, and staying in air-conditioned or screened-in accommodations. It is also important to practice safe food and water hygiene to prevent food poisoning and other illnesses.

Laws and Regulations

Alcohol Consumption

Alcohol consumption is legal in Saint Kitts and Nevis, but public intoxication is a crime and can result in arrest and fine.

Recreational Drugs

Drug possession, use, and trafficking are illegal in Saint Kitts and Nevis. Penalties for drug offenses can be severe, including lengthy prison sentences and hefty fines.

Pre-Marital Relationships

There are no laws specifically addressing pre-marital relationships in Saint Kitts and Nevis.

LGBTQ and Same-Sex

Same-sex sexual activity is illegal in Saint Kitts and Nevis, and the law also prohibits promotion of LGBTQ rights.

Firearms / Guns

Firearms are strictly regulated in Saint Kitts and Nevis, and a license is required to possess a firearm. The possession of illegal firearms can result in severe penalties, including imprisonment and fines.