CLIMATE: Ranges from 24 Centigrade to 29 Centigrade, though noticably cooler in the hills. The rainy season is from July to October. Driest months are January to April.
ELECTRICITY: Depending on where you are staying, you may find either 110 Volt or 220 Volts. Best to check before you travel so you know whether to bring travel adaptors and transformers.
DRESS CODE: Casual dress is normal although some hotels and restaurants require ‘elegantly casual’ in the evenings. Please ensure to cover up if you are venturing into the shops from the beach. Officially nudity is against the law in Antigua and is frowned upon to the islanders. It can become cool in the evenings, especially in the hills so a light jacket or a shawl is recommended. When hiking stout footwear and waterproof gear are recommended.
GOVERNMENT: Federal parliamentary representative democratic monarchy, whereby the Head of State is the monarch, who appoints the Governor-General as vice-regal representative.
DRINKING WATER: Generally safe to drink, but you can opt for bottled water if you prefer.
SUNTANNING TIPS: Always have sun block ready, as even on overcast days you can easily become badly sunburnt and spoil your holiday. Try to get a sun block that is water resistant as it is tedious to continually keep reapplying suntan cream every time you get out of the water. For those travelling on boats the need for sun block is especially great; you’ve got very little shade and the consistent breezes may well make you feel that your skin is not burning.
LANGUAGE: English, with a delightful Antiguan dialect.
TIME ZONE:AtlanticStandard Time (4 hours behind Britain, 1 hour ahead of the U.S. Eastern Seaboard).
BUSINESS HOURS:
Commercial: Open 8:00am to 5:00pm Monday to Saturday. Sat 8.00 am – 12.00 noon.
Banks: Banking hours are generally Mon – Thur 8.00am – 1.00pm. Friday 8.00am – 12 Noon and 3.00pm – 5.00pm.
Post Office: Open 8:00am to 4:00pm Monday to Friday.
COMMUNICATIONS: Cable & Wireless provide a range of reliable services including cardphones, payphone, credit card calling facilities and reliable internet services. For a complete picture of cellular roaming services available in Antigua, click here.
CURRENCY: Antigua’s official currency is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (EC$). US Dollars are widely accepted as are credit cards. You can expect an exchange rate of US$ 1.00 = EC$ 2.70
PASSPORT & VISAS: All visitors to Antigua and Barbuda must have an onward or return ticket. Citizens of United States, United Kingdom and Canada citizens do not require a visa to enter Antigua and Barbuda and may travel on one of the following:
- Valid Passport
- Original Naturalization Certificate
Click here for further details on entry requirements.
LOCATION AND GEOGRAPHY: Latitude – 17º 03′ N, Longitude – 61º 48′ W, 300 miles southeast of Puerto Rico, and 1300 miles southeast of Miami. It is 108 square miles in area.
Highest point is Boggy Peak at 1319 ft (402m).
SECURITY: Always be sure to be sensible by not leaving valuable belongings on view, and take the same precautions you would back at home when you are out and in the place you are staying.
