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Visitor
Information and Tips
Taxis
Taxis are readily available throughout Antigua. They are
also available for island tours. Rates are preset, there
are no meters.
Buses
There is some local bus service; schedules and routes
can be obtained through the hotels
Rental Cars
Renting a car is an ideal way to discover more of Antigua
while on your vacation. There are numerous international
and local rental agencies available. Driving is on the
left side of the road.The cost is about US$40-50 per day.
In addition to a valid driver's license from your country
of residence, or an international driver's license, a
permit to drive in Antigua is required. The rental agency
can assist you in getting this temporary license, which
costs approximately US$20 and is valid for three months.
Taxes
There is a room tax of 8.5% and service charge of 10%
(in lieu of tipping).
Tipping/Gratuities
Same as in the US; 10-15% depending on the service. Some
restaurants & hotels will automatically add a 10%
gratuity. If in doubt, just ask. Give porters and bellhops
50 cents per bag, taxi drivers 10-15% of the fare.
Money Matters
Official currency is the Eastern Caribbean dollar which
is fixed to the US dollar. U.S. currency, travelers checks
and major credit cards are welcome everywhere.
Banks
Antigua and Barbuda Development Bank, Antigua and Barbuda
Investment, Bank Antigua Commercial Bank, Bank of Antigua,
Bank of Nova Scotia, Barclays Bank PLC, Canadian Imperial
Bank of Commerce, Caribbean Corporation Bank, Royal Bank
of Canada, Swiss American National Bank of Antigua. Banking
hours are Monday through Thursday from 8:00am to 1:00pm
and again from 3:00pm to 5:00pm; Friday from 8:00am to
12:00pm, and 3:00pm to 5:00pm.
Medical
There are several general practitioners and specialists
on the island, a hospital and a private clinic. No vaccinations
are required unless the visitor is arriving from an endemic
area. Recompression chambers are available by air ambulance
at nearby Saba and in St. Thomas. Pharmaceutical services
are widely available.
Dress
Informal, but conservative. Beach attire is appropriate
for the beach but not town, shops or restaurants. Some
hotels and restaurants stipulate jacket and tie for men
and dresses for women in the evening.
Electricity
Part of the island is 110 volts, the remainder is 220
volts. Most hotels have both voltages available.
Shopping Hours
Monday thru Saturday 8:00am to noon and 1:00pm-5:00pm.
Restaurants
There are many restaurants to choose from on Antigua offering
international and island cuisine.
Getting Married
Getting married in Antigua is easy.
Visit the Ministry of Justice located on lower Nevis Street
in downtown St. John's with your valid passports, complete
the application and pay applicable fees.
Confirm a date and time for the ceremony with a Marriage
Officer, and ... Get married - Congratulations!!
Personal Safety
Antigua & Barbuda are relatively crime free, but as
with any place you may visit, exercise normal precautions;
i.e. don't leave valuables unattended in rental cars or
on the beach.
Tourist
Offices
In
the US:
Antigua and Barbuda Department of Tourism and Trade
25 S.E. 2nd Avenue, Suite 300
Miami, FL 33131
Tel: 305-381-6762
Fax: 305-381-7908
email: cganuear@bellsouth.net
Antigua and Barbuda
Department of Tourism
610 Fifth Avenue, Suite 311
New York, NY 10020
Toll Free: 888-268-4227
Tel: 212-541-4117
Fax: 212-541-4789
email: info@antigua-barbuda.org
Embassy of Antigua and Barbuda
3216 New Mexico Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20016
Tel: 202 362 5122
Fax: 202 362 5225
Email: embantbar@aol.com |
In
Canada:
Antigua and Barbuda Department
of Tourism & Trade
60 St. Claire Avenue East, Suite 304
Toronto, Ontario
Canada M4T 1N5
Tel: 416-961-3085
Fax: 416-961-7218
email: info@antigua-barbuda-ca.com |
In
the U.K.:
Antigua and Barbuda Tourist Office
15 Thayer Street
London W1U 3JT
England
Tel: (44) 20 7486 7073
Fax: (44) 20 7486 1466
email: antbar@msn.com |
Representing
Germany, Austria, Switzerland & Northern Europe:
Antigua and Barbuda
Department of Tourism
Thomasstr. 11
D-61348 Bad Homburg
Germany
Tel: 49-6172-21504
Fax: 49-6172-21513 |
In
Italy:
Antigua and Barbuda Department of Tourism
Via Santa Maria alla Porta, 9
20123 Milan, Italy
Tel & Fax: (039) 02 877 983
Tel (for travel trade):
(039) 02 720 987 27
Open to the public from Tuesday to Friday |
In
France:
Office du Tourisme D'Antigua
and Barbuda
43 Avenue de Friedland,
Paris 75008, France
Tel: 33 (0) 1 53 75 15 71
Fax 33 (0) 1 53 75 15 69 |
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