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Visitor
Information
Getting
Around
Taxis and Minibuses
Sightseeing and transportation is easily arranged through
the many taxi operators. A recommended list of the local
taxi operators and fares is available from the Tourist
Board. Visitors are advised to agree on the fare in advance
with the driver and to determine whether the quote is
in EC$ or US$, which some drivers request.
Car Rentals
A local driver’s license is necessary if you plan to drive
in Montserrat. You can apply for this at your port of
entry or at the Police Headquarters at Brades or in Salem.
The cost is EC$50 (US$19) and you will need to produce
your valid driver’s license from your country of origin.
Driving is on the left. A word of caution, there are many
winding and twisting mountainous roads and some may find
driving difficult. However, there are paved roads serving
all parts of the island. Also keep in mind there are only
2 gas stations available (A & F Service Station, Sweeney's,
and Tower Hill Service Station, St. Peters) so remember
to keep the tank topped off. If touring the island on
your own, please respect the signs and closed gates that
indicate the boundaries of the Exclusion Zone.
Money
The Eastern Caribbean Dollar is the official currency
but US dollars are widely circulated and freely accepted.
The rate of exchange is approximately EC$2.70 = US$1.00.
All major credit cards are accepted as are Canadian dollars
and traveler's cheques. You will find the American Express
agent at Travel World International Limited, located at
Davy Hill.
Banking
There are several Banking Services available in Montserrat.
Banking hours are:
The Royal Bank of Canada opens Monday to Thursday 8am
- 2pm, Friday 8am - 3pm.
Bank of Montserrat opens Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 8am
- 2pm, Wednesday 8am - 1pm, Friday 8am - 3pm.
Montserrat Building Society opens Monday to Thursday 8:30
- 2pm, Friday 8:30am - 3pm.
Both the National Development Foundation and the St. Patrick’s
Co-Operative Credit Union open Monday to Thursday: 8am
- 1pm, Friday 8am - 2pm.
Health Requirements
No vaccination is required unless transiting or coming
from an infected area within SIX MONTHS of arrival. Persons
known to have come from any country which has suffered
cholera, yellow fever or smallpox epidemics must have
vaccination certificates. Drinking water is perfectly
safe from the tap, but bottled, purified and mineral water
is available.
Medical Facilities
The main hospital is located in St Johns and can handle
most routine and surgical emergencies. Accident and Emergency:
(664) 491-2802. Doctors in private practice are also available.
A dental clinic is available, as are private dentistry
services. Arrangements can be made quickly to transfer
more serious problems off island by helicopter to Antigua
or Guadeloupe.
Time
GMT- 4. EST +1
Climate/Clothing
Winter and summer temperatures average between 76°
and 88° (F) with constant breezes from the sea and
mountains. Rainfall averages 60" a year. Casual lightweight
clothing is recommended; a light jacket or sweater is
advisable for the late evening in the winter months. Sneakers/trainers
or rubber-soled shoes are practical for hiking and mountain
climbing.
Telephones
Both domestic and international direct dialing telecommunications
are provided by Cable & Wireless (W.I.) Ltd. A fully
digitalized telephone system, international and national
services, international direct dialing (IDD), facsimile,
data and telex services are available from public coin
and card phones. Additionally, Cable & Wireless offers
Boat phone, the Caribbean Cellular Service; leased circuits
and 1-800 Toll free service. The Cable & Wireless
office is located in the heart of Sweeneys and is open
five days a week; Monday to Friday 8:00am-4:00pm. Tel:
(664) 491-1000, Fax (664) 491-3599. Prepaid calling cards
can be purchased at that office. Phone booths are located
all around the island and cards can be purchased.
Electricity
220/110 volt electricity - 60 cycles
Duty Free
Gift articles up to a value of $US185 ($EC500), including
the allowances of wines, spirits, cigarettes, tobacco,
cigars and perfume may be imported free of duty, provided
that they do not exceed what is permitted. The allowance
into Montserrat is 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, half a pound
of tobacco, 40 ounces of alcoholic beverage and 6 ounces
of perfume. Personal items are exempt from import duty.
Montserrat Tourism Contact Information
MONTSERRAT
Montserrat Tourist Board
# 7 Farara Plaza, Buildings B&C
P.O. Box 7, Brades, Montserrat, WI
Tel: (664) 491-2230/8730 Fax: (664) 491-7430
E-mail: info@montserrattourism.ms
UK
Montserrat Government (U.K) Office
7 Portland Place, London WIB 1PP
Tele: (44) 020 7031 0317 Fax: (44) 020 7031 0318
Email:j.panton@montserratgov.co.uk
USA & CANADA
For Media Enquiries:
Cheryl Andrews Marketing Inc.
2655 LeJeune Road
Suite 805
Coral Gables, Florida 33134
Tel: (305) 444 4033
Fax: (305) 447 0415
E-Mail: Montserrat@cherylandrewsmarketing.com
GERMANY
Montserrat Tourist Board (Europe)
West India Committee
PostFach 701423, Hamburg 22047, Germany
Tel: (49) 40 695 8846 Fax: (49) 40 380 0051
Email: argylewi@gmx.net
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