About SKN
Area – 68 sq. Miles St.Kitts
Area – 33 sq. Miles Nevis
Population – 38,000 St.Kitts
Population – 11,000 Nevis
Capital – Basseterre, St.Kitts
Capital – Charlestown, Nevis
Language – English but with a distinct accent and West Indian idioms.
Currency – Eastern Caribbean Dollar and US dollar —> $1 US = $2.70 EC
Topography – Volcanic in origin
Highest Peak – Mt Liamigua, 3792 feet
Time
As there is no Daylight Savings Time here, we are on Atlantic Standard Time in the winter and Eastern Standard Time in the summer.
Tipping
Most hotels and restaurants automatically add a 10% service charge. You may give additional tips if service warrants it.
Taxes
Hotels, restaurants and other service industries charge a 9% Government tax. No sales taxes at stores and shops.
Dress Code
Casual everywhere but not beach attire. Must wear a shirt/wrap in town. You will be more comfortable in some of the fine dining restaurants a little more elegantly dressed but formal attire is not required.
Electricity
Power is 220V but most all hotels have 110V plugs instead or as well. If you have a 220 to 110 adapter, it would not hurt to throw it in your bag, just in case.
Entry Requirements
All visitors will require a passport. It is also very important to have a return ticket to somewhere, most preferably your country of origin, regardless of the length of your stay.
Water
Local water is very drinkable and bottled water is readily available everywhere. As all of the water is sourced from the rainfall, please keep conservation in mind.
Credit Cards
Most hotels, restaurants and businesses take the major credit cards although some will not accept American Express. Do not assume you can pay by credit card.
Television
Most hotels have cable and you can have access to many of the premium channels like CNN, kids stations, movie stations, US network stations, etc.
ATMs
All four banks in St. Kitts have ATMs in Basseterre. The National Bank has a number of others at various places around the island, but it is not a sure thing that your particular bank's debit card will work as expected. Your best bet is to go to one of the three banks on the Circus in town or the Republic in Birdrock. The Marriott Casino ATM give US currency but only works with Visa, M/C and debit cards on Cirrus network. All other ATMs will give funds in EC dollars.
Telephones
It's no problem calling anywhere in the world directly, however, the costs are somewhat staggering compared to North American charges. Most 1-800 numbers in North America won't work, some do and some also ask you to accept the cost. Local Cell phones work with high coverage again, if using your overseas phone it will incur roaming charges.
Internet coverage is high on both island, with some Wi-Fi zone
Driving
Rental vehicles are readily available (cars, vans, 4x4s, scooters). Driving is on the left hand side. You will be required to purchase a temporary license for $25US. Drive slowly and be aware of the ditches built across the road in the country as they can be devastating if you do not slow down first.
Taxis & Buses
Taxis are omnipresent in the Circus and at most of the hotels. The Taxis all have a yellow license plate with a 'T' or a 'TA' in the front of the number. The buses that run around the island all day are passenger vans and they have an 'H' or HA on the green license plate. They have designated routes (pretty much the main road around the island) and the rates are fixed by the Government.
Medical Facilities
The main hospital is in Basseterre (St.Kitts), a couple of other smaller ones in the country and numerous health centers around the island. Recompression chambers are available by air ambulance in nearby Saba. There are many drug stores with full pharmaceutical services in town.
Bank Hours
Daily Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 2:00pm, except Friday when they are open till 4:00pm
Emergency Numbers
They have 911 service here. Police - 465-2241, Hospital - 465-2551, Fire - 465-2515