Visitor Information

AIRPORT DEPARTURE TAX - EC$54 for all destinations; Should be paid in EC currency. Banking facilities available at Hewanorra International Airport and George FL Charles Airport.

BANANAS - With much of the St Lucia countryside cultivated with bananas, this fruit is a major contributor to the island's economy. In 1998 bananas brought in some EC$91.5 million, which accounts for its nickname Green Gold! The fruit, actually scientifically classified as a herb, originated in India, but has been essential to St. Lucia since the mid 1900s. To join one of the banana estate tours, see your social desk for details.

CALYPSO - This musical form is to us what Rock is to the United States. Visitors may not catch the drift of the lyrics, which speak out about local events, politics, outright gossip, and of course, the "act of love". However, if the lyrics don't grab ya, no sweat, the calypso beat will. Carnival is a great time to catch the calypso fever, as local calypsonians vie for the Calypso King title.

CARNIVAL - This, St Lucia's largest extravaganza, takes place in July with beauty contests, kiddies parades, calypso tents, and a grand parade of dazzling and colourful costumes through the streets of Castries. Prizes are awarded for the best band, and the King and Queen of the Bands. Many events are free.

CHURCHES - Almost 90% of St Lucians are Roman Catholic. Other denominations include Anglican, Methodist, Baptist, Seventh Day Adventist, Church of the Nazarene, Church of Christ, Christian Science and the Salvation Army. Times vary at individual churches, so its best to call before attending.

CLIMATE - From November to February the day temperature is approximately 27°C, with a night temperature of approximately 21°C-22°C. December and January are the coolest months. From April to October the day temperature is approximately 29°C - 23°C. June to August is the hottest period. Our climate is tempered by constant, cooling trade winds.

COCONUTS - If the only coconut you ever tasted had chocolate wrapped around it, you're in for a treat when you taste one right off the tree. You'll also want to sample coconut water, the juice of the nut while it is still green. The inside of the immature nut is soft and jelly like, but still makes a wonderful snack. As the outside of the green coconut dries and turns light brown, it is shucked away to reveal the little dark brown coconut that you find in your super markets back home. The oil is extracted from these dry nuts to make soups, cooking oil, body lotion, and suntan oil.

CREDIT CARDS - Widely accepted at all major centres, restaurants, hotels, etc. Restaurant listings in the RESTAURANT GUIDE show which of them accept credit cards.

CURRENCY - East Caribbean Dollar (EC$) referred locally as 'Ecee'. St Lucia is tied to the US$. Bank exchange on US Traveller Cheques is EC$2.68 and on US cash EC$2.67. Check banks for daily rates on currencies other than US, as all currencies are subject to market fluctuation.

DRIVING - We drive on the Left-Hand-Side of the road.

DRIVING LICENCE - Visitors must have a Temporary Driving Permit, obtainable from the Immigration Office at either George Charles or Hewanorra Airports, also available from Gros Islet Police Station. Present cost of a 3 month permit is EC$54. Driving permits are also issued by major car rental firms.

DRUGS - Use or sale of narcotic drugs is highly illegal and carries severe penalties.

ELECTRICITY - 220 volts AC, 50 cycles. Please turn off all light switches and air conditioning before going out.

GEOGRAPHY - Our neighbours are Martinique, 21 miles from our northern tip and St Vincent, 26 miles from our Southern tip. (Both are visible on clear days), and Barbados 100 miles east. The island is 27 miles long and 14 wide, a total of 238 sq miles.

GOVERNMENT - Our prime minister is Dr Kenny D Anthony. Since 1979, St Lucia has been an independent state within the British Commonwealth.

NEWSPAPERS - 'The STAR' Wednesdays & Saturdays; 'The Voice' Tuesdays & Thursdays; 'The Weekend Voice' Saturdays; 'The Crusader', 'One Caribbean' Saturdays; 'The Mirror' Fridays.

SHOPPING ADVICE - If you plan to buy duty free items at duty free shopping malls such as La Place Carenage, Pointe Seraphine or JQ Mall Rodney Bay, you need to bring your airline ticket and identification. You will be required to show both when making your purchases.

TAXIS - Our taxi drivers take special courses, so you will find they make friendly, knowledgeable guides of the island. If you intend hiring a taxi for the whole day, negotiate a price with the driver.

TELEVISION - HTS Channel 4 and DBS Channels 2 & 10, and cable TV (Cable Vision).

TIME DIFFERENCES - Europe, October to April, 4 hours ahead; April to October, 5 hours ahead. North America 3-4 hours behind. Asia and South Pacific up to 16 hours ahead.

TIPPING - Most establishments include a 10% standard tip. Check your bill and use this as a guide if there is no service charge. You will be charged 8% government tax where it applies.

TOURISM INFORMATION - St Lucia Tourist Board, head office Tel: 452-4094, George Charles Airport Tel: 452-2595, Hewanorra Airport Tel: 454-6644 or pay them a visit at the head office, St Lucia Hotel & Tourism Association, located Vide Boutielle, Tel: 452-5978.
VISITORS/VISAS - Permits are issued on arrival, provided the visitor holds the correct documentation. Passports are required by all except British subjects and Canadian and US subjects holding return tickets to their respective countries. All such visitors must hold some valid documentation.

VISA EXTENSION - For a visa extension, applicants must hold a valid passport with an expiration date after the applied for extension period. They also must have a valid return airline ticket showing the intended extension date. Applicants must contact the immigration office for an application form and may have to arrange an interview with an immigration officer. The cost is $100 for every extension granted up to 21 days.