Island Facts of St.Kitts
Airport
The Robert Llewelyn Bradshaw International Airport; located about two miles from Basseterre.
Country Code: SKB. (869-465-8472)
Banks
The banks on the island include the following international banks:
*First Caribbean International Bank
*Royal Bank of Canada
*Bank of Nova Scotia
Our locally owned bank is:
*St.Kitts Nevis Anguilla National Bank
The banks are opened from 8:00AM to 2:00PM (Monday - Thursday) and 8:00AM to 4:00PM on Fridays, but are closed on Saturday and Sunday.
Business Hours
Most stores open their doors at 8:00AM and close at 4:00PM. Supermarkets, Restaurants and the such are of course the exception.
Climate
The average yearly temperature is around 79 degrees. Our annual rainfall averages about 55 inches, we get most of that between June and October. The humidity is generally low, and constant northeast trade winds keep the island cool.
Currency
Here on St.Kitts we use the "Eastern Caribbean Dollar" or more commonly refered to as the "E.C Dollar". It is valued at $2.70 to $1.00 USD. The US dollar, although not our main currency, is widely accepted around the island. Major credit cards are also accepted in most stores, restaurants, hotels, and shops.
Driving
Vehicles are available for rental, and agencies can be found in the Getting Around section. To drive on the island you need to get a visitor's driver's licence, they are available at the cost of $50.00 EC ($20.00 US) from the Fire Station or the Traffic Department.
Here on St.Kitts, we drive on the left hand side of the road, please give way to traffic on the right. The busiest traffic time during the is between 7:50 AM - 8:20AM when people are going to work. 12:00PM - 1:00PM Lunch time, and from 4:00PM to about 4:20PM Quitting time.
Emergencies
Hospitals: Joseph N. France General Hospital Tel: 869-465-2551
Police Station (Basseterre): 869-465-2241
Fire Station: 869-465-2515
Fire: 333
Police/Ambulance: 911
Language
English is the official language of St.Kitts.
Time Zone
We are on the Atlantic Standard Time Zone (GMT -4, EST +1). We do not follow "Daylight Savings Time", our time stays the same all year round.
Area Code
869 (eg. 1-869-465-0000)
Economy
Manufacturing: Textiles, Drinks, Electronic Parts
Tourism
Education
Free and compulsory between the ages of 5 and 16. There are 25 government primary schools, 7 government secondary schools and 7 private schools. The St. Kitts & Nevis College of Further Education meets the technical education needs of the labour force.
Electricity
230 volts, 60 cycles. Most hotels have 110 volts and converters are also available.
Immigration
U.S. and Canadian citizens need proof of citizenship: a passport, driver's license, birth certificate or voters' registration card. U.S. residents need their green card. All others require a valid passport. A return or continuing ticket is also required.
Citizens of some countries are not required to have visas in order to enter St.Kitts. Click here for the complete list.
Post Office
There are 3 Post Offices, one in Basseterre, one in Sandy Point and one in Cayon. Opening hours are Monday - Wednesday and Friday, 8am - 3pm, Thursday, 8am - 11am.