CaribbeanProperty

Airlines
The following airlines serve St Lucia: Air Caribe, Air Canada, American Airlines, American Eagle, US Airways, British Airways, LIAT the Star of the Caribbean, Virgin Atlantic WESTJET. Delta flies to Hewanorra.

Airport
St Lucia has two airports. The airport which serves all international flights is located in the South of the island - Hewanorra International Airport at Vieux Fort, 40 miles south of Castries. For inter island Caribbean flights, the airport is close to the capital, Castries - George F. L. Charles Airport, Vigie.

Banking
Banks on St Lucia are open Monday to Thursday, 8.00am - 2.00pm and Friday, 8.00am - 5.00pm

Car hire
We can recommend car rental companies on the island (both South and North St Lucia depending on where you are staying) and we will happily make the arrangements for you. The companies we work with have been known to us over many years and offer the best prices. It is always best to book in advance in order to get the best vehicles and service. This is essential for peak holiday periods because the companies run out of stock.

Credit Cards
Major international credit cards are generally accepted at all large shopping centres, restaurants, hotels, etc.

Currency
The currency of St. Lucia is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar which is linked to the US Dollar at the exchange rate of US$1 to EC$2.70 although US dollars are widely accepted on the island.

Departure Tax
Departure Tax of EC$68 (US$26) is levied for all passengers over 12 years.

Electricity
Generally, 220 volts, 50 cycles AC although some hotels have 110 volts, 60 cycles. Most sockets take 3 pin square plugs (UK standard) but some take 2 pin round plugs or flat American plugs although these are rare. Adaptors are generally available at the hotels but we advise that you take your own.

Entry Requirements
Visitors must carry valid passports. Visas are not required where the visitor is a citizen of the Visitors from the UK, USA or certain Commonwealth countries do not need a visa although you should check with your travel organiser or at www.stlucia.org for full details of entry requirements.

Language
English is the official language of St Lucia, but locals speak Patois among themselves (French Creole).

Medical
In an emergency, call 911.
The main medical facilities are: Soufriere Hospital, WC Queenland Street, Soufriere, t. (758) 459-2000, St Jude Hospital, St Jude Highway, Vieux Fort, t. (758) 454 6041. Dennery Hospital, Hospital Road, Dennery, t. (758) 453 3310, Victoria Hospital, Hospital Road, Castries, t. (758) 452 2421, Golden Hope Hospital, La Toc Road, Castries, t. (758) 452 7393, Tapion Hospital, Castries, t. (758) 459 2000.

Port
The main sea port is Castries and many cruise ships anchor at Pointe Seraphine and La Place Carenage. There is an additional deepwater anchorage for cargo and container ships at Vieux Fort in the south near the airport.

Service Charges & Tax
For all hotels and restaurant bills there is a Government tax of 8%. Most hotels also apply a 10% service charge. Restaurants may apply the service charge or leave tipping to your discretion.

Shopping
Most shops are open 08.30-12.30 and 13.30-16.00 on weekdays 08.00-12.00 on Saturdays.

Taxis
Taxis are easily available at taxi stands or by telephone and minibuses (taking up to 10 people) can be hired as taxis for groups. Always check or establish the price before hiring a taxi.

Time
St. Lucia is 4 Hours behind Greenwich Mean Time.

Tours
St Lucia is an island with much to explore. Soft adventure and gardens are among the many interesting things to do and see. We recommend St. Lucia Reps/Sunlink Tours for the best island excursions and services, t, (758) 452 8232.

Tourist Information
Tourist Information can be obtained from hotel reception and the St. Lucia Tourist Board's Information Centers: Pointe Seraphine and La Place Carenage, Castries, t, (758) 452 7577 or Soufriere, t, (758) 459 7419 and at both airports; George F.L. Charles Airport, t, (758) 452 2596. Hewanorra International Airport, t, (758) 454 6644. Generally, the information centres are open from 08.00-16.30 weekdays. Pointe Seraphine, Castries is open when cruise ships are in port. Information Centres at the airports are open when flights are operating.

Saint Lucia Tourist Board (Head Office)
P O Box 221
Top floor
Sure Line Building
Vide Bouteille
Castries
Saint Lucia
Tel (758) 452 4094/5968
Email: slutour@candw.lc

UK
Saint Lucia Tourist Board
421a Finchley Road
London, NW3 6HJ
England
Tel 207 431 3675
Email: stlucia@axissm.com

USA
Saint Lucia Tourist Board
820 2nd Avenue, 9th Floor
New York, NY 10017
USA Tel (212) 867 2950
Toll free 1-800-4ST LUCIA 1-800-456-3984
Email: info@st-lucia.com

Canada
Saint Lucia Tourist Board
8 King St East
Suite 700
Toronto, Ontario M5C 1B5
Canada
Tel (416) 362 4242
Toll Free: 1-800 869 0377
Email: sltb-canada@sympatico.ca

Weather
Like most of the Caribbean islands, St Lucia enjoys year round temperatures in the 80s with cooling trade winds. The rainy season is officially from June to the end of October. During this time of year there are more overcast days and the greatest chance of rainfall and tropical storms although June can be one of the nicest months while July and August are still very popular times for visitors.