Did you know?
Buses in Antigua have unusual names painted on their sides such as Could Be Dangerous and Don't Tes' Me.
Visas
No visa necessary, but take your passport.
Getting there
Scheduled flights from
London. Charter flights from
London and Manchester.
Getting around
Buses are minivan-style and do not serve the whole island. To explore properly, take a taxi or hire a car, scooter or bike, but beware of poorly maintained roads. The local joke is that drivers need a PhD - Pot Hole Driving certificate. Driving is on the left, although many hire cars also have their steering wheel on the left.
Currency
East Caribbean dollar
Costs
As a rough guide: short taxi ride £7; pint of beer £1.50; moderately priced restaurant meal £25-£30; camera film about £4; a litre of petrol is about 40p.
Weather
The coolest months of January and February average 81F/27C in the day, 72F/22C at night. In July and August, the hottest months, the high averages 86F/30C, the low 77F/25C. Rainiest months are September to November with rain on about eight days a month. February to April is the driest period with three rainy days a month. Hurricane season is from June to November.
Time difference
Four hours behind GMT.
International dialling code from the
UK 00 1 268
Voltage
110V AC, 60 cycles, but some places use 220 volts - check prior to plugging in anything you bring with you.
Opening hours
Typically 8am-noon then 1-4pm Monday-Friday, Government offices generally close an hour early on Friday. Shops may open later especially in tourist areas.
Health - Before you go
No immunisations are required to enter Antigua from the
UK. Health - When you are there
Antigua's main hospital is the Holberton in the outskirts of St. John's. Tel: 462 0251. Watch out for bugs that bite in the night - insect repellents and mosquito nets will help.
Warnings
Visitors shouldn't leave valuables unattended and should be cautious about walking in secluded places after dark. Women alone may be the target of unwanted attention and sexual advances. Drunk driving is common and dangerous - be very wary on the roads; also watch for livestock blocking roads.
Emergency
British High Commission, PO Box 483, Price Waterhouse
Centre 11, Old Parham Road, St John's. Tel: 462 0008.
Customs
Outside the resorts, Antigua retains a conservative West Indian character. Restrict swimwear to the beach. The Caribbean atmosphere is laid back and it takes time to get things done. Be patient, it's hot. Don't take photographs of people without asking - it's rude, and imagine how you'd feel. Don't be surprised if people take offence if you do take a photo without permission - they will probably ask for money, and with the fees supermodels charge you can see their point.
Pets
Antigua and Barbuda are now included in the PETS travel scheme under long-haul regulations. However, this is a long and complicated procedure requiring vaccinations, medical check-ups and route planning; it is not as simple as walking on and off a plane with your pet. Therefore the scheme is more suited to those returning from a long stay abroad, rather than the two-week holidaymaker. It takes several months to set up the relevant documentation; see your vet for further details.
Tipping
10% in restaurants, unless the bill includes service charge.
Tourist office
Antigua and Barbuda Tourist Office, 15 Thayer Street,
London W1U 3JT. Tel: 020 7486 7073.