Get the lowdown on crucial travel details for Antigua and Barbuda, including insights on currency, electrical plug types, time zone, tipping practices and more.
Bargaining
Bargaining is generally not a common practice in established stores, restaurants, or hotels in Antigua and Barbuda, where prices are usually fixed. However, you may have some room for negotiation with street vendors, at local markets, or in smaller, independently-run shops.
Communication
In Antigua and Barbuda, you'll find fairly reliable Wi-Fi and phone services, particularly in tourist areas and major towns. Here's a breakdown:
Wi-Fi:
Hotels and Resorts: Most hotels, resorts, and many guesthouses offer Wi-Fi, although the speed and reliability can vary. Some high-end resorts may offer high-speed internet at an additional charge.
Cafes and Restaurants: Many cafes and restaurants in populated areas provide free Wi-Fi for customers, though the speed may not be fast enough for heavy usage.
Public Wi-Fi: There are a few public Wi-Fi zones, mainly in tourist areas and around the capital city, St. John's. However, it's best to use these networks cautiously due to security concerns.
Phone Service:
Local Providers: The primary telecommunication providers are Digicel and Flow. Both offer prepaid and postpaid services, and you can easily purchase a local SIM card if you have an unlocked phone.
Coverage: Antigua has good coverage throughout the island, including most tourist areas. Barbuda's coverage is not as extensive but is generally satisfactory in populated regions.
Currency
The official currency of Antigua and Barbuda is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD), which is commonly abbreviated as "EC$" to distinguish it from other dollar-denominated currencies. The Eastern Caribbean Dollar is pegged to the U.S. Dollar and is widely accepted throughout the islands.
U.S. Dollars are also frequently accepted in many places, particularly in tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants. However, you may receive change in Eastern Caribbean Dollars, and the exchange rate may not be as favorable as what you would get at a bank or official currency exchange service.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in major tourist areas, hotels, and larger restaurants and shops, but it's advisable to carry some cash, especially if you plan to visit smaller establishments or venture into less populated areas.
ATMs are available in St. John's, the capital of Antigua, and in other major towns. These machines typically dispense Eastern Caribbean Dollars, although some may offer the option to withdraw U.S. Dollars.
Electric Plugs
In Antigua and Barbuda, the power plugs and sockets are of type A and B. The standard voltage is 230 V, and the standard frequency is 60 Hz. Here's what that means:
Type A: This is a flat two-pin plug, also known as the "American" plug.
Type B: This is a plug with two flat parallel pins and a grounding pin, commonly used in North America and Central America.
Time Zone
Antigua and Barbuda are in the Atlantic Standard Time (AST) time zone. The time zone is UTC-4:00, which means it is 4 hours behind Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). Unlike many other regions, Antigua and Barbuda do not observe Daylight Saving Time, so the time remains constant throughout the year.
Tipping Etiquette
Tipping is generally expected and appreciated in Antigua and Barbuda, especially in the service industry. Here are some general guidelines for tipping:
Restaurants: A service charge of about 10-15% is often included in the bill. If it is not included, it's customary to leave a tip of around 10-15% of the total bill.
Hotels: It's standard to tip porters and bellboys around $1-$2 per bag. Housekeeping staff may be tipped around $2-$5 per day, typically left at the end of your stay or daily.
Taxis: Tipping is not mandatory but is appreciated. Around 10-15% of the fare or simply rounding up to the nearest whole number is common.
Tour Guides: If you're pleased with the service, tipping 10-20% of the cost of the tour is a good rule of thumb.
Spas and Salons: Similar to restaurants, a tip of 10-15% is customary unless a service charge is already included in the bill.
Bars: You can either leave around $1 per drink or 10-15% of the total bill.
