Get all your essential travel information for St. Barts in one place. From the local currency and time zone to communication options, tipping etiquette, and electrical plug types, we've got you covered for a seamless trip to this luxurious Caribbean Island.
Bargaining
Bargaining is generally not a common practice in St. Barts, especially in high-end shops, boutiques, and luxury stores, which are more prevalent on the island. Prices in these establishments are usually fixed, and attempting to haggle could be considered inappropriate or disrespectful.
In more casual settings like local markets, there may be some room for mild bargaining, but this is not the norm. St. Barts is known for being a luxury destination, and its retail spaces often reflect this status.
Communication
St. Barts generally has good phone and Wi-Fi services, particularly in more developed areas and where tourist activity is prevalent. Here's what you can expect:
Wi-Fi:
Hotels and Resorts: Most hotels and resorts on the island offer Wi-Fi services, though the speed and reliability can vary. In luxury accommodations, you can usually expect high-speed, reliable connections.
Cafés and Restaurants: Many cafés and restaurants also offer free Wi-Fi for customers, although speeds may vary, and there may be time limits on usage.
Public Areas: Some public areas like the airport or marinas might have Wi-Fi available, but these are typically not as reliable as what you'd find in hotels or other established businesses.
Phone Service:
Local Carriers: The island has coverage from local Caribbean network operators. You can purchase local SIM cards for more affordable local and international calling, as well as mobile data.
International Roaming: Depending on your service provider, international roaming may be available but can be quite expensive. It's best to check the rates and conditions with your home provider before traveling.
Coverage: Coverage is generally good in populated areas and tourist spots, but it may be spotty in more remote or mountainous regions of the island.
Emergency Numbers: It's good to note that the emergency phone number for police, fire, and medical services in St. Barts is 112.
Currency
The currency officially used in Saint Barthélemy (St. Barts) is the Euro (€), as the island is an overseas collectivity of France. Euros are widely accepted throughout the island, and you can find ATMs that dispense Euros in various locations, particularly in Gustavia, the capital.
Credit cards are also widely accepted, especially in hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, it's always a good idea to carry some cash, especially when venturing to more remote areas or smaller establishments that may not accept cards.
Electric Plugs
Saint Barthélemy (St. Barts) primarily uses Type E electrical plugs and sockets. These are the same as those commonly found in France and other parts of Europe, featuring two round pins and a hole for the socket's male grounding pin. The standard voltage is 220-240V, and the standard frequency is 50Hz.
Time Zone
Saint Barthélemy (St. Barts) is in the Atlantic Standard Time (AST) zone. This time zone is UTC-4:00. St. Barts does not observe Daylight Saving Time, so the time remains consistent throughout the year.
Tipping Etiquette
Tipping is not as deeply ingrained in the culture of Saint Barthélemy (St. Barts) as it is in some other countries like the United States. However, the practice has become more common, particularly in tourist areas and among service providers catering to tourists.
In many restaurants, a service charge of around 15% is often included in the bill. This is not a tip, but rather a compulsory charge. You can leave additional cash on the table if you feel the service was exceptional, but it's not obligatory.
