Anguilla / Island Essentials

All travellers to Anguilla will need to know the essential island facts.  The information on Anguilla shown below is current (2011).

Currency

The currency of Anguilla is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar, which it shares with other former British islands and some British Overseas Territories in the area. It is pegged to the US Dollar at US$1 = EC$2.67. All prices on island are quoted in EC dollars, with the exception of hotel, car hire and restaurant prices which are in US only, but practically speaking it is possible to pay in US Dollars everywhere on the island.

Check-in/Check-out

As a rule check-out times are around 12 noon and check-in is generally not prior to 3pm, while the rooms are made ready for new arrivals. This is not usually a problem as most people arriving from both Europe and the States do not arrive until the mid afternoon anyway. If you will be arriving earlier than that then let your hotel know and they may be able to let you into your room early. Some properties also provide day rooms/shower facilities subject to availability, or may be flexible on check-in or check-out times by prior arrangement.

Credit Cards

Most of the major credit cards are accepted by anywhere that deals with tousists on a regular basis, including the hotels and major restaurants. Do not expect credit cards to be accepted in small restaurants and local shops. If in doubt ask in advance, especially when dining out. Certain credit cards may attract an additional charge or simply not be accepted. Credit card scanning machines are often out of order, so it can be wise to bring cash just in case.

Departure Taxes / Taxes

A departure tax is payable on leaving Anguilla. If you leave by air or sea it is US$20 or EC$53, reduced to US$10 (EC$26.50) for children aged between 5 and 12. For day-trippers departing by ferry from Blowing Point to St Martin the tax is US$5 (EC$13), children under 12 are exempt. There is also a US$5 airport security charge. 

A government room tax of 10% will be added to your bill and most hotels also charge 10% in service. If you are booking independently this can make a considerable difference to the eventual price of your holiday so remember to factor it in to your calculations.

Electricity

The domestic electricity supply is 110/220 volts, 50 cycles. Most plugs are in American style two-pin, so take an adapter if need be. 

Embassies and Consulates

There are no embassies, commissions or consulates in Anguilla, which is a British Overseas Territory. The Governor’s Office will assist British nationals with emergencies. American and Canadian nationals will need to refer to Barbados.

Canada
Canadians can obtain consular assistance and further information from the Canadian High Commission in Barbados which has responsibility for Anguilla. The commission is located at Bishop's Court Hill, St Michael, Bridgetown, t 1 246 429 3550 bdgtn@international.gc.ca

United Kingdom
The Governor’s Office will assist British nationals with emergencies. It can be found at Old Ta, The Valley, t 497 2621, contactusanguilla@fco.gov.uk

United States
The US Embassy in Barbados has jurisdiction over Anguilla and is located in Wildey Business Park, St Michael. The Consular Section is open for American Citizens Services during regular office hours call t 1 246 227 4193 or BridgetownACS@state.gov. The emergency contact out of hours is
t 1 246 227 4000, please ask for the duty officer | http://barbados.usembassy.gov/

Emergencies

Police – 911
Fire – 911
Ambulance – 911
Hospital – 497 2551/2
Coast Guard – N/A

Medical

There is only one hospital in Anguilla and facilities are limited. Private medical services are available at Hughes Medical Centre, t 497 3053. Prescriptions can be filled at the Princess Alexandra Pharmacy, The Valley or Paramount Pharmacy in Water Swamp. It is advisable to travel with sufficient medication for your stay.

Check that your coverage for polio and tetanus is up to date. There is no malaria in Anguilla. You should take normal precautions against mosquito bites. If you are susceptible then make sure to use insect repellent during daylight hours and after sunset.

Anguilla Hospitals
Princess Alexandra Hospital, The Valley, t 497 2551
In-and-out patient care and a 24 hour emergency room. Serious medical cases/those requiring surgery need to be flown to the nearest suitable facilities which in many cases will be in Miami.

Anguilla has something of a reputation in certain circles for its medical tourism, particularly in plastic surgery, through the Hughes Medical Centre owned by Dr Lowell Hughes, a blue building on the West End Road.

Vaccinations
With the exception of Yellow Fever, where a vaccination certificate is required from travellers over one year of age coming from infected areas, no vaccinations are required for entry into Anguilla, however please check with your GP prior to travelling.

Nudity

Officially nudity is against the law in Anguilla and is frowned upon to the islanders. Practically speaking only toplessness is ever practised and then only in very private villas and in very remote areas away from the public gaze. You are asked not to wander around the Valley in a bikini or bathing trunks rather to cover up.

Places of Worship

The Anguillians are a church going nation. The main religions are Anglican (40%), Methodist (33%), Seventh-Day Adventist (7%), Baptist (5%), Roman Catholic (3%).

Religious Services

Visitors are always welcome to attend the various church services and services are broadcast on Radio Anguilla; weekdays at 6.10 to 7am, and Sundays through the day with combined religious programming and sacred music.

Bethel Methodist Church, South Hill, t 497 2612
St Mary's Anglican Church, The Valley, t 497 2971
St Gerard's Catholic Church, The Valley, t 497 2405

Service Charge / Tipping

All hotel and most of the mega-villa accommodation is subject to a 10% room tax and a 10% Service Charge. A few hotels include the charges but most add it to your bill, which can make quite a difference to the eventual price of your holiday (make sure you check the terms and calculate this in when pricing it up).

Tipping for good service is always appreciated and with a largely American clientele this has become the norm. In restaurants, check the bill, as a 10%-15% service charge may already have been added if not, the minimum expected is still 10%. In privately rented villas and apartments, service is generally not included so all members of staff including the ground staff should be tipped on your departure. Check with the local property manager for guidance.

Time Zone

Anguilla is on the same time zone as the rest of the Eastern Caribbean, Atlantic Standard Time, which is four hours behind Britain in the winter (GMT)and five hours behind in the summer when the European countries adopt daylight saving time (Anguilla does not change its clocks).

From the USA: Atlantic Standard Time is one hour ahead of Eastern Standard Time during the winter, but on the same time in the summer when Daylight Saving Time is adopted.

Water

The tap water in Anguilla is fit for drinking. It can taste a bit salty, however, because it is largely desalinated, so you may prefer to drink bottled water, made right on Anguilla including Aronel and Crystal Stream. Other, more familiar brands will be more expensive because imported bottled water is taxed.