Antigua Information
General Information
Clothing
Please note that beach attire is appropriate for the beach but not in town, shops or restaurants. Most hotels and restaurants stipulate jacket and tie for men and dresses for women.
The importation and wearing of camouflage clothing is prohibited in Antigua.
Currency
Be aware that both EC$ (East Caribbean dollars) and US$ are used in Antigua. If it is not clear, check the currency before purchasing goods. The exchange rate on 09 January 2020 was US$1.00 = EC$2.60.
Departure Tax
There is a departure tax of US$28/ EC$70.
Electricity
Although the electrical supply is 220 volts the current is 60 cycles rather than the European standard 50 cycles. This means that onboard washing machines will not work properly and microwaves may be damaged. Competitors are advised to check their AC hardware tolerance / specifications before connecting.
Medical Facilities
ABSAR
Antigua is very fortunate to have ABSAR rescue services based in Falmouth and Paramedic Jonathan Cornelius is on duty with his team throughout the whole period of the race. ABSAR will respond 24/7 by phone and VHF and Jonathan Cornelius is the first line of call in any medical emergency:
Tel: +1 (268) 725 5044
ABSAR VHF Channel 16 / 68
Doctors/Clinics
On Antigua there are a number of good doctors and clinics; follow the links below for further details. For serious medical conditions it may be necessary to medevac casualties to other islands or the mainland.
Vaccinations
Whilst no vaccinations are required for travel to Antigua, we recommend you check with your health authority.
Water
The water supply in Antigua is now probably as good as European standards. It is available at all docks/marinas but individuals may wish to filter as well. In drought conditions in Antigua the main supply reverts to cistern storage water which needs filtering and/or treatment.
Food Suppliers
Local
Baileys Supermarket
Crab Hole Liquors
In St Johns
Local market
Epicurian / Woods Centre.
Internet
Hot Hot Hot Spot
This company supply local wifi hotspots at cafes in and around both Falmouth Harbour and English Harbour. Please see their website for the full list.
Crime and Security
There is a police station in Nelsons Dockyard / Falmouth. In Nelsons Dockyard and Antigua Yacht Club Marina there is 24 hr security and incidences of crime in these areas are extremely rare. However, like in any area in the world, visitors are advised to observe sensible safety precautions in any remote areas or late at night. Likewise, it would be sensible not to leave valuables unattended in rental cars or at the beach.
There is no British High Commission in Antigua. British Nationals requiring emergency consular assistance should contact the British Honorary Consul, Robert Wilkinson, on + 1(268) 561 5046. If the Honorary Consul is not available, and for all other non-consular related matters, please contact the British High Commission in Bridgetown, Barbados.
For British Nationals who would like further information please see the FCO website here.
