Money

1. Currency Exchange

St. Lucia's currency is the Eastern Caribbean dollar (XCD) commonly referred to as EC. The US dollar is accepted in many places. Currency can be exchanged at airports, banks, and hotels. Banks offer better exchange rates compared to hotels. The bank exchange rate for US $1 is EC $2.67. The US dollar is accepted at most hotels, car rental agencies and duty free shops. In most cases, you will come across price tags that are quoted in US dollars.

The Easter Caribbean dollar notes are issued in denominations of $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100. Coins come in denominations of $0.01, $0.02, $0.05, $0.10, $0.25 cents, and $1.00.

The National Commercial Bank (NCB) also has a branch at Hewanorra International Airport where EC Dollars can be exchanged for foreign currency. The bank is open daily from 12.30 pm till the last flight departs.

All major credit cards such as Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted in St. Lucia. These cards are accepted at large shopping centers, restaurants, and hotels. There are many small hotels and other guest lodgings that might not accept credit cards. US travelers' checks have a fixed exchange rate of EC$2.68 per 1 USD. Automated teller machines (ATMs) are accessible around the clock at bank branches, transportation centers, and shopping malls. You can withdraw cash from your bank account using Cirrus or Plus bankcards.

2. What A Dollar Will Buy You

St. Lucia is an expensive place when it comes to eating out. A meal could cost between $35-$50. Salad, rice and macaroni pie could cost about $15. A pizza could cost about $50.

A dozen eggs = $ 2.75 US

500ml bottle of Cola = $ .75 US

Tuna = $ 9.25 US

A Beer = $ 1.50 US

A gallon of water = $ 0.20 US

3. Telecommunications

St. Lucia has an advanced telecommunications infrastructure. Internet, land-based telephone, wireless phone, telex, telegraph and facsimile services are commonly available on the island.

The international calling code of St. Lucia is +1-754. When calling St. Lucia from another country, you are required to dial the international area code of 758 followed by the local 7-digit number.

Phone calls can be made from the hotel itself. However, the calling rates are comparatively high. Payphones are scattered all over major cities and towns in St. Lucia and can be used to make local, long distance and international calls. Pay phones accept coins, phone cards and credit cards. Phone cards are the cheapest way to make international calls. They are sold at newspaper kiosks and by street vendors. Phone cards can also be acquired at many retail outlets and can be used in all payphones in St. Lucia.

Cable and Wireless is the only Internet and telephone service provider in St. Lucia. Internet access is commonly available in hotels, Internet cafes and at Cable and Wireless branches.

Overseas calls can be charged to any major credit card by dialing 811. There is no surcharge charged for this service.

From public phones and many hotels, dial AT&T Direct Service 800/USA- 2881 or MCI World COM at 800/888-8000 and charge the call to your calling card to avoid costly rates or hotel surcharges.

Tourist can also use their cell phones in St. Lucia, provided the roaming service is activated. Both TDMA and GSM networks are supported in St. Lucia. Travelers interested in renting a cell phone for short durations can do the same by approaching a Cable & Wireless Caribbean Cellular store.

Cell phone providers in St. Lucia include Cable and Wireless, Digicell, and AT&T. You could make international calls from mobile phones, as they are generally cheaper than the fixed lines.

4. Cab Fares

The taxis are not generally metered but the government does regulate the price. Hence, when getting into a cab, it is necessary to confirm whether the rates are in Caribbean dollars or in the US currency.

Average cab fares are $70 to $75 per carload on the east coast highway.

Taxi Fares in St. Lucia

Hewanorra airport to George FL Charles Airport: US $65

Hewanorra Airport to Balenbouche: US $20 or EC $50

Hewanorra Airport to Soufriere: US $65

Hewanorra Airport to hotels in the North of the island is between US $55 and US $70

Soufriere to Castries: US $70

Taxi hire for the day: About US $80 - US $100

5. Currency Exchange Rates

Currency Exchange Rates

XCD 1.00 = USD 0.37 GBP 0.20 CAD 0.41 AUD 0.49 ZAR 2.65 EUR 0.29 NZD 0.60

U.S. Dollar XCD U.S. Dollar XCD

$10 26.85 $100 268.50

$20 53.70 $200 537.00

$30 80.55 $500 1342.50

$50 134.25 $1000 2685.00

6. Taxes

There is a departure tax of $ 22 for all passengers above the age of 12 leaving the island. Room tax is 8% at all major hotels. A service charge of 10% of the bill amount is also charged at hotels and restaurants.

7. Tipping

A tip is not included in the total amount of the bill and is usually about 10% to 12% of final amount. Bellhops in hotels, taxi drivers and other persons that extend their services, are usually tipped a few dollars.

Tipping is not accepted in all-inclusive resorts and in some of the larger hotels.