It’s pronounced An-tee-gah, not An-ti-gwa.
It’s pronounced Bar-b-u-da, not Bar-boo-da.

Our official language is English.

The capital of Antigua is Saint John, also spelled St. John.

Antigua and Barbuda is a twin-island state. Antigua hosts our main port of entry. Barbuda is our sister isle known for its pink sand and home of one of the largest Frigate Bird sanctuaries. You can stay in Barbuda for a more exclusive tropical experience. Visit or a take a day trip by boat or plane. Ask the residents about other historical sites.

The country code for Antigua is 268. Calls from the U.S.A or Caribbean must be prefixed with 1, calls from the U.K. must be prefixed with 001.

We drive on the left side of the road.

Duty Free Shopping is available in stores in St. John’s within the Heritage Quay Shopping Centre. In order to be eligible to buy duty free goods the purchaser must show a valid airline ticket. The shops are obliged to include the actual ticket number on the receipt in order to be able to sell the goods to you at the duty free price.

We use both 110 volts and 220 volts on both islands. However, most homes and hotels operate on 110 volts, 60 cycle (same as in USA and Canada), but conversion adaptors/plugs/transformers can usually be used. Some hotels provide these adaptors if needed.

Although the chances are that you will never encounter the few criminals that are around, by taking a few precautions, you can ensure that your stay is safe as well as enjoyable. Be vigilant at all times. Emergency numbers in Antigua & Barbuda are the same as the UK & USA. Both 999 & 911 are valid numbers.

The local currency is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar but the US Dollar is accepted over the counter. The rate is fixed to the US dollar at an exchange rate of US$1.00 = EC$2.6882. Pound Sterling can be changed at the banks.

Most stores accept both EC and US dollars, but be sure to check when you ask a price (where it is not labelled), whether it is EC or US. Major credit cards are generally accepted throughout. However, most villages and community shops may only accept cash.

There are supermarkets located throughout the island in various sizes, providing a variety of goods and services. Most hotels have on property a variety store and gift shop for incidentals.

There are many large supermarkets in and around St. John’s, at Woods Mall, Jolly Harbour and smaller but equally well stocked supermarkets in the English and Falmouth Harbour areas.

The fruit and vegetable market opens daily except Sundays, selling fresh produce from both Antigua and imported.

Spend a day on one of our spectacular beaches: A crowd’s favourite is Half Moon Bay, so-called because of its shape resembling a giant half-moon and it will magically appear to you while driving there. Do remember to stop and take a panoramic shot.

Watch the sunset at Shirley Heights: Especially on a Sunday when there’s a live band for entertainment

Join a sailing lesson:Drive out to English Harbour or Jolly Harbour and visit one of our many sailing schools available on island. Sailing week is normally at the end of April and marks high season for our island. It is an annual event to look forward to!

Join a hiking and biking trip: We are not only about the beach, with such a diverse territory we have amazing trails that are quite easy to follow.

Enjoy a local restaurant (even while on the beach):Antigua is overwhelmed with local restaurants that serve authentic genuine food.

Take a walk around St. John’s, our capital city: The colourful shops at Redcliffe Quay and friendly islanders that you will meet here makes for a spectacular experience. Also, there’s a wide variety of restaurants to dine at in our city.

Join Eli’s Original Eco tours: There are boat eco-tours that allow you to discover the natural aquamarine world. During these tours you’re likely to visit Hells Gate (popular snorkelling site) and be informed about mangroves, amongst other wonderful facts.

Take a selfie at Devil’s Bridge: A photographer’s favourite natural scenes on island. A natural bridge carved into rocks by crashing waves on the Atlantic side of the island.

Go ZipLining in the forests: Book a tour to enjoy this great experience.

Go Kayaking:Book a tour to enjoy this amazing experience.

Fungi & Pepperpot

Ducana & Saltfish

Local lobster and Red Snapper fish both prepared many ways.

There are many public and private medical clinics as well as practices throughout the islands. Our local hospital is the Sir Lester Bird Mount St. John’s Medical Centre. It is located at Michael’s Mount in St. John’s and is open to the public 24 hours. Also available are 24/7 Emergency care centres; Woods Urgent Care located at Woods Mall in St. John’s and ER 24/7 Clinic located on Factory Road in the Obeez building.