Before Travelling

Climate

Although tropical, the humidity in Montserrat is low and there is often rain overnight which clears the atmosphere. The average temperature is 26-27°C with little variation from one season to another. The wettest months, according to official statistics, are April and May plus July through to September, although weather patterns are changing here, as elsewhere.

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Documents

A valid passport is required except for US, Canadian and British visitors, who must only show proof of citizenship for stays of up to six months. Citizens of Caricom countries may travel with their official ID card. Visas may be required for visitors from Haiti, Cuba and Eastern bloc countries, which can be obtained from British consulate offices. An onward or return ticket is required.

Customs

200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, 40 ozs of alcoholic beverages, six ozs perfume. Little Bay (Main Office, Bredes), open 0800-1600 Monday-Friday, for yachts and small craft, T4913816, 4912456, F4916909, Email: cust...@candw.ag

Hospitals and Medical Services

There is a government health service. The hospital is in St John's, for most routine and surgical emergencies, T4912802. Private doctors and a dentist are also available. Serious medical cases are taken by helicopter to Antigua or Guadeloupe. During the rainy season there are mosquitoes and 'no-see-ums', but a good anti-bug repellent should suffice. Rooms that lack a/c often provide mosquito nets for beds. No poisonous snakes or insects.

Official time

Atlantic Standard Time, four hours behind GMT, one ahead of EST.

Voltage

Electric current is 220/110 volts, 60 cycles.

Money

• Currency: The currency is the East Caribbean dollar (EC$). The exchange rate is fixed at EC$2.67 = US$1, but there are variations depending on where you change your money. US and Canadian dollars are widely accepted. All major credit cards are accepted, as are traveller's cheques.
• Banks: Bank of Montserrat, St Peters, PO Box 10, T4913843, F4913163, open Mon, Tue Thur 0800-1400, Wed 0800-1300, Fri 0800-1500; Royal Bank of Canada, Olveston, PO Box 222, T4912426-8, F4913391, open Mon-Thu 0800-1400, Fri 0800-1500. The American Express agent is Carib World Travel, at Sweeneys, T4912714, F4912713.
• Departure Tax: US$8 for Caricom residents and US$13 for visitors.

Hours of Business

Government offices: 0800-1600, Monday-Friday. Shops: the same as government but early closing Wednesday and Saturday afternoons.

Public Holidays

New Year’s Dcay, St Patrick’sDay (17 March), Good Friday, Easter Monday, Labour Day (first Monday in May), Whit Monday (7th Monday after Easter), first Monday in August, Christmas Day, Boxing Day (26 December) and Festival Day (31 December).

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