Language

English is the official language, but most locals speak English patois (jargon or dialect).

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Money

The Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD) is the main form of currency, and it is tied to the US Dollar, with $1 equal to EC$2.65 (long-standing, pegged rate). U.S. currency can be used nearly everywhere. Major currencies and travelers checks can be exchanged at the international banks in St John's and at many hotels. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted but there are not many ATMs in the area, so it is best to make arrangements around this.

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Communications

The international access code for Antigua and Barbuda is +1, in common with the US, Canada and most of the Caribbean, followed by 268. The outgoing code is 011 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 01144 for the United Kingdom). Antigua is covered by a GSM 900 mobile network, and GSM 1900 covers both Antigua and Barbuda. Internet cafes are available in tourist areas.

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Tipping

Tips of 10-15% are usual, depending on the service. Some restaurants and hotels will automatically add a 10% gratuity. Porters and bellhops expect 50 cents per bag, and taxi drivers 10-15% of the fare. There is an additional room tax of 8.5%.

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Safety

Most visits to Antigua and Barbuda are trouble-free but visitors should not become complacent. Crime exists on the island and visitors should take normal precautions. Avoid isolated areas, including beaches after dark, and do not carry large amounts of cash or jewelry. Hurricane season is usually from June to November.

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Health

There are no special health requirements for visitors to Antigua, except for yellow fever immunization for those over one year of age arriving from an infected country. Typhoid and Hepatitis A vaccination is recommended but not mandatory. The private hospital, Adelin, requires a substantial credit card deposit before treating visitors, who then have to personally reclaim the cost from insurance on their return home.

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Electricity

Electrical current is 220 and 110 volts, 60Hz. Most hotels have both voltages available. American-style two-pin plugs are used.

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