Discovering Paradise
Discovering Paradise
The little things that make a big difference. Insider knowledge from people who know Antigua and Barbuda best.
The East Caribbean dollar (EC$ or XCD) is the local currency. It is pegged at roughly EC$2.70 to US$1, so the rate barely moves. US dollars are widely accepted, but your change will usually come back in EC dollars.
| Service | Suggested Tip |
|---|---|
| Restaurants | A service charge of around 10% is often already added. Leave a little extra for good service. |
| Hotel housekeeping | US$2 to 3 per day, left in the room |
| Taxi drivers | Not expected, but rounding up is appreciated |
| Tour guides | US$5 to 10 per person for a half or full day tour |
| Resort staff | US$1 to 2 for a bellhop, pool attendant, and so on |
| Boat and dive crew | A few dollars per person after a good trip |
English is the official language of Antigua and Barbuda, so you can get by easily everywhere. In everyday conversation locals also speak Antiguan Creole, an English-based dialect with its own rhythm and expressions.
Staying connected in Antigua is easy, most hotels and restaurants have free WiFi, and mobile data is widely available.
Pick up a Flow or Digicel prepaid SIM in St. John's for a tourist data bundle. Bring your passport to register it.
Services like Airalo and Holafly offer eSIMs, activate before you land. Starting at around US$5.
Free WiFi at most hotels, cafes, and restaurants. Speed varies, generally good in St. John's and resorts, patchier in remote areas.
Antigua is one of the drier, sunnier islands in the Caribbean, warm year-round. Daytime highs are usually 28 to 31°C (82 to 88°F) with overnight lows around 22 to 25°C (72 to 77°F).
The sunniest, least humid stretch and peak tourist season. Reliable beach weather, with slightly higher prices and more visitors.
More rain, usually in short showers, with October the wettest. Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1 to November 30, peaking August to October, though direct hits are uncommon.
Lightweight clothing, swimwear, reef-safe sunscreen, insect repellent, comfortable walking shoes, a light rain layer, and a universal travel adapter. Voltage can be 110V or 230V depending on the property, with both US-style and UK-style sockets in use, so an adapter covers all cases.
🤝 Greetings matter, a friendly “good morning” or “good night” goes a long way, even in shops
⏰ Island time, life runs at a relaxed pace, so build in some flexibility
👗 Dress code, casual is fine; cover up over swimwear when away from the beach
📸 Ask before photographing locals, especially in villages
🎶 Music is life, calypso, soca, and steelpan set the soundtrack
🏏 Cricket is a passion, Antigua has produced West Indies greats, and a match day is an experience
⛪ Religion, predominantly Christian; churches are important community centers
🎉 Celebrations, Carnival, peaking in late July and early August, is the biggest cultural festival
Now you're prepared like a local. Start exploring the best destinations and beaches in Antigua and Barbuda.