Money, Budget, and Shopping in Montserrat

Money

Currency

Currency: East Caribbean dollar (100 cents)

Banknotes: 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 EC$

Coins: 1, 2, 5, 10 and 25 cents + 1 and 2 EC$

Exchange:

The East Caribbean dollar, called East Caribbean dollar or EC dollar in English, is also the currency of seven other islands in the region, members of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States, which are Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis, St. Vincent, and Saint Lucia. Since 1976, the East Caribbean dollar has had a fixed exchange rate with the US dollar: 1 US$ = 2.7 EC$.

Exchange

You can exchange money upon arrival or use ATMs from the two banks on the island (Bank of Montserrat and the Royal Bank of Canada).

Which currency to bring

Although the official currency is the East Caribbean dollar, it is still possible to pay almost everywhere in US dollars. In fact, prices are often listed in US dollars rather than East Caribbean dollars. Be careful and confirm the currency, as the difference is significant: 1 US$ = 2.7 EC$.

As for which currency to bring, keep it simple. Even if the euro is sometimes accepted (not always at a good rate) or can be exchanged for East Caribbean dollars, it’s better to bring US dollars. The advantage is that any leftover US dollars can always be used or exchanged easily elsewhere.

Payment methods

Card payments are quite limited on the island, as is commercial activity in general. Plan to bring cash in US dollars and some East Caribbean dollars for small expenses if you stay for a while. As always, watch out for bank fees if you make too many small purchases or withdrawals.

Returning home

The simplest option is to end your trip with mostly US dollars, which you can always use or exchange easily on another trip if you have any left.

Budget

What can be expensive

Transportation to get there, including from the neighboring island of Antigua.

What may not be expensive

Price range

Double room in a hotel or B&B: expect around $60 to $100.

Snacks, restaurant meals:

Budget car rental:

Minibus fare:

Taxi fare: