Entry Requirements and Money in the Caribbean

Entry Requirements and Visas for the Caribbean

French Citizens

A major advantage is that, generally, no (advance) visa is required for stays of often less than 30 days (or longer). A passport and often a return or onward ticket are all that’s needed.

Other Nationalities

The same broadly applies to most EU nationals, Swiss, Canadian, and many other passport holders.

Money and Budget

Currency Exchange

Currency exchange offices, banks, and ATMs can be found everywhere across the islands.

Which Currency to Bring?

Due to their proximity to the U.S., many destinations either use the U.S. dollar as their currency (U.S. Virgin Islands, Turks & Caicos, etc.) or have their own currency "paired" with the dollar, which is widely used alongside it. In these cases, if you plan to bring cash, it’s best to carry U.S. dollars and reserve euros for other destinations. This is especially true since, in dollar-dominated islands, the euro isn’t always exchanged at a favorable rate.

Payment Methods

The Caribbean is a highly touristic region, with a large American visitor base in many places, so card payments are widely accepted. In "dollar islands," U.S. cash is also commonly used for in-person transactions.

Budget

Daily backpacker budget (in euro equivalent) for two people:

• Bahamas: 80 € to 120 € per person.

• Barbados: 45 € to 65 € per person.

• Cuba: 35 € to 50 € per person.

• Dominica: 45 € to 60 € per person.

• Grenada: 45 € to 65 € per person.

• Guadeloupe: 50 € to 70 € per person.

• Jamaica: 50 € to 70 € per person.

• Martinique: 50 € to 70 € per person.

• Puerto Rico: 60 € to 80 € per person.

• Dominican Republic: 35 € to 55 € per person.

• Saint Barthélemy: 150 € to 200 € per person.

• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines: 45 € to 70 € per person.

• Saint Lucia: 50 € to 70 € per person.

• Trinidad and Tobago: 45 € to 65 € per person.

What can be expensive:

• Peak season, when prices generally rise significantly.

• Staying long-term in beach resorts.

• Hotel-organized excursions and all their extras.

What doesn’t have to cost (too) much:

• Eating local food.

• Public transport (where available).

• Traveling off-season.

• Incidentally, basic all-inclusive packages if you’ve opted for a beach holiday.

Bargaining and Tipping: