Money, Budget, and Shopping for Saint Lucia

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, known in English as East Caribbean dollar or EC dollar, is also the currency of seven other islands in the region, members of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States, namely Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, St Kitts-Nevis, and St. Vincent.

Exchange

As this is a tourist destination, there are no real issues with exchanging money. Exchange bureaus can be easily found at ports and airports, in most banks, hotels, and many tourist spots. ATMs are also widely available across the country, and most banks have them. Note that these ATMs only dispense East Caribbean dollars.

Which currency to bring

While 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 make sure which currency is being used, as the difference is significant: 1 US$ = 2.7 EC$ fixed.

As for which currency to bring, simplicity is key. Although the euro is sometimes accepted (not always at a good rate) or can be used to obtain East Caribbean dollars, it is better to bring US dollars for your cash supply, and then exchange euros for East Caribbean dollars on the spot by card or cash if needed. Note that ATMs only dispense East Caribbean dollars, there is no advantage in exchanging euros to US$ to EC$ or euros to EC$ to US$, and the benefit of US dollars is that even if you have some left at the end of your trip, you can always use or exchange them easily elsewhere.

Payment methods

Card payments, as well as US dollars, are widely accepted on the island. However, make sure to have some East Caribbean dollars for small expenses, and be mindful of bank fees if you make too many small purchases or withdrawals.

Upon return

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

Budget

Like the majority of English-speaking islands, and even the French Antilles, Saint Lucia is a fairly expensive destination. And since it mainly attracts American tourists, this doesn’t help matters, although a strong euro against the US dollar can soften the impact for those from the eurozone.

In short, if you eat local or fast-food style, stay in guesthouses, and travel by shared minibuses, expect to spend at least the equivalent of 50 to 70 € per day per person for two, and even then, mostly in the low season. However, for more freedom and convenience, it’s better to budget at least 60 € per day, not including nature or sports activities like diving, which can quickly push the budget much higher.

What can be expensive

Traveling in high season.

Staying in the northern part of the island, particularly around Rodney Bay.

What may not cost (too) much

Staying in the less touristy southern part of the island.

Staying in guesthouses (compared to other accommodations).

Traveling by shared minibuses.

Price range

Double room in a guesthouse: from 50 US$ for the cheapest.

Double room in a "tourist" hotel: 150 US$ minimum, though it’s better to opt for packages.

Meal in a "local" restaurant:

Meal in a "tourist" restaurant:

Budget car rental: basic offers around 55/60 US$ per day.

Local minibus: less than 1 US$ per 10 kilometers.

Urban taxi: expect between 8 and 10 US$ for a trip within the city.

Taxes, bargaining, and tipping

Prices are generally inclusive of tax. However, government taxes of 8% or 10% for hotels, restaurants, or shops may occasionally not be included in the displayed prices. As for tipping, while not mandatory, it’s customary to leave around 10% of the bill at restaurants or for taxi rides, for example.

Shopping and souvenirs

The main shopping areas are in the capital, at Castries, or in the beach zone around Rodney Bay. More than handicrafts, these places are known for buying brand-name items or tax-free consumer goods.