Money, Budget, and Shopping for Antigua and Barbuda

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, Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, St Kitts-Nevis, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, 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 on arrival or use the few ATMs available on the island.

Which currency to bring

While the official currency is the East Caribbean dollar, it is still possible to pay almost everywhere in US dollars (though change will be given in the local currency). Often, prices are even 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 euros are accepted (not always at a good rate) or can be exchanged for East Caribbean dollars, it’s better to come with US dollars. The advantage is that if you have any left at the end of your trip, you can always use or exchange them easily elsewhere.

Payment methods

Card payments, like US dollars, are widely accepted on the island. Still, bring some East Caribbean dollars for small expenses if you’re staying for a while, and watch out for bank fees if you make too many small purchases or withdrawals.

Returning home

The easiest 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

Antigua is an expensive destination, even more so than most other islands in the region. Accommodation and activities like diving or boat trips are usually the biggest expenses.

What can be expensive

Accommodation.

What may not be expensive

Price range

Budget double room: at best around $50–60 for a double, and even then, mostly in the off-season.

Mid-range double room:

Local restaurant meal:

Tourist restaurant meal:

Budget car rental:

Bus fare:

Taxi: