Money, Budget, and Shopping for Saint Kitts and Nevis

Money

Currency

Devise: East Caribbean dollar (100 cents)

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

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

Change:

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, Montserrat, 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 at banks in the archipelago or use their ATMs. Banks are open Monday to Thursday from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM or until 4:00 PM on Fridays.

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 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 best to bring US dollars. The advantage is that any leftover US dollars can easily be used or exchanged later.

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.

Upon return

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

What can be expensive

What can be inexpensive

Price range

Budget hotel double room:

Mid-range hotel double room:

Snacks, local restaurant meal:

Tourist restaurant meal:

Budget car rental:

Scooter rental:

10 km by bus:

Urban taxi:

Bargaining and tips

Bargaining is not a common practice in the country. As for tips, a 10% service charge is usually included in the bill, while at restaurants, you can leave 10–15%. Tipping taxi drivers is not customary.