Why Nevis?

Visa & Immigration Requirements

U.S. & Canadian citizens are required to present a passport or birth certificate with a photo ID to enter Nevis, all other visitors must present a passport. Visitors may stay for a maximum of 6 months and must enter with a return ticket, but extensions may be requested at the immigration office in Charlestown. Departure tax when leaving the island is US$20.50 or EC$54 which includes an environmental levy and airport security tax.

Banks

Open 8.30am-2.00pm Mon to Thurs, 8.00am-4.00pm Friday and 8.30am-12pm Saturdays. ATMs are available 24 hours on the island.

Money

The East Caribbean dollar is used on Nevis and can be obtained at any bank. Most stores and businesses accept US dollars or travellers cheques but will issue change in EC dollars. The exchange rate is fixed at U.S.$1.00=EC$2.68.

Credit Cards

Most hotels, restaurants and businesses accept credit cards.

Economy

The economy of Nevis is based on tourism, agriculture and fishing, however the Government is also a significant employer in Nevis. With the surge of exclusive tourism, the private sector is expected to be the dominant employer with tourism development playing a major role in the economic growth of the country.

Emergency Numbers

Dial: 911
Police: 001-869-469-5391
Alexandra Hospital: 001-869-469-5473
Fire Service: 001-869-469-3444

Language & Education

The official language of the island is English. Nevis has among the best CXC and GCE results in the Caribbean, and has a literacy rate of 98%.

Water

Drinking water is pure and safe to drink, but if you are sensitive to food and water changes you may prefer commercially bottled water. Bottled water is sold in stores, restaurants and hotels. Boiling water is recommended when staying in homes that use cisterns for their water supply.

Cable

Around 55 stations are available including pay per view movie stations, at about US$55 per month.

Churches

There are a number of different churches on Nevis, with services held primarily on Sundays and Saturdays. All of the churches welcome visitors.

Beaches

All of the Beaches on Nevis are public

Post

The General Post Office in Charlestown is open Monday to Friday, 8.00am to 3.30pm.

Telephones and Internet

Nevis has a modern telecommunications system that permits smooth and prompt telephone, facsimile and internet connections throughout the world. Phone cards are available through Cable and Wireless, and to make an overseas call dial 355 and follow the instructions to make a call using a credit card. The internet service is available through a local server, Caribsurf which is run by the phone company.
Internet access is available at:
Cable and Wireless, Hunkins Plaza, Charlestown
Nevis Public Library, Prince William Street, Charlestown
Downtown Cyber Cafe, Main Street, Charlestown
Oualie Beach Hotel, Oualie Beach (Wireless connection)

Importation of Pets

Nevis is a Rabies free island, please help to keep it that way.

Time

Nevis is on Eastern Standard Time, but does not change for daylight savings.

Tipping

A service charge of 10% is generally included in restaurant bills, but it is best to check. Hotels add 18% to their bills including 10% service and 8% government room tax.

Tourist Information

The Nevis Tourism Authority office is open Monday to Friday, 8.00am to 5.00pm an Saturday, 8.30am to 12.00pm in Charlestown, where information is available about many of the islands activities. For more information call 001-869-469-7550

Utilities

Most hotels and homes use 110 volts.

Local Etiquette

Leave bikinis, bare chests and bare feet for the beach or the poolside. Please dress tastefully when out in public.
Please respect the residents privacy and ask permission when taking photographs of people, children, personal property or their homes.
Join in with the local ritual of saying 'good morning' and 'good afternoon' even to total strangers.