Holidays in Nevis - travel information

Business hours

Banks: Monday-Thursday 8am-2pm; Friday 8am-4pm
Saturday 8:30am -12pm (Bank of Nevis only)

Clothing

Casual, light comfortable clothing is appropriate during the day as well as in the evening. Jackets and ties are not required for men at any of the restaurants. Beachwear should not be worn in the streets or stores. Long pants and hiking shoes are recommended for hiking.

Credit cards and currency

The East Caribbean (EC) dollar is used on Nevis and can be obtained at any bank. Most stores and businesses accept US dollars or travellers cheques, but change will be given in EC. Neither banks nor stores accept US coins. Most hotels, restaurants, and businesses accept credit cards, but it's best to check first. Bank ATM machines will give EC dollars through some credit cards. There are ATM machines at all of the banks and at Newcastle Airport.

We suggest you take US$ and exchange them for EC$ in Nevis. Travellers cheques are safer than cash.

Driving

We can arrange car or jeep hire for you when you book your holiday or our agents will be pleased to arrange car or jeep hire for you locally. They will arrange all necessary permits as well as insurance, and your vehicle will normally be delivered to and collected from your accommodation. There is a good network of paved roads and whilst most of the main roads are in good condition, there are many more potholes in country areas. Please note that driving is on the LEFT. You will need to take your current UK driving licence with you.

Electricity

Please consult your accommodation fact for details about plugs and sockets etc at your particular hotel or villa.

Medical facilities

All hotels will offer necessary assistance. Pharmacies are very well stocked with all usual medications. There is a general hospital in Charlestown.

Mosquitoes and other pests

While Nevis has very few creepy crawlies and the like, mosquitoes can be a nuisance and precautions are recommended. Repellent creams and sprays are effective and should be used from dusk to dawn.

Water

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

Postal information

The General Post Office, located in Charlestown, is open Monday - Friday 8am to 3:30pm. All hotels will arrange posting of cards and personal mail.

Telephones

Local calls are inexpensive and telephones are readily available. Phone cards for use locally or overseas are available through the Cable and Wireless telephone company. Internet service is available through a local server, Caribsurf, run by the phone company.

Internet access

Cable and Wireless - Hunkin's Plaza, Charlestown; Nevis Public Library - Prince William Street, Charlestown; Downtown Cybercafe - Main Street, Charlestown.

Tax and tipping

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

Churches

There are a number of different churches on Nevis. Services are primarily held on Sundays and Saturdays but some churches do meet during the week for prayer and bible services. All the churches warmly welcome visitors.

Valuables

Lock up as you would at home. Most hotels have safety deposit boxes and we would advise against taking valuables to the beach or leaving possessions on view in your hire car. The police telephone number is 911.

Safety and security

Nevis is regarded as a safe and friendly island but in this day and age it makes sense to take reasonable precautions against street crime wherever you travel. As with nearly all tourist destinations, ladies handbags seem to be a magnet for unwelcome attention. We strongly advise ladies NOT to carry handbags when walking after dark, and indeed carrying any item is always best avoided. Crime of any sort against tourists is very rare in Nevis but we still advise visitors to use taxis after dark whenever possible. Restaurants will offer help with taxis to and from their premises.