GENERAL
Capital
Oranjestad.
Geography
Administratively, St. Eustatius is one of three Windward Islands in the former Netherlands Antilles, but geographically it is one of the Leeward Islands in the Lesser Antilles. The island is located 286 km east of Puerto Rico, 171 km east of St. Croix, 56 km south of St. Maarten and 14 km northwest of St. Kitts. In the south of the island rises the extinct volcano The Quill, whose crater is covered by lush rainforest.
Government
Constitutional parliamentary-democratic monarchy. Until its dissolution in October 2010, St. Eustatius was part of the Netherlands Antilles, as were Bonaire, Curaçao, Saba and St. Maarten. The former Netherlands Antilles, Aruba and the Netherlands, as autonomous regions with internal self-government, have the same status within the Dutch Kingdom. St. Eustatius is now an independent municipality within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, but without belonging to a province.
The Dutch queen is represented by a governor. Foreign and defense policy are decided by the Council of Ministers of the Kingdom. Routine affairs are carried out by the Island Council under the supervision of the Lieutenant Governor.
Head of state
Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands, represented by her appointed governor Frits Goedgedrag, since 2002.
Head of government
Emily de Jongh-Elhage, since 2006.
Electricity
110/220 V, 60 Hz.
GETTING THERE
Arriving by plane
No direct flights to St. Eustatius. KLM (KL) offers flight services to St. Maarten, onward flights with Winair (Internet: www.fly-winair.com) to St. Eustatius. The flight times depend on the particular connection.
Departure fee
For flights to the other islands of the Netherlands Antilles, US $ 5.
Arrival by ship
A few smaller cruise ships dock in St. Eustatius. Small boats go to the other Windward Islands; It takes about 2 hours to drive to Saba.
ON THE GO
On the way by car / bus
The island has only a few traffic routes. A dirt road runs along the coast and a path leads to the edge of The Quill in the south of the island. The entire road network can be walked in a few hours, but there are several rental car companies. At the information desk at the airport or in the hotel, there is more information about the rental car companies.
Taxis are available in Oranjestad and at the airport. Taxis are not equipped with meter, fares are fixed and should be inquired about before departure. Documents: National or international driver’s license.
MONEY
Currency
1 US dollar = 100 cents. Currency abbreviation: US $, USD (ISO code). Banknotes are available in denominations of 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 US $. Coins are available in denominations of US $ 1 as well as 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 cent.
The US dollar has been the official currency of St. Eustatius since 2011. It replaced the Antilles florin (Antilles guilder).
Credit cards
Credit cards are generally accepted. Details from the manufacturer of the respective credit card.
ATMs
ec / Maestro card / Sparcard
Attention: Travelers who pay with their bank customer card abroad and want to withdraw money should find out about the options for using their card from their bank prior to departure.
Bank opening times
First Caribbean International Bank, Oranjestad, Mazinga Mall: Mon-Thu 8.30am-3.30pm and Fri 8.30am-12.30pm and 2.00pm-4.30pm.
Windward Island Bank, Mazinga Mall: Mon-Fri 8 a.m.-12 p.m. and Fri also 2 p.m.-4.30 p.m.
Foreign exchange regulations
Unrestricted import and export of local and foreign currency; Obligation to declare. Caution: When it comes to foreign exchange, related persons traveling together are legally considered one person.
Currency Exchange
There are two major banks on the island.
LANGUAGE
Overview
The official language is Dutch. Papiamento is the local dialect, and French and English are also spoken.
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
DUTY-FREE SHOPPING
Overview
The following items can be imported into Bonaire duty-free (people aged 15 and over):
200 cigarettes or 50 cigarillos or 25 cigars or 150 g tobacco.
Either 1 liter of spirits or liqueurs with an alcohol content of more than 22% vol. or
1 l of spirits or liqueurs or sparkling wine or liqueur wine with an alcohol content of max. 22%.
and 2 liters of non-sparkling wines and 8 liters of beer.
Personal effects and gifts up to a value of US $ 500 (persons under 15: US $ 150).
If more than the specified amount is imported, the entire amount will be cleared.
Import regulations
Leather goods and souvenirs from Haiti should not be imported.
ECONOMY
Business etiquette
Business meetings are quite formal. Light tropical suit or costume are appropriate. Appointments should be made in advance and punctuality is important.
Business hours: Mon-Fri 8 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1 p.m.-6 p.m.
Economy
St. Maarten Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Cannegieter Street 11, PO Box 454, Philipsburg, St. Maarten
Tel: (5) 42 35 90.
Business contacts
St. Maarten Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Cannegieter Street 11, PO Box 454, Philipsburg, St. Maarten
Tel: (5) 42 35 90.
COMMUNICATION
Phone
International direct dialing. There are public card and pay phones. CaribTel calling cards can be purchased from the Post Office in Fiscal on Cottage Road.
Cellphone
Analog cellular network operated by East Caribbean Cellular (Internet: www.eastcaribbeancellular.com). Not compatible with GSM.
Internet
There is public access to the Internet at the library in Oranjestad and at Computers & More.
Post Office
The main post office is in Fiscal on Cottage Road. Airmail to Europe takes up to 4 weeks on the move, by land around 6 weeks. Postage stamps are available in stores where postcards can be purchased. Hotel receptions accept letters for a tip of around US $ 1.
Radio
Since the use of shortwave frequencies changes several times over the course of a year, it is advisable to contact Deutsche Welle customer service directly (Tel: (+49) (0228) 429 32 08. Internet: www.dw-world.de) to request.
SHOP
Overview
Perfume, jewelry and spirits. Shop opening times: Mon-Sat 8 a.m.-12 p.m. and 2 p.m.-6 p.m.
NIGHTLIFE
Introduction
The night life takes place in the larger hotels and restaurants. There are two local reggae and calypso music genres, Pim Pim and Hippy.
CULINARY
CULTURE
Religion
The majority of the population is Protestant, there are also Catholic and Jewish religious communities.
Social rules of conduct
Dutch customs and traditions, for some time now American influences have also increased. Light, casual cotton clothing is recommended. Swimwear belongs on the beach or swimming pool. More elegant clothes in the evening. Tipping: Hotels charge 5-10% government tax and 10-15% service charge. Porters and waiters expect a 10% tip, taxi drivers usually don’t get tips.
CLIMATE
Best travel time
The high temperatures (annual average 27 ° C) are mitigated by the cool trade winds.
COUNTRY DATA
Area code +599 Area (km2) 21 Population 3900 Population density (per km2) 186 Population in 2013 Member of the EU No main emergency number 913