St. Eustatius Travel Overview

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.

St. Eustatius

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