Antigua’s impossibly blue seas and sandy white beaches are so postcard-perfect that you’re torn between the urge to dive into the still, inviting ocean or simply stand and stare, absorbing sunshine that seems to soak you to your core. Neighbouring Barbuda is little more than a sandy reef, but its indigenous population of sea-birds is a great sight to behold and makes for perfect viewing in moments of peaceful contemplation.
Eric Clapton and Oprah Winfrey are among the many celebrities with winter homes here; indeed, the island’s economy is largely built on its value as a paradisical getaway. Since the late twentieth century, the economy has diversified and it now hosts a growing financial services sector. Despite the small internal market the communal infrastructure implemented by the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States is excellent and it consistently performs well in international indices of ease of doing business.
With ambitious growth have of course come concerns, such as brief controversy surrounding money laundering laws; subsequent reviews have however found the authorities to have acted positively and decisively on such matters. The government actively encourages foreign investment and has even begun schemes to encourage foreign universities to open overseas campuses on the island, in an effort to boost the local economy and improve the local skill base.
The people are relaxed, warm and friendly in true Caribbean style; however, many of them also work extremely hard and hold down two jobs. They have a great deal of experience in dealing with foreign investors and while face-to-face meetings are always preferable they’ll usually happily communicate at a distance as well.
Getting there
VC Bird International Airport has connections to Canada, US, UK and the rest of the Caribbean. There is a ferry link to Montserrat and various cruise routes stop at St John’s Harbour.
Getting around
Minivans and taxis operate on Antigua but there is no public transport on Barbuda. The Barbuda express ferries between Antigua and Barbuda. There are several car rental companies on Antigua.
Local information
Language: English
Time: UTC-4
Climate: Tropical. Hot all year round, moderate rainfall with November monsoon. Temperature: Max 32°C (September), Min 22°C (February). Rainfall: Max 250mm (November), Min 15mm (June).
Currency: East Caribbean Dollar (XCD)
Business etiquette: Dress in a lightweight suit. Greet with a firm handshake. Punctuality is important and being late could be construed as being rude.
Tipping: Service is usually included. 10-15 percent is appropriate in other cases.
Duty free: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco; 1l of wine or spirits; 170ml of perfume.
Safety: The hurricane season runs from June to November; check weather warnings if travelling during this period. Crime is generally low.
Laws: It is an offence to dress in camouflage clothing. There are severe penalties for all drug offences.
Healthcare: Vaccinations required for Hepatitis A and Tetanus. Medical care is of a high standard but expensive; health insurance is essential. The private health clinic Adelin does not accept insurance as payment and requires a $4,000 deposit by credit card.
Socket type: Type A, Type B
