GMT -4.
240 volts, 50Hz. Three square-pin plugs are standard.
English is the official language, but St Lucian Creole is widely spoken.
There are few health risks associated with travel to St Lucia, although the mosquito-carried dengue fever is a risk throughout the island. HIV/AIDS is prevalent and precautions are always advised. Bilharzia is endemic. No vaccinations are required, however a yellow fever certificate is necessary for travellers arriving from infected areas. Health care costs are high on the island and health insurance is recommended, which should cover medical evacuation. EHIC card holders are entitled to emergency medical treatment in the case of evacuation to Martinique, on the same terms as Martinique nationals, of which 70 percent of the costs can be reclaimed.
A service charge is not automatically added to bills and about 10 percent of the bill is expected. Taxi drivers, porters and chambermaids also expect small tips.
Most visits to St Lucia are trouble-free, but visitors should take common-sense precautions against robbery and theft. Isolated areas, such as beaches, should be avoided after dark. Hurricane season is generally from June to November.
It is an offence for anyone to dress in camouflage clothing. Homosexuality is illegal.
Due to its popularity as an offshore banking location, business dress in St Lucia requires a level of formality. Handshakes for both men and women are the common form of greeting at the beginning and end of meetings, and business cards are usually exchanged. Business hours are generally 8am to 4.30pm throughout the week and 8.30am to 12.30pm on Saturdays.
The international access code for St Lucia is +1 758. The outgoing code is 011 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 01144 for the United Kingdom); the outgoing code is not needed for calls to Canada and the US. City/area codes are not in use. There is wifi access in St Lucia, but the connection speeds can sometimes vary. Most accomodations and restaurants have wifi access. Network providers such as Digicell offer sim cards with local calling plans or calling/data plans, which are a good, inexpensive option if you cannot connect to wifi.
Travellers to St Lucia, over the age of 18, may bring in 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 225g tobacco, 1.2 litre wine or spirits, and other gifts or souvenirs to the value of $250 without paying customs duty.
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