BANKS
Banking hours are from 8 am to 2 pm, Monday through Thursday, and Friday from 8 am to 5 pm. Banks are closed on weekends and holidays. However, the Bank of Saint Lucia and the First National Bank have Saturday morning hours at their sub-branches in and around Rodney Bay. Most major credit cards are accepted in St. Lucia. All ATM machines on the island distribute Eastern Caribbean dollars.

CURRENCY
The currency of St. Lucia is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar which is linked to the US Dollar at the exchange rate of US$1 to EC$2.65. US Dollars are readily accepted throughout the island. Most hotels will exchange reasonable amounts of foreign currency, and there are change bureaus in Castries. The National Commercial Bank (NCB) has a branch at Hewanorra International Airport where EC Dollars can be exchanged for foreign currency. It is open daily from 12:30pm until the last flight departs. A passport and ticket are required as proof of returning visitor status. Major credit cards are widely accepted across the island.

CLIMATE
St. Lucia's temperature ranges from 65-85 degrees Fahrenheit from December to May and 75-95 degrees from June to November. The winter is relatively more dry as well. Visitors should bring cool, comfortable clothing. While jacket and tie are rarely requisite, overly casual beachwear is rarely appreciated off the beach.

DEPARTURE TAX

There is a Departure Tax of EC$54 (approx $20 U.S.) for all passengers leaving the island.

DRINKING WATER 
Drinking water is safe from the tap and bottled mineral/distilled water is also readily available.

DRIVING LICENSE 
Drivers need to purchase a local driving permit, which is issued on the presentation of a foreign or international license. These permits are obtained from the immigration offices at Hewanorra and George F. L. Charles Airports and issued by the major car rental agencies. Driving is on the left.

ELECTRICITY
Electric current is 220 volts, 50 cycles AC. (A few hotels are 110 volts, 60 cycles.) Most sockets take 3-pin square plugs (UK standard) but some take 2-pin round plugs or flat American plugs which are more rare. Adapters are generally available at the hotels.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
U.S. and Canadian citizens must have a valid Passport and a return or ongoing ticket.

TOURISM SEASONS
High-season is mid-December to mid-April. The crowds in St. Lucia, as with all of the Caribbean islands, will be heaviest during the high season. The island experiences the least amount of rainfall during this time and weather remains warm without being stifling. Restaurants, vendors, and recreation services will all be functioning at their maximum and hotels will generally use this season to schedule most of their events and attractions. Those looking to socialize during their visit will also find the nightlife to be lively and bustling.

The hurricane season, along with increased rain and temperatures, marks what is generally considered to be the off season in the Caribbean and St. Lucia. June through November are the wettest months and the temperature will tend to rise a few degrees making the heat more of an issue for vacationers. Rainfall, although heightened, generally comes in the form of short showers, and those who stay close to water or air conditioning should not have trouble braving the temperature increase.

VACCINATIONS
No vaccinations or preventative medications are required for travel to St. Lucia. However, we always suggest that you speak to your family physician for a personal recommendation.

WATER TEMPERATURES AND WETSUITS
Water temperatures generally range between 79 – 83°F
Most people find wearing a 1mm – 3mm wetsuit keeps them comfortable.