mike9988

I'm staying in a house in St. Kitts for a week. Should I take US$ and convert to East Carribean when I get there, or should I take EC $ with me? Is it even necessary to use EC or will most places take US$ (restaurants, etc.)?

cw

Most, if not all, places accept US$. You'll get a slightly better exchange if you use EC$, especially for small purchases at beach bars and shops. Easy to use credit cards for larger purchases and restaurant dinners.

I get some EC$ from an ATM. No need to buy in advance. Sometimes I don't even bother and just use US. I believe there is an ATM in the Marriott that dispenses US$.

CW

RoamsAround

There's no need to get $EC before you depart on your trip. $US are widely accepted by taxi cabs, stores, vendors, restaurants, hotels and resorts. You can get $EC when you are on-island. The official exchange rate is $1US = $2.6882EC but vendors will offer between $2.65EC and $2.70EC to $1US. If you pay in $US some smaller vendors will give you change in $EC.

Prices are sometimes marked in both $US and $EC. In some prices are marked in only $EC. When setting asking prices make sure you know what currency is being quoted.

In places that quote both $US and $EC you will generally find you save a bit of money if you pay in $EC so it helps to have some local currency. You can exchange $US for $EC at any bank and some resorts/hotels will exchange limited amounts for guests as an accomodation. ATM's are plentiful around the island and dispense $EC.

ejcrowe

Is it *necessary*? No, not at all. But beyond getting the slightly better exchange rate of using EC, it's a nice show of respect to use the local currency, especially since you'll be there a week and have plenty of time to use it. You could change money ahead of time, or you could just use your own ATM card down there to get EC out of your account.

SKBFAN1

I have been going to St. Kitts for years and always take EC with me. I find it more convenient to use the local currency when I travel.

A website you might enjoy and find helpful is www.myislands.myeyez.net

Nevisian

ej is right; it is a nice show of respect to use the local currency. It's also fun to try and figure the coin of the realm. However, Kittitians and Nevisians tend to recognize tourists and will present the bill in both ECD and USD. If they don't, you merely have to ask. Your US credit cards will get you ECD out of bank ATMs. The local banks are Royal Bank of Canada, Scotia, First Caribbean (nee Barclay's). Their ATMs accept Visa, Mastercard and bank cards. Your bank will charge the usual fee. You can take out $1200.00 ECD per day. Even the grocery stores will accept both. The local vegetable market prefers local currency. It is best to carry along a pocket calculator as I've found that there are some stores that give you a better exchange rate by paying USD. $1.00USD = $2.6882ECD. cw is correct about the ATM at Marriott dispensing USD. It is in the north lobby under the staircase. (The Casino uses USD too.) Keep some ECD for your departure and eco tax at the airport. I think that it is about $100.00 ECD for non-residents. Pay your tips to the housekeeping staff in ECD and save the remainder for your return trip. Have a fun time in St. Kitts/Nevis.