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Africa
Electricity
Electrical current is 230 volts, 50Hz. Flat three-pin plugs are standard.
Language
English is the official language.
Money
The currency in use on Ascension Island is the Saint Helena Pound, which is fixed to the British Pound Sterling. This is divided into 100 pence. Saint Helena banknotes are accepted on Ascension Island and Saint Helena only. They cannot be exchanged in UK banks. Notes and coins are the same as in Great Britain apart from the design. British money is accepted all over the island and the US dollar is accepted occasionally, notably at Cat Hill (US Base). Credit cards are accepted at the NAAFI shop on Travellers Hill and at the Chandlery, but are not it general use. There is one bank on the island but no cash machines.
Tipping
Tips of 10 to 15 percent are expected in restaurants and upmarket hotels in Ascension Island if a service charge hasn't been included. Tipping for other services is discretionary.
Health
Medical insurance is required when visiting Ascension Island. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is only required for travellers who are one year old or older, and are coming from a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission. Non-malarial mosquitoes can be a nuisance and travellers should arm themselves with mosquito repellent. A small hospital is available to deal with day-to-day complaints but sophisticated treatment is not available on the island. Travellers should carry adequate supplies of prescription medication. A UK-qualified dentist is available on the island. Travellers planning on diving should be aware that there is no decompression facility on Ascension, nor are there qualified rescue divers.
Safety
The level of crime on Ascension Island is very low. Crimes or violence against residents or visitors are virtually unheard of. Visitors hiring cars should be aware that wild sheep and donkeys can congregate on the roads, especially during wet weather.
Local customs
Customs in Ascension Island are much like those of the UK, with handshakes being customary when introductions are made.
Doing business
Business is conducted much like in the UK. Politeness and punctuality are key to good business relations, and initial meetings are often conducted formally and impersonally, becoming more open and social as things progress. Business cards are exchanged upon introduction. Dress is formal, with dark suits preferred. Business hours are generally 8am to 5pm Monday to Friday, with an hour taken at lunch.
Duty free
Travellers to Ascension Island over 16 years with purchased goods do not have to pay duty on these goods, provided they are for personal use or are gifts for family and friends. This does not apply to large quantities of alcohol or tobacco if the amounts exceed the following limits: 200 cigarettes or 250g tobacco, 1 litre of spirits, 2 litres of wine or 12 x 340ml beer.
Communications
The international dialling code for Ascension Island is +247. Most hotels provide internet connections.
Passport & Visa
Visitors to Ascension need a visa and a valid passport. It's recommended that passports are valid at least six months after the intended departure date, as immigration officials often impose different rules than those stated by travel agents and embassies.
Entry requirements
Visitors from the USA need a valid passport and an entry visa.
Visitors from the UK need a valid passport and an entry visa.
Visitors from Canada need a valid passport and an entry visa.
Visitors from Australia need a valid passport and an entry visa.
Visitors from South Africa need a valid passport and an entry visa.
Visitors from Ireland need a valid passport and an entry visa.
Visitors from New Zealand need a valid passport and an entry visa.
Useful contacts
Aruba Tourism Authority, Oranjestad: +800 862 7822, or www.aruba.com.
General Emergency: 999