Country guides
Caribbean
Electricity
The electrical current is 220 volts, 60Hz. Rounded two-pin plugs are standard.
Language
French is the official language. English is also widely spoken.
Money
The official currency is the euro (EUR); ATMs are easy to find in Gustavia and in St Jean, and credit cards are accepted in most establishments. Banking facilities are of a high standard on the island with banks generally open 8am to 3.30pm Monday to Friday, with a closure of an hour or two over lunch.
Tipping
Service charges are often included in the bill, as in France, but tipping small amounts for good service has become more common on St Barths. If there is no service charge, waiters appreciate tip of about 10 percent, and this tip is usually left in cash. Hotel staff appreciate small tips for service.
Health
There are no specific health risks associated with travel to St Barths but a yellow fever vaccination is required for all travellers over the age of one arriving from a yellow-fever-infected country in Africa or the Americas. A hepatitis A vaccination is also recommended, and all eligible travellers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. There have been outbreaks of chikungunya fever in the past and dengue fever is common on the island, so visitors should take precautions against mosquito bites.
General health care facilities (including emergency services in health service hospitals and the availability of doctors) are good, though travellers may only find some specialist treatment on the larger French islands of Martinique and Guadeloupe. Travellers are advised to have comprehensive health insurance and to take along all necessary medications, accompanied by a signed and dated letter from their doctor detailing what the medication is and why it is needed.
Safety
St Barths is virtually crime-free and is considered one of the safest destinations in the Caribbean. Travellers should always be alert to the possibility of petty crime but even things such as pickpocketing are rare on the island.
Local customs
St Barths has a traditional French culture, and it is polite to greet with 'bonjour' in a shop or restaurant or when passing a stranger in an uncrowded environment, and likewise to take leave with 'au revoir'. Men and women may kiss on both cheeks when greeting, starting with the right. While men may greet with a handshake, men and women generally only shake hands in business environments. Topless sunbathing is common on the island, but nude sunbathing is only acceptable on the more remote beaches.
Doing business
St Barths' economy is based on tourism and duty-free retail and, though French is the official language, English is widely spoken. Lightweight suits for men and breathable business attire for women are recommended. The best time to visit is January to March, and June to September.
Duty free
Visitors to St Barths may import reasonable quantities of items for personal use without incurring customs duty. The exact amount that constitutes a reasonable quantity is at the discretion of the border officials but generally about four litres of alcohol and a carton of cigarettes or equivalent in tobacco or cigars is acceptable.
Communications
The country code for St Barths is +590. Visitors should check with their home service provider about roaming capabilities and costs; shops opposite the airport sell SIM cards that can be used in unlocked phones. Free WiFi is available at virtually all hotels, and most bars and cafes.
Passport & Visa
Visitors should have a return or onward ticket on arrival. It is recommended that visitors have passports with six months' validity past intended stay.
Entry requirements
US citizens require a passport valid for three beyond the period of intended stay, though no visa is required for a stay of up to 90 days.
UK citizens require a passport valid for three beyond the period of intended stay, though no visa is required for a stay of up to 90 days.
Canadian citizens require a passport valid for three beyond the period of intended stay, though no visa is required for a stay of up to 90 days.
Australian citizens require a passport valid for three beyond the period of intended stay, though no visa is required for a stay of up to 90 days.
South African passports and other documents accepted for entry must be valid for a minimum of 3 months beyond the period of intended stay. Visitors are required to hold proof of sufficient funds to cover their stay (at least EUR 120.- per day of intended stay), and Schengen 'C' type visas must be valid for the visited Schengen Member State.
Irish citizens require a passport valid for the period of intended stay, but no visa is required.
New Zealand citizens require a passport valid for three beyond the period of intended stay, though no visa is required for a stay of up to 90 days.
Useful contacts
St.Barths Tourist Office, Gustavia, St.Barths: +011 590 590 27 87 27
17 (police or medical emergencies), 18 (fire)