Island, Antigua and Barbuda
Antigua
Island of beaches, sailing and a historic Nelson's Dockyard, with English speakers and a nomad residence programme. Good for beach-and-sailing stays; expensive, car-dependent and thin on nightlife outside English Harbour.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$3,330–5,190Comfortable, one person · EC$9,000–14,000Details
- Value for money10/100Better value than 9% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goDec–MayWarmest: Sep, 28°CDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledAntigua relies on desalinated water with occasional shortages; drink bottled or filtered water.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel3/5English: spoken almost everywhereDetails
- Doctor's visit$56–130Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundTaxi (fixed rate)You'll need transportDetails
- Cash or cardMixed: cards and cashCards work in hotels and most restaurants; carry EC dollars for minibuses, markets and small shops.Details
Where to stay in Antigua
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| English Harbour and Falmouth | Sailing crowd, UNESCO dockyard, restaurants |
| Jolly Harbour | Marina, calm beaches, long-stay villas and condos |
| St. John's | Capital: markets, shops and local life; busy by day |
| Dickenson Bay | Resorts, beachfront bars and restaurants |
Apps that work in Antigua
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- Taxis: No ride-hailing apps. Taxis use set rates; ask your hotel to book, and agree fares before you go.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Antigua and Barbuda.
- Mixed: cards and cash Cards work in hotels and most restaurants; carry EC dollars for minibuses, markets and small shops. US dollars are widely accepted but at rounded rates.
- Currency: Dollar (XCD). US$1 ≈ EC$2.70 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: ATMs in St John's and tourist areas dispense EC dollars; expect bank fees and your own bank's fee.
- Tipping: 10% service is often added; if not, leave 10–15%.
- Paying by phone: Contactless cards work in hotels and larger shops; Apple Pay and Google Pay are limited.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- You can complete the optional ArriveAntigua pre-arrival form within 72 hours of travel to speed up entry.
- Passport must be valid for 6 months. You must show an onward or return ticket.
- Visitors are usually admitted for up to 90 days.
Emergency numbers
Police 999 · Ambulance 999 · Fire 999 · All emergencies 911
Plugs
Type A, B, C, D, G · 230 V, 60 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Digicel or Flow prepaid SIMs at the airport or in St John's, with passport; data packs are available by the week. eSIMs work for visitors.
Going to Antigua solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Antigua meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.