Nevis information
Discover the “Queen of the Caribbean” – a hidden gem!
Charlestown
Charlestown is the only town in Nevis and is home to the passenger ferry, the museum, historical sites including the (free) hot baths, supermarkets and restaurants.
Climate
Nevis enjoys a wonderful tropical climate, tempered by constant sea breezes, and temperatures range from 26C (79F) to 32C (89F) all year round. The hottest months are July and August, and the coolest January and February. Most days will see some rain, but this soon clears up and the sun starts to shine again. Nevis is in the hurricane zone but rarely suffers much hurricane damage. The most vulnerable area is Pinney’s beach, where the Four Seasons hotel is located.
Doctors & Pharmacies
Doctors are fairly easy to access, and it will cost you around $EC200 ($US75) for a consultation. There are 2 or 3 pharmacies in Charlestown.
Eating Out
Many cuisines are available in Nevis. Usually the price quoted excludes 9% tax and a service charge of 10-15% may also be added. Some places are closed on Sunday and/or Monday.
View a list of eating places
View a list of eating places
Language
The local language is English but it can sometimes be difficult to understand people because of the Caribbean accent and dialect. Neighbouring islands often have different basic languages (French or Dutch for instance).
Money & Banks
If you are planning to use a debit or credit card to pay for items we suggest you check first that the outlet accepts them.
The local currency is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (ECD or EC) which is pegged to the US dollar at about 2.7 EC to 1.0 US. ECs are generally unavailable abroad so it is advisable to bring at least some US dollars to get you started. All shops, bars, etc accept both, but we have found that sometimes you get a better deal if you use ECs.
You can get cash from any of the cash machines in town which are located at the banks. These are available 24 hours a day. There is also a cash machine at the airport, one at the garage in Newcastle (right at the end of Shaw's road – about a mile along on the right), one at Best Buys in Gingerland, and one at Ram’s. Be aware that the amount of cash you can withdraw per day is limited to around EC1000 depending on the machine. The banks are open from 0830 to 1400 Monday to Friday, although the Bank of Nevis stays open until 1500, and 1600 on Friday.
You can change other foreign currencies into US or EC dollars at any bank.
The local currency is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (ECD or EC) which is pegged to the US dollar at about 2.7 EC to 1.0 US. ECs are generally unavailable abroad so it is advisable to bring at least some US dollars to get you started. All shops, bars, etc accept both, but we have found that sometimes you get a better deal if you use ECs.
You can get cash from any of the cash machines in town which are located at the banks. These are available 24 hours a day. There is also a cash machine at the airport, one at the garage in Newcastle (right at the end of Shaw's road – about a mile along on the right), one at Best Buys in Gingerland, and one at Ram’s. Be aware that the amount of cash you can withdraw per day is limited to around EC1000 depending on the machine. The banks are open from 0830 to 1400 Monday to Friday, although the Bank of Nevis stays open until 1500, and 1600 on Friday.
You can change other foreign currencies into US or EC dollars at any bank.
Mosquitoes / Bugs
We have the usual array of insects including mosquitoes. These are usually worse in the evenings and early morning, so it is advisable to use insect-repellent at these times. Open areas with good breezes away from the beach (like the villa) are less likely to attract insects.
Motoring on Nevis
You will need a local driver’s licence which is available from your car hire provider or from any police station on production of your own licence and at a small charge. Driving is on the left, and speed limit signs are usually in miles per hour.
Pharmacy / Chemist
There are two pharmacies on the right as you drive through town. They have the usual variety of proprietary medications, but you will need a prescription from a doctor for anything like antibiotics.
St. Kitts - Nevis Ferries & Water Taxis
The passenger ferries leave from the harbour in town, but you need to check on the schedules (telephone 466-INFO) or log onto the following link: http://www.thestkittsnevisobserver.com/ferry-schedules.html. The fare is about EC20 one way plus EC1 port authority tax.
The car ferry goes from a dock just before Oualie Beach and leaves Nevis every two hours – but the ferry usually doesn't depart on time. It lands on Turtle Beach in St Kitts, which is in the middle of nowhere. After leaving the landing point there you should turn left and eventually will reach Frigate Bay, from where Basseterre is signposted. The schedule is posted at the end of the access road to the ferry.
There are also a number of water taxis which operate between St Kitts and Nevis. We use Wincent Perkins, email dtccaribbean@hotmail.com If you need an airport transfer from St Kitts he can arrange it.
The car ferry goes from a dock just before Oualie Beach and leaves Nevis every two hours – but the ferry usually doesn't depart on time. It lands on Turtle Beach in St Kitts, which is in the middle of nowhere. After leaving the landing point there you should turn left and eventually will reach Frigate Bay, from where Basseterre is signposted. The schedule is posted at the end of the access road to the ferry.
There are also a number of water taxis which operate between St Kitts and Nevis. We use Wincent Perkins, email dtccaribbean@hotmail.com If you need an airport transfer from St Kitts he can arrange it.
Supermarkets & Food Shopping
There are many little “superettes” dotted about where you can buy limited groceries, but our local fuel garage offers a good selection, including fresh milk. There are larger supermarkets in Charlestown and Gingerland.
Taxis
There are lots of taxis available and you can also hail the larger communal bus/taxis.
