St. Barts
| Frequently Asked Questions
General Info, Travel Info, & FAQs are provided to assist with your vacation.
FAQs What is the population? The population of St Barts is about 7000.
How big is the country/island? St Barts is approximately 10 sq miles.
Can I drink the tap water? A central desalinization plant converts saltwater to drinking water. Bottled water is also readily available.
What are the best things to buy here? Duty-free items include French and Italian designer fashions and accessories, beach wear, perfumes, watches, crystal, silver, gemstones and jewellery.
For souvenirs with local flavour look for small doll-like cottages, sandals, shell jewellery, fishing skiffs, traditional local music CDs and woven straw baskets, handbags and hats.
Are there nude beaches? Although nude sunbathing is illegal, it is tolerated only on Anse de Grand Saline and Anse du Gouverneur beaches. Topless bathing is allowed on all beaches.
What are the main industries? The main industries are tourism and fishing.
What native dishes should I try? With no agriculture on the island, St Barts imports all of its food, except for local seafood. Cuisine is heavily French and Creole influenced. Try fresh local seafood, such as lobster, mussels, crab, codfish fritters and scallops, as well as spit-roasted duck, lamb and traditional French cuisine, such as magret de canard (duck breast) and quenelles de poissons (fish balls).
Can I use my calling card from here? AT&T: Service is available from pay phones and/or select hotels for use with AT&T Calling Cards, AT&T Corporate Cards, American Express, Diners Club, Discover/NOVUS, MasterCard and Visa. Dial 0-800-99-00-11 + area code + local number and follow the voice prompts.
BT: Dial 0-800-99-02-44, input your account number and PIN, then dial the number you require.
Canada Direct: Service can be used with calling cards from Bell, MTS, Aliant, SaskTel and Telus. Dial 0-800-99-00-16 for direct access to a Canadian operator.
MCI MinutePass: Dial 0-800-99-00-19 and follow the voice prompts.
Sprint: Dial 0-800-99-00-87 and follow the voice prompts.
For more information see the section in General Info: Telecommunications.
How should I dress to go out? Dress in St Barts is casual. Still, it is unacceptable to wear bathing suits, short shorts and short tank tops in public. Casual, lightweight cotton, sport and resort wear is suitable. You may want to bring a light sweater/jacket for evenings.
Can I use my hair dryer and electric shaver? Electricity is 220 AC, 60 cycles. North American appliances require plug adaptors and transformers.
How much should I tip? French law requires the service charge (service compris) to be included in the bill. There is no need to leave an additional tip unless you feel the service was above average.
Disclaimer:
Information is provided as a service to visitors and is updated regularly. All information should be verified prior to travel.
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