Antigua & Barbuda
| Frequently Asked Questions
General Info, Travel Info, & FAQs are provided to assist with your vacation.
FAQs What is the population? The population of Antigua & Barbuda is approximately 75,000.
How big is the country/island? Antigua is about 14 miles long and 11 miles wide for a total of about 108 sq miles. Barbuda is 68 sq miles and the uninhabited island of Redonda, a nature preserve, is 0.6 sq miles.
Can I drink the tap water? You can drink the tap water, which is desalinated salt water. Bottled water is readily available around the island.
What are the best things to buy here? Look for duty-free swimwear, Italian designer accessories, English woolens and linens. You'll also find emeralds, jewellery, watches, china, crystal and batik items.
For souvenirs with local flavour look for pottery, hand-printed fabrics, artwork, straw items and rum.
On Antigua, St John's has a farmer's market on Fri and Sat mornings where you can buy folk crafts, fruits and vegetables. There is also a new Vendors Square in downtown St John's.
On Barbuda you can buy fresh fish at the Lagoon Wharf.
Are there nude beaches? There is a clothing-optional beach at Hawksbill beach resort on Antigua.
What are the main industries? The main industries are tourism, financial services, construction and light manufacturing (clothing, alcohol and household appliances).
What native dishes should I try? Fresh fish and seafood, such as conch (pronounced konk), crab and lobster are excellent. Other delicious local dishes include land turtle, goat and pepperpot (spicy stew made with hot peppers, okra, pumpkin and beef or pork).
For side dishes try the rice and peas, fungi (cornmeal) and okra, dumplings and ducouna (made with white flour and sweet potatoes).
Local fruits include avocado, bananas, papaya, mango, guava, soursop, coconut and the Antigua black pineapple, which is not black, but is very sweet.
Can I use my calling card from here? Directory assistance: International operator, 0 Local enquiries, 411
AT&T: Service is available at select hotels, airports and cruise docks using AT&T Calling Cards, AT&T Corporate Cards, American Express, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard and Visa. Dial 1-800-872-2881 + area code + local number and follow the voice prompts.
BT: no service available
Canada Direct: Service is available at dedicated phones at airports, post offices, seaports or selected hotels, and can be used with calling cards from Bell, MTS, Aliant, SaskTel and Telus. Dial 1-800-744-2580 for direct access to a Canadian operator.
MinutePass Plus: no service available
Sprint: Service is available at Antigua ports of entry. Dial 1-800-366-4663, press #0 and follow the automated prompts.
For more information see the section in General Info: Telecommunications.
How should I dress to go out? Dress in Antigua & Barbuda is conservative casual. It is unacceptable to wear beach attire in public. In the evening some hotels and restaurants require men to wear a jacket and tie and women to wear a dress.
Can I use my hair dryer and electric shaver? Electricity on part of the island is 60 Hz, 110 volts and the rest of the island is 220 volts. Most hotels have both voltages.
How much should I tip? Tip about 10-15%. Some hotels and restaurants automatically add 10% gratuity to the bill so check first. Tip porters and bellhops 50¢ per bag and taxi drivers about 10-15% of the fare.
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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