Group trips to Antigua and Barbuda

Antigua and Barbuda is in the Atlantic Standard Time (AST) zone, which is 4 hours behind Coordinated Universal Time (UTC-4). They don't observe daylight saving time, so the time difference remains the same throughout the year.

• If it is 12pm in the UK, it will be 8am in Antigua and Barbuda.
• If it is 12pm on the East Coast of the USA, it will be 12pm there as well.
• On the West Coast of the USA, if it's 12pm, then it will be 3pm in Antigua and Barbuda.

The currency used in Antigua and Barbuda is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD). The daily exchange rate is approximately:

• 1 GBP = 3.70 XCD
• 1 USD = 2.70 XCD
• 1 EUR = 3.10 XCD

You can exchange currency at local banks, exchange bureaus, and some hotels.

Credit cards, especially Visa and Mastercard, are widely accepted in Antigua and Barbuda at most hotels, restaurants, and larger stores. It's a good idea to carry some cash for smaller vendors or more remote areas where cards might not be accepted. ATMs are available, but they may charge a fee for international cards, so check with your bank for any additional charges. Always notify your bank of your travel plans to prevent your card from being blocked due to foreign transactions.

Tipping in Antigua and Barbuda is appreciated but not mandatory. In restaurants, a service charge of around 10 percent might be included in your bill, so check before adding a tip. If service isn't included, a 10 to 15 percent tip is customary.

For taxis, rounding up to the nearest dollar or adding a few extra dollars for excellent service is common.

Hotel staff, like porters and housekeeping, usually receive a few dollars per service.

In Antigua and Barbuda, Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, cafes, and restaurants, but it can sometimes be slow. For more reliable internet access, buying a local SIM card is a good option. Providers like Digicel and Flow offer prepaid data plans that you can purchase at the airport or in town. If you prefer not to change SIM cards, consider getting an e-SIM data plan, which can be more convenient and easy to set up. This way, you'll stay connected while exploring the islands without relying solely on Wi-Fi connections.

In Antigua and Barbuda, the official language is English, so you'll have no trouble communicating. You might also hear some local expressions in Antiguan Creole. Here are a few useful ones:

• What's up? - Wah gwaan?
• How are you? - Ow yu do?
• Thank you - Tanks

These phrases can be handy during your visit!

In Antigua and Barbuda, the standard plugs are Type A and Type B. The voltage is 230V, and the frequency is 60Hz. If you're coming from a country like the UK, USA, or anywhere else that uses different plug types, it's a good idea to bring a universal adapter to ensure your devices can be charged without any issues.

In Antigua and Barbuda, the main religion is Christianity, with the majority of the population adhering to various Christian denominations such as Anglican, Methodist, and Roman Catholic. Important religious holidays you might encounter include Christmas and Easter, which are celebrated with church services and family gatherings. As a visitor, you can enjoy the vibrant cultural expressions associated with these celebrations.

Packing for Antigua and Barbuda is all about enjoying the tropical climate. Here's a handy list to make sure you're ready for your trip:

• Clothing:
  • Light cotton shirts
  • Shorts
  • Swimwear
  • Light dresses
  • Sun hat
• Shoes:
  • Sandals
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Flip-flops for the beach
• Accessories and Technology:
  • Sunglasses
  • Waterproof phone case
  • Camera
  • Portable charger
• Toiletries and Medication:
  • Sunscreen
  • After-sun lotion
  • Insect repellent
  • Basic first-aid kit
  • Common travel medication like pain relievers, antihistamines, and anti-nausea tablets

Antigua and Barbuda is a fantastic place to explore, so pack light and enjoy the island vibes!

Antigua and Barbuda enjoy a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round. Here's what you can expect:

• Dry Season (December to April): Pleasant with less humidity, making it the best time to visit. Expect temperatures from 23°C to 29°C.
• Wet Season (May to November): Higher humidity with occasional rain showers. Temperatures range from 25°C to 31°C.

Hurricane season runs from June to November, with September and October being the most active months.