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Passport and Visa
For nationals of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and
Commonwealth countries a visa is not required for stays of up to six months. A valid passport, birth certificate, naturalization papers and a return ticket are required.
Customs
The following items are duty free.
200 Cigarettes or 100 Cigars, 1 bottle (26 Oz.) of liquor, and 1 bottle of wine. Pets are not allowed in from North America but are allowed in from England with proof that they are rabies free.
Currency
The local currency is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (E.C.), and is based on the US Dollar. The exchange rate varies from $ 2.55 to $ 2.70 EC
for one US dollar. As usual the banks give the best exchange rates and hotels the worst. Credit cards and travelers checks are widely accepted.
Creepy Crawlies and Other Dangers
While Nevis is a generally safe island, there are things you have to watch
out for. Watch out where you walk with bare feet, there are red ants, scorpions, and centipedes which can sting.
Watch out for the Manchenil Tree, it grows near the beach and produces a small green apple-like fruit. The leaves, branches, and sap can cause burning much like poison ivy, but worse. The numerous lizards are harmless.
Television and Radio
Most hotels have cable, so many US network and cable stations can be seen.
There are also local stations from Nevis, and other nearby islands that are available on cable. There are numerous radio stations that can be received from all over the Caribbean and even the US! Some good stations for local music and news are VON radio Nevis on 895 AM, ZIZ radio St. Kitts 555 AM, ABS radio from Antigua on 620 AM, and for a bit of a American slant on things WOSO from San Juan, Puerto Rico on 1030 AM. On the FM dial you will find far less, but you will find the GEM Radio Network scattered all over the dial.
Tipping/Gratuities
Same as in the US, 10% to 15%, depending on the service. Some restaurants and hotels will automatically add a 10% gratuity. If you are in doubt, do not feel uncomfortable asking. Usually, porters and bellhops receive $ 1.00 per bag, taxi drivers 10-15% of the fare.
Telephones
Calling the US is easy from St. Kitts & Nevis. Most hotels offer USA Direct calling service, or they can connect you with a US operator.
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