Tips for How to Plan the Perfect Trip to Saint Lucia

If you are looking to visit the majestic Caribbean island of St. Lucia, making sure that you are properly prepared is the key to a smooth trip. ​​

​Whether you are arriving at Hewanorra International Airport (UVF) in Vieux Fort or George F.L. Charles Regional Airport (SLU) in Castries, we will help you learn what you need to do before arriving in order to have the ideal travel experience.

St. Lucia Tourist Info

If you are looking for tourist info while on the island, you will find that the front desk at many hotels can provide the answers you seek.  Other resources for tourist information include Soufriere  (+1 758-459-7419) and Castries  (+1 758-452-7577) as well as Hewanorra International Airport (+1 758-454-6644), George F.L. Charles (SLU) Airport ((+1 758-452-2596), and the Information Centers of the St. Lucia Tourist Board at Pointe Seraphine and La Place Carenage.

​The hours for the information centers are typically Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM until 4:30 PM, though the center at Pointe Seraphine is open whenever there are ships at the port and the airport information centers are open during active flight times.

There are two airports in St. Lucia- George F.L. Charles (SLU) Airport in Castries for domestic travel and Hewanorra International (UVF) Airport on the southern end of the island for travelers coming from abroad. Soufriere and Port Castries are the points of entry for travelers arriving by sea.

No matter how you choose to come to the island, however, one thing remains true- a slice of Caribbean paradise is just waiting for your arrival.  Below, you will find important information and telephone numbers that you should be aware of before and during your trip to the island.

 

St. Lucia Entry Requirements

​Visiting St. Lucia from another country typically requires a valid passport that will remain valid for the duration of the stay.  Visitors arriving in St. Lucia who are citizens of the United States, Canada, or the United Kingdom will not be required to obtain a visa in order to visit St. Lucia.  This is also true for countries with whom St. Lucia has an agreement for visa exemption.  A full list of countries that require a visa to visit St. Lucia can be found at www.govt.lc/faqs.

Obtaining Tourist Information

​Information for tourists can be obtained during business hours (usually 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Monday through Friday) via the St. Lucia Tourist Authority Info Centers in La Place Carenage or Pointe Seraphine.  If in Soufriere, you can call 469-7419 and if in Castries, you can call 452-7577.
George F.L. Charles (SLU) Airport offers both onsite and phone tourist information and can be reached at 452-2596, while Hewanorra International Airport (UVF), offers the same and can be reached at 454-6644.
Many hotel, resort, and Airbnb front desks and concierge services also offer a wide array of travel information.

St. Lucia Banks

If you are looking for a currency exchange or need to utilize a bank while visiting the island, you will find that our banks are open from 8:00 AM until 2:00 PM Monday through Thursday and from 8:00 AM until 5:00 PM on Fridays.
  • Bank of St. Lucia
  • Scotia Bank
  • 1st National Bank
  • CIBC First Caribean International Bank
  • RBC Royal Bank

The Languages of St. Lucia

​While St. Lucia’s official language is English, there is a percentage of the native population that also speaks a dialect of French Creole known as Patois.  It can help to learn a few basic phrases in Patois in case you get lost or need assistance.

St. Lucia Time Zone

​St. Lucia is a relatively small island and has only one time zone- which does not change for daylight savings time.  The entire island is part of Atlantic Standard Time.

St. Lucia Currency

​While most attractions, accommodations, and shops in St. Lucia accept US dollars, the island’s official currency is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar.
​The airports and many resorts and hotels can offer currency exchange services based on the current exchange rate, and the island’s banks also offer this service. In St. Lucia, banks are open from 8:00 AM until 2:00 PM Monday through Thursday and until 5:00 PM on Friday.

St. Lucia Telecommunications

​While the best bet for many modern travelers is simply to activate international data and calling on their current mobile phones, there are a few telecommunications options on the island.  Card and coin phone boxes can be found at locations throughout the island.  It is also possible to rent a cell phone while on the island, and you can check at your point of entry for more information.
​There are also two providers on the island, FLOW and Digicel, that offer services and pre-paid calling cards upon request.
If you will be receiving calls while in St. Lucia, the international dialing code is 1-758.  To reach the United States, dial 1 and to reach the UK, dial 011 44.

St. Lucia Emergency and Hospital Phone Numbers

Like in the United States, if you need to reach an ambulance, report a fire, or reach the police, dial 9-1-1.  You can also call the Police Rapid Response Unit at +1-758-452-2854.
St. Lucia Hospitals
  • Dennery +1 758-453-3310
  • Soufriere +1 758-459-7258/5001
  • St. Jude’s Hospital Vieux Fort:+1 758-454-6041
  • Tapion Hospital +1 758-459-2000
  • Victoria Hospital: +1 758-452-2421/7059
​*Note* If you need over the counter medication or first aid, you will find that most hotels and resorts offer them onsite as well as onsite medical personnel.  There are pharmacies located throughout the island.

St. Lucia Service Charges, Taxes, and Tips

​Hotel and restaurant bills in St. Lucia automatically add a 10% value added tax as well as a 10% service charge.  These fees are sometimes, but not always, included in quoted prices, and as such it can help to inquire in advance. ​Value added tax may also be separate from the price on labels when shopping for food and other goods. Tips for bellhops, hotel workers, taxi and tour personnel and others is not required and is not usually added to most bills, but is customarily offered at a rate of 10-20%.

Duty Free Customs Regulations

​If you are looking to bring tobacco or alcohol home from St. Lucia, you will find that the duty free allowance is as follows: half pound of tobacco, 50 cigars, 200 cigarettes, or 40 FL. OZ. Of spirits or wine. ​There are many malls and shops, including those in Hewanorra (UVF) International Airport and the Castries open-air market that offer duty-free shopping.

St. Lucia Departure Tax

​If leaving St. Lucia via plane, you will find that there is a departure tax included in the price of tickets.  If leaving via sea ports, passengers over the age of 12 will have to pay a tax of $12 USD or $33 EC at the time of departure.

​​St. Lucia Electric Voltage

​An important note, especially for travelers from the United States, is that St. Lucia uses higher voltage.  While some hotels offer 110v current, most are 240v.  This means that US visitors will need a converter to use items like cell phone chargers brought from home.
​These can be found rather inexpensively online, and many resorts and hotels offer them (sometimes for a fee).

Crime in St. Lucia

​While travelers visiting any new place should exercise basic caution and common sense protections, St. Lucia has a minimal crime rate.  Local police are vigilant and highly competent in managing area crime.
​Basic precautions include not flashing large amounts of cash, locking car and room doors when not in the vehicle or on the property, and not wearing large amounts of flashy jewelry.

Let Your Bank and Credit Card Companies Know You’re Traveling

In a world where financial institutions are working to keep your identity safe, making them aware of your plans to travel to St. Lucia can prevent accidental freezes on your accounts or fraud alerts.

Copy Important Documents

​From your passport to your boarding passes, you should always make photocopies of important travel documents and keep them in a separate location from the originals.  Carrying one copy in your purse or carry-on and one in your luggage is recommended, and it can also help to maintain a copy in your email.

Turn On International Data

One thing many St. Lucia travelers forget is that cell phone companies can charge big fees for international calls and data usage.  Turning on international data and calling features can save you big money for only a small daily fee.

Compare Prices on Everything

From rental cars and airport transfers from UVF to flights on and off the island of St. Lucia, comparing prices can save you a surprising amount of money.  Consider using Airbnb and utilizing travel sites for the best St. Lucia airfare prices.

​​Consider Off-Peak Travel

If you have the opportunity to travel at any point in the year, you can save a great deal of money by traveling outside of St. Lucia’s peak season.  Resorts and attractions are still open, but often at steep discounts, and because St. Lucia is in the Caribbean, the weather is still stunningly beautiful.

Make a List of What to Pack

One of the most common unforeseen travel expenses is purchasing things that you forgot to pack.  While you aren’t likely to forget your boarding pass or passport, you want to think about what you will need during your time in St. Lucia.  Planning to visit the beaches?  Consider towels, swimwear, and sunscreen.  Want to explore the Pitons or the rain forest?  Bring sturdy hiking shoes.  Don’t forget phone chargers and toiletries as well!

Efficient Packing is Key

​While you want to bring everything you need with you to St. Lucia, efficiency can save you money and hassle.  Roll your clothes to save space in your luggage for St. Lucia souvenirs, and make sure to keep things like medication and travel documents on your person or in a purse or carry-on.

Plan in Advance

​St. Lucia is packed with things to see, do, and experience.  If you have a number of things you want to enjoy during your time on the island, take the time to set a basic itinerary.  Look at where things are located and the time to reach them and organize your trip so that you have the time (and energy) to see and do it all!

Book in Advance

One of the best ways to save money while ensuring a smooth St. Lucia travel experience is to book in advance.  From your Airbnb or resort to flights, rental cars, airport transfers, and even tours, booking in advance can make sure that the things you want are available when you need them and can give you a good idea of how much you should budget for your trip.

Memorize the Basics

​Last, a great St. Lucia travel tip is to memorize or write down the basics of your trip.  This includes the name and number of your resort, hotel or rental villa, the number to a reliable taxi or rental car company, the name of the airport with flight departure times, and your general itinerary.  It is easy to get turned around in an unfamiliar setting and even though most St. Lucia natives speak fluent English, it can help to know some key terms in case you get lost.