|
Val & George Whitney Jr.
The Village Apartments
Box 49
Bequia
St. Vincent & the Grenadines
West Indies
Tel/Fax: 784 458-3883
Tel: 784 457-3026
Cell: 784 493-5454
E-mail:
tvabqsvg@vincysurf.com
|
The
Village Apartments "Gems of Bequia"
Things
To Know___
Entry Requirements-
-
Passport/Visa:
Visas are not required. Citizens of Canada and the UK can visit with
proof of citizenship in the form of a birth certificate or voter's
registration card, accompanied by an official photo ID. Citizens of
other countries must have a valid passport. A return or onward ticket is
required of all visitors. For those wishing to stay more than one month,
you must apply for a 3 month extension at the Immigration Office in Port
Elizabeth. A fee of $25 EC is charged.
-
U.S.
Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative requirements.
The United States has enacted a new rules that require
Americans to show passports when returning from the Caribbean.
-
Vaccinations:
A vaccination certificate is required only of travelers older than
1 year arriving from infected areas.
Airport Tax-
There is a departure tax of EC $40.
Time
Zone-
Atlantic
Standard Time (Eastern + 1), GMT/UTC minus 4 hours. April - October is the
same as US Eastern Daylight time as daylight savings time is not observed.
Location-
Nine miles south of St.
Vincent (45 min. by ferry, 10 min. by air), 45 min. by air west of
Barbados, 30 min. north of Grenada, 20 min. south of St. Lucia, 2 hr. 20
min. southeast of Puerto Rico.
See location map
Electricity-
Is 220-240V, 50Hz, if you are
coming from the U.S. you'll need transformers and/or plug converters for
battery chargers, strobes and computers. The outlet format is the same as
the UK. Some hotels and guest houses may have transformers available but
it's best to enquire prior to arrival, or bring what you'll need.
-electrical outlet configuration
Cell
Phones/Internet/TV-
Digicel and Lime (Caribbean Cable
and Wireless) provide cell phone service. Lime provides Internet (ADSL)
via their land lines as well. Karib Cable, the local cable television
company, also provide Internet Service. Several Internet Cafes and many
restaurants, hotels, and villas and dive shops offer WiFi service. Cell
phones are GSM, check with your home provider about roaming charges or
purchase a sim card and minutes locally for your unlocked phone. Quad band
unlocked phones provide the most options as Digicel and Lime operate on
different frequencies. Another option is to purchase a cheap cell phone
locally and pay for minutes used.
Dive
Gear/C-Card-
There are
currently two Dive Shops on Bequia and both have quality, well serviced gear
waiting for you if you'd like to travel lightly. You are, of course,
welcome to bring your own gear. Dive skins or light weight wetsuits are
also available though not a necessity. Spear fishing is illegal by
foreigners, so leave them at home.
Remember if you want to dive, don't forget to bring your certification
card, though PADI divers can be looked up online by the dive shop.
Weather-
Average
winter temperature is 75F, and daytime winter usually is around
84F. Dry season is Jan - April,
rainy season July - October. Average annual rainfall is 80" on the coast
of St. Vincent and 150" inland on St. Vincent, considerably less on Bequia
and the other Grenadines. Rains are usually quick and intense and
conveniently quite often at night during the dry season.
Hurricanes very rarely venture as far south as Bequia. Surges from
hurricanes further north have hit the island a few times in recent history
and caused temporary beach erosion. Summer temperatures are usually only a
few degrees warmer and waters and winds are calmer.
Average summer temperature is
87F.
Water-
The tap water is generally safe to drink, as it is collected
rain water. Bottled water for drinking is also available. Hot water
showers, either solar heated or electrically heated, are the norm at the
various properties. The Grenadines are drier than the larger islands with
no streams or lakes, so please do conserve the fresh water. Ocean water
temperatures average 79-82F.
Animals/bugs-
Many lodging establishments are
screened and/or have netting for your bed. Mosquitoes are not usually as
big a problem as they can be on some Caribbean islands, but for those who
are extra sensitive, a repellant with 30% DEET will provide adequate
protection for evenings. 3M's Ultrathon
has been used successfully by the UK and US military for over 10 years.
You can purchase it from
Travel Medicine online. Some additional recommendations are available
at
International Travel Healthline.
There are no poisonous snakes and few mammals other than dogs, cats and an
occasional goat, sheep, or cow in some areas of the island. Geckos and
larger iguanas can be seen sunning themselves if you take walks around the
island. Mockingbirds, Bananaquits, Blackbirds, Frigates, and Antiguan
hummingbirds, are a few of the many birds you'll see and hear.
Dress-
Dress is informal. Light weight
slacks, shorts, t-shirts, light dresses, sneakers, sandals are fine.
Breathable cotton garments are the most comfortable. A light jacket is
advisable for breezy evenings, and cover-up clothing, a hat, and sun block
are essential. Don't forget swim suits and a beach towel. Women and men
should wear swimsuit cover-ups in town. Please remember, you are a guest
in this country, topless/nude sunbathing is not acceptable, please respect
local mores and laws. Camouflage clothing is illegal wear for civilians,
please leave it at home to avoid problems.
Money-
For US and European visitors there is no need to exchange currency in
advance of your arrival. The official exchange rate of the Eastern
Caribbean dollar is indexed to the US dollar and, usually stands at $1 US
= $2.67 EC. Hotels, stores, and restaurants will sometimes round to $2.60
or $2.70. Travelers checks are accepted many places as well as Visa, and
Mastercard. There are two ATM's and two banks on the island for cashing
travelers checks if you wish. The US dollar is widely accepted but it is
always a good idea to acquire EC dollars for small items, taxis, drinks,
etc. Remember the island currency is dollars (Eastern Caribbean) so most
prices are quoted in dollars. If you are unsure which is being quoted just
ask, to avoid any confusion. Use the
Personal Currency Assistant for conversion information.
Tipping/Tax-
A 10% service charge is added by
most hotels and restaurants. If no service charge is added, leave 10% of
the bill, for excellent service larger amounts are always appreciated. SVG
has joined with many of the other Caribbean nations in instituting a Value
Added Tax (VAT) in January of 2007. The VAT of 15% enacted in 2007
replaces the old tax system. The VAT on hotels is 10%. When getting a room
quote it's always a good idea to clarify if it is inclusive of VAT and
service charge.
Meals / Night Life-
Meal cost ranges from quite reasonable to gourmet type prices.
Restaurants offering Caribbean, Italian, French, Mexican, International,
steak, and lobster, should please most tastes. If anything is missing it
might be US style fast food. It's replaced by a Caribbean food called Roti,
a wrap of a thin flat bread around curried potatoes, with chicken, beef,
pork, conch or vegetables, not to be missed! Pizza, sandwiches, and BBQ
are also available. Good fresh produce, seafood, and canned goods are
readily available for those wishing to cook. As a major yacht provisioning
stop, Bequia has much to offer.
Night Life centers around the hotels and restaurants. An informal
rotation insures entertainment available at different venues every night.
Live local music consisting of Steel band, jazz, Caribbean folk, string
band, reggae, DJ, Caribbean rock and R&B are usually represented.
Occasional festivals, full moon BBQ's, and holiday celebrations round out
the offerings, often with live music. A weekly listing can be seen on "Bequia
This Week".
Additional Notes-
Bequia is a laid back island,
where you can get away, relax, forget your worries and recharge. There
are no casinos, personal watercraft (jet skis), discos, wild nightlife,
etc. It is a place of friendly people, natural beauty, and life centered
around the sea. If this appeals to you we can almost guarantee you will
want to be among the many travelers who return year after year.
Additional Traveler Resources-
|
