TRAVEL
TIPS
| Driving |
TBA |
| Currency |
(XCD)
East Caribbean Dollar |
| Electrical |
230 Volts |
| Telephones |
Country
Code 1 |
Climate:
The climate is subtropical, tempered by trade winds.
There is little climatic variation throughout the year. The heaviest
rainfall occurs between September and November; however, the heavy
cloudbursts serve to refresh the atmosphere and once they are
over the sun reappears.
Clothing:
Tropical
lightweights are worn, with light woollens for cooler evenings.
A light raincoat or an umbrella is useful.
Food
& Drink: Dining options in Montserrat are varied,
with a choice of international or local specialities. The island
specialities are fresh seafood and mountain chicken – not
actually chicken, but the leg from a local species of large frog
(Dominica is the only other island where these frogs can be found).
Barbecues are popular and other local dishes include pumpkin soup,
goat water (comparable to Irish stew), aubergine patties, salt
fish, crêpes and dishes made from abundant local fruits.
Waiter service is normal.
Most bars serve imported beers, spirits and wines. The local rum
punch liqueur is Monserrat Rum Punch. There is also an abundance
of local fruit drinks available.
Shopping:
Locally made items include jewellery, needlework, ceramics,
glassware and some interesting artefacts made from coconut. Local
arts and crafts shops are dotted throughout the island. Shopping
hours: Mon, Tue and Thurs 0800-1200 and 1300-1600, Wed and Sat
0800-1300, Fri 0800-1700.
Currency:
East Caribbean Dollar (EC$) = 100 cents. Notes are in
denominations of EC$100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations
of EC$1, and 25, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents. US Dollars are also accepted.
Currency
exchange: There are three banks on Montserrat.
Credit
& debit cards: Major credit and debit cards are accepted.
Travellers
cheques: Widely accepted. To avoid additional exchange
rate charges, travellers are advised to take travellers cheques
in US Dollars.
