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St Kitts and Nevis is a twin island nation that covers 104 square miles. Fondly known as Sugar City, the island is lush, tropical and beautiful.
If you are preparing for a vacation on this breath taking Caribbean island, you may be wondering, what is the best currency to use in St Kitts & Nevis?
The best currency to use in St Kitts and Nevis is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar. The US Dollar is readily accepted by most businesses on the island. If you are planning on using US Dollar, it is advised to carry smaller denominations. Change is usually given in the local EC Dollar.
What Is The Official Currency of St Kitts & Nevis
The official currency of St Kitts & Nevis is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD) which has been pegged to the US (United States) dollar since July 7th, 1976 at a rate of USD $1 to XCD $2.70.
Other islands in the Eastern Caribbean also use the Eastern Caribbean dollar.
These islands are Grenada, St Vincent and the Grenadines, St Lucia, Dominica, Antigua and Barbuda, Anguilla and Montserrat. The head office of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank is St Kitts.
The Eastern Caribbean currency has bank notes as well as coins. Bank notes are available in $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100 denominations.
Coins are available in 5 cents, 10 cents, 25 cents, $1 and $2 denominations. Coins in 1 cents and 2 cents pieces were recently discontinued.
Do I need cash in St Kitts & Nevis?
On a whole, cash is needed for ease of transactions on the island. Credit Cards and Debit cards are generally accepted at restaurants, beach bars, hotels, car rentals and large supermarkets.
However, if you are planning on visiting the towns of Basseterre or Charlestown and want to support local businesses and vendors, credit card machines may not be available.
Can you use a debit card in St Kitts & Nevis
Debit cards can be used easily around the island. Usually you will be issued local XCD dollar at the Atm.
Kindly note that there is usually a fee that is charged by your bank for each transaction.
Can you use US dollars in St Kitts & Nevis?
The US Dollar is the best foreign currency to use on the island.
Due to the high volume of tourist that frequently visit the island, the US dollar is widely accepted my most businesses on the island. Usually change from your transaction will be issued in XCD Dollars.
Avoid traveling to the island with large bank notes such as $100 bills.
Businesses are usually reluctant to accept these. You will be able to transact business easier with smaller notes.
Worn and torn notes are usually rejected by businesses as banks do not accept them. US coins cannot be used on the island and only the bank notes from USD$1.
Can you use Canadian dollars in St Kitts & Nevis?
On a whole, businesses on the island will not accept Canadian dollars.
The best way to spend Canadian dollars on the island is to visit the bank and convert it to the local currency.
The exchange rate of the Canadian dollar to the Eastern Caribbean dollar fluctuates daily and this is one reason why businesses avoid these transactions.
Can you use British Pound Sterling dollars in St Kitts & Nevis?
The Pound Sterling is the most volatile foreign currency and there is not best to come to the island with Pounds.
Nevertheless, if you are carrying pound sterling you can exchange it for XCD dollars at any commercial bank.
Kindly note that you may have to fill out source of funds declaration and there may be limits placed on how much money you can convert at each visit.
Locals usually visit the banks around lunch time. Therefore, if you require face to face banking services, it is best to avoid this time period.
Can you use Euro dollars in St Kitts & Nevis?
Euro dollars which is the least popular of the main foreign currencies are not accepted by businesses on the island.
However, you can exchange it for XCD dollars at any of the commercial banks. As stated above, you may be required to sign source of funds declarations.
General Tips To Remember In St Kitts & Nevis
- Credit cards are not readily accepted across the island especially by smaller businesses. Therefore, it is advisable to have some cash on you to get around.
- Ensure and notify your banks prior to traveling to prevent credit cards from being blocked as you begin using it on the island.
- Carry at least two pieces of identification especially if you need to change money at the banks. At times, an additional piece of id may be required.
- Some banks may require you to fill out a source of funds declaration if you want to exchange foreign currency for EC dollars.
- Some hotels usually provide some currency conversion at their front desk area. Kindly note that the rate may not be as favorable as a commercial bank.
- If you are staying at Marriott or Sugar Bay Hotel, ATMs are available at these locations.
Final Thoughts
On a whole, the best currency to use in St Kitts & Nevis is the official currency the Eastern Caribbean Dollar. The US Dollar is readily accepted by businesses on the island. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted by restaurants, beach bars, hotels and large supermarkets.
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