TRAVEL WARNING
Overview St. Lucia
Security advice from the Foreign Office:
Status
: October 19, 2016 Unchanged valid since: October 13, 2016
Country-specific safety instructions
Natural disasters
In Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean and the southern states of the United States, cyclone season is from June to the end of November. The strength of the storm and the specific threat to islands in its course can change within hours.
Tropical storms, heavy rainfall and, under certain circumstances, landslides must be expected. Travelers should also follow the regional weather forecasts and observe the advice of the local security authorities.
Constantly updated information is available from the external link, opens in a new window National Hurricane Center (NHC) in Miami.
Piracy
Sailors should note that robberies on anchored or coastal ships or cases of piracy in the Eastern Caribbean occur sporadically and take appropriate measures (caution with spontaneous guests on board, self-protection at night). Emergency calls to the Police / Coast Guard using 911 (cellular phone) may be more reliable than emergency calls made using maritime mobile radio.
Crime
Like the entire region, St. Lucia has seen an increase in violent crime. It is therefore advisable to exercise caution when walking in less crowded areas or parks in larger cities and settlements, especially after dark.
DUTY-FREE SHOPPING
Overview
The following articles can be imported into St. Lucia duty-free (people over 18 years):
200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250 grams of tobacco;
1.18 l alcoholic beverages;
Personal items with a value of max. US $ 250.
ECONOMY
Business etiquette
Long- or short-sleeved shirt with tie or safari suit or light suit are appropriate for business meetings.
Business hours: Mo-Fr 08.00-13.00 and Sa 08.30-12.30.
Economy
St. Lucia Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (industrial, agricultural and Commerce)
Vide Bouteille, PO Box 482, Castries
Tel: 452 31 65
Internet: www.stluciachamber.org
Business contacts
St. Lucia Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (industrial, agricultural and Commerce)
Vide Bouteille, PO Box 482, Castries
Tel: 452 31 65
Internet: www.stluciachamber.org
SHOP
Overview
Nice souvenirs are the unique batiks and screen-printed motifs on clothes, sports shirts, table supports, cocktail napkins and shopping bags, which are made in a workshop between Castries and La Toc. Obese souvenirs include bowls, straw hats, glass beads, jute shirts, sisal rugs, bags, sandals and wood carvings.
At the Pointe Seraphine free port in Castries there are numerous duty-free shops, bars and restaurants in a piazza. Another duty-free shopping center in Castries is La Place Carenage, where you will mainly find clothing, jewelry and cosmetics. Visitors can shop duty-free in both shopping centers on presentation of their passport and return ticket.
A visit to the market of Castries is worthwhile, where there is always a hustle and bustle and which has the reputation of being one of the most beautiful markets in the world. In addition to fresh fruits such as bananas, coconuts, lemons and pineapples, you will also find fragrant spices, hand-woven baskets and other handicraft items, some of which are made directly on the market. On the edge of the market there are a few small restaurants where you can try local specialties.
Art lovers are drawn to Cap Estate, where the well-known artist Llewellyn Xavier, whose colorful paintings can be admired in the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the Victoria and Albert Museum in London and the National Gallery of Jamaica, has his studio.
Opening hours
Mon-Fri 8.30 a.m.-12.30 p.m. and 1.30 p.m.-4 p.m., Sat 8 a.m.-12 p.m. Shopping centers: Mon-Sat 9 a.m.-9 p.m.
NIGHTLIFE
Introduction
The nightlife in St. Lucia takes place mainly in the hotels. There are a few nightclubs and bars on the island, most of which are in Rodney Bay and a few in Castries. The island’s best-known clubs include Indies and The Late Lime, both of which offer live entertainment. According to globalsciencellc, St. Lucia is a country in Central America.
In summer the nightlife on St. Lucia is rather quiet, but in winter music and dancing are regularly offered in the holiday resorts. One of the most famous events is the legendary Jump Up, which takes place every Friday evening in the small town of Gros Islet in the north of the island. This outdoor party always attracts locals and tourists from all over the country. On the streets people dance to brisk rhythms until sunrise and there are small stalls everywhere offering local delicacies.
In Anse La Raye, the inhabitants of the small fishing village pursue their favorite pastime at the Friday Night Fish Fry BBQ: They grill fish and seafood. Every Friday from 6.30 p.m., the town’s main thoroughfare is closed to vehicles of all kinds and the festival begins. Live music is also often offered. A similar spectacle takes place on Saturday evenings in the east of the island: The Dennery Fish Fry mainly attracts younger islanders and the music is a little louder than in Anse La Raye. You rarely meet tourists here, but as a visitor you get an authentic impression of the life of the villagers.
CULINARY
Regional specialities
- Langouste(local lobster).
- Lambi(snail clams).
- Pepper Pot(beef and pork stew with cassava).
- Fried plantains, breadfruit and other vegetables.
- Accra(fried fish cakes made from stockfish, often served with hot sauces).
- Callaloo(stew made with taro leaves)
useful information
In the market there is usually a small additional fee for cleaning fresh fish as well as the plastic bag; one should agree on a price with the dealer before buying.
Tip
A tip of 10-15% is advisable in the restaurant. Taxi drivers also expect a tip.
Regional drinks
Native rum is often offered as punch or in cocktails. There are also numerous imported spirits. Caribbean beers include Piton and Heineken. Fresh fruit juices are also recommended. Green Apple is a non-alcoholic drink made from unripe apples and sugar.
Minimum age for consuming alcoholic beverages
In St. Lucia you can drink alcohol from the age of 18.
ACCOMMODATION
Hotels
St. Lucia offers hotels and accommodations of all classes. Package holidays are possible in numerous hotels. Most hotels offer evening entertainment such as calypso and limbo dances. 8% tax and 10-15% service are added to the bill. A price list for all types of accommodation is available from the Hotel Association: St. Lucia Hotel and Tourism Association, PO Box 545, Castries. Tel: 452 59 78.
Categories: Most hotels offer different room rates.
American Plan (AP): Room with three meals.
Modified American Plan (MAP): room, breakfast and dinner, in some hotels also afternoon tea.
Continental Plan (CP): Bed and breakfast.
European Plan (EP): overnight stay only.
The hotels have been awarded 3-5 stars.