Currency & Credit Cards

The official currency in Montserrat is the East Caribbean Dollar or EC $. However, the US Dollar is also widely accepted throughout the island. Given the limited number of ATMs on the island, it is best to have some cash in East Caribbean dollars as many local businesses prefer to be paid in their local currency. As for credit cards, they are not common in Montserrat, except for major hotels and a handful of local businesses. Also, those few businesses that accept credit cards will charge an extra 5% convenience fee. What is more widely accepted in Montserrat, though, is Travellers’ checks, especially those in USD. Finally, the two major banks in Montserrat are located in Brades and both have ATMs.

Important note: Montserrat only has one bank, the Bank of Montserrat, where you can exchange the Barbados Dollar, the Canadian Dollar, the US Dollar, and the Pound Sterling.

Fast Facts About Montserrat

• Language – The official language in Montserrat is English. Nevertheless, many locals speak Montserrat Creole, which is a Caribbean dialect. Some people even say that as they listen to locals speaking, they notice a slight Irish brogue in their accent. You may, too!
• Duty-free Items – According to the regulations at the moment of this writing, visitors to Montserrat can bring up to 1.14 litres (40.12 ounces) of alcohol, 170 millilitres (5.98 ounces) of perfume, 225 grams (0.49 pounds) of tobacco, up to 200 cigarettes or up to 50 cigars, and gifts whose worth does not exceed EC $500 or around US$183 (customs incurring).
• Sports – The locals’ hearts beat fast with the sound of cricket, basketball, and football, which clearly demonstrates the country’s close attachment to its other Caribbean siblings.
• Dialling code – It is +1.
• Montserrat’s area code: 664.

Electricity

You will probably feel pleased to know that Montserrat has settings that could accommodate both those living in North America and Europe. Although the country’s electricity settings are 230 volts (at a standard frequency of 60 Hertz), some businesses, hotels, and buildings in Montserrat have settings for 110-120 volts.

As for the type of power plugs and sockets, the country has Type A and Type B power plugs and sockets. However, please note that some outlets only accept flat-blade plugs. In case you will need a plug adapter or voltage converter during your stay here, it is advised to bring your own converter or adapter (just in case), although transformers are easily available in Montserrat.

Opening Hours

The island used to be much more densely populated than it is now. Due to the volcanic activity in Montserrat, almost 75% of it is uninhabited and only around 5,000 residents live in the remaining 1/3 of the island. Being such a small island, it does not follow the opening hours of its larger cousins in the Caribbean. So, expect most local businesses and venues to close around 7:00 pm, with very few remaining open after that hour, or on a Sunday. As for banks and government offices, these are open from Monday through Friday, from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm and from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, respectively. Banks, though, will remain open for an extra hour on Fridays, so they close at 3:00 pm.

Communications

The main provider of both internet access and cell phone service is Cable and Wireless, which also rents reasonably-priced telephones. That being said, the coverage is good throughout the island, which means that you will hardly ever have internet connectivity or telephone service access issues no matter where on Montserrat you are. As for free wireless internet, many public places provide it, with the list of available public places offering it growing by the day.

Departure Tax

Visitors that have visited Montserrat can depart from the country through the selected port of exit after paying a departure tax. At the moment of this writing, this tax is EC$55 or US$21, except for CARICOM nationals, who need to pay EC$35 or US$13 per person.

Kindly note that if you are not connecting through Antigua airport within 24 hours, you will be called to pay an Antigua Airport Administration Charge of US$37.50 per person. Given that there are no ATMs at the ferry or airport terminal, it is advised to ensure you have enough cash with you to pay for these extra fees. Otherwise, you won’t be admitted to the aeroplane or ferry.

Getting to Montserrat

If you choose to travel to the country by plane, you will probably need to fly to nearby Antigua and then take a 15-minute flight to Montserrat’s new airport John A. Osborne (MNI). Or you can reach Montserrat by boat through Antigua (or other locations), with ferries running from Antigua’s Heritage Quay to Montserrat’s Little Bay on a daily basis. Alternatively, you can charter a boat from Nevis or Antigua.

Best Montserrat Attractions and Things To Do

Montserrat provides visitors with many different experiences on the 25% of the island that is free to roam around on, as well as special tours into the exclusion zone. So, you could consider the following:

• Visiting the shoreline, and the beaches along which feature the most amazing palette of colours. You will even find coasts that dazzle with their unusual shades of sparkling blacks and greys.
• Opting for a bird-watching and turtle-watching venture, given the island’s wide range of bird and animal habitats.
• Exploring the island’s nature by following any of the footpaths crisscrossing Montserrat, which is something that any hiker will love.
• Diving into the crystalline waters and opening yourself to endeavours featuring spellbinding coral reefs, tons of marine life, and magical underwater scenery.
• Trying watersports – after all, you are in a tropical paradise!
• Going for a boat tour and discovering the dramatic shoreline or signing up for even more adrenaline-pumping ventures, such as volcano boat tours down to the island’s buried capital, namely Plymouth.
• Checking out the island’s mix of Irish and African heritage illustrated on the tapestry of Art and Craft.
• Pampering your palate with great rum and local dishes.