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St. Eustatius Facts
- Internet Access:: top
Public access to the internet is available from the Public Library in Oranjestad and at Computers & More (Telephone: 599-318-2596; e-mail: mbvi@goldenrock.net).
- Communications:: top
You can get in touch with the entire world from this tiny dot in the Caribbean. Statia enjoys an up-to-date communication system. Information - Telephone: (599-3) 182320/182210.
Colourful CaribTel calling cards are for sale starting at NAF 18 or $US10. Cards can be bought at the Post Office at Fiscal and can be used in most public telephones on the island.
To call Statia from the U.S. or Canada, dial 011 (the international access code), then 599 (the country code for the Netherlands Antilles), and finally 318 (the area code for Statia) and the 4-digit local number. To make a call within Statia, only the 5-digit local number is necessary.
Internet access is also available on the island.
- Holidays:: top
New Year, January 1, begins with fireworks at midnight.
April - Good Friday, Easter Sunday, Easter Monday, Queen's Day on April 30.
Ascension Day
May 1 - Labour Day
July - Ten days of Carnival
October 21 - Antillean Day
November 16 is Statia Day, commemorating the year 1776, when Statia became the first foreign nation to recognize the Union Flag and America's Independence
December 25, Christmas Day
December 26, Boxing Day.
- Postal Services:: top
Statia has an efficient postal service and the main post office is located on Cottage Road. Opening hours weekdays 07.30 hours until 16.00 hours. Telephone: (599-3) 182207/182678. Airmail to Europe takes four to six days, surface mail four to six weeks.
- Banking:: top
Barclays Bank is open Mondays to Fridays from 08.30 hours -15.30 hours. The Post Office Bank, Post Spaarbank opens Mondays to Fridays from 07.30 - 16.00 hours. The Windward Island Bank is open Mondays to Fridays from 08.30-12.00 hours and 13.30 - 15.30 hours.
- Tourist Information:: top
St. Eustatius Tourism Development Foundation
Telephone: (599-3) 182433/182107.
e-mail: euxtour@goldenrock.net
Open Mondays to Fridays from 08.00 hours until 12.00 hours and from 13.00 hours until 17.00 hours.
Tourist Information Booth at the airport is open daily, telephone: (599-3) 182620. Harbour Office, telephone: (599-3) 182205.
- Education:: top
The education system is European and more specifically, Dutch. General Instruction is given in the Dutch language. English and Spanish are also taught in the schools. The range of educational facilities include primary, elementary, secondary and vocational. Scholarships, loans and grants are available for further study in the Netherlands, the United States, Canada, Latin America and the Caribbean.
- Walking Tour:: top
The best way to learn about our island is to walk through it. The St. Eustatius Historical Foundation Museum's well-designed walking tour is a worth-while experience. There are also 12 nature hikes of which the Quill, an extinct volcano, is exceptional.
- Children on Vacation:: top
Statians love children and make great baby sitters. Inquire at your hotel or guesthouse. Beware of sunburn. Most skin cancer in later life is the result of damage during childhood. Cream up as often as possible, especially after a swim. Activities; nature hikes, walking tour and snorkelling.
- What to Wear:: top
For the most part, casual informal summer wear is the rule in Statia. Women may wish to take along a headscarf or hat. Casual elegant clothing is advisable for a night out in one of the island's intimate restaurants.
- Population:: top
Statia's population of approximately 2900 is made up mainly from people of black African descent with a pleasant nature and a zeal for work.
The first inhabitants of Statia were the Saladoids, who arrived in great sea-going canoes from South America before the end of the 15th century. In the 1600's, slaves of African descent were brought to the island to cultivate the land, which had more than seventy plantations. At the end of the 18th century, slavery had been outlawed in the Dutch Antilles. Today, people of more than 20 nationalities live in harmony on this peaceful Dutch Caribbean Island.
- Religious Services:: top
Visitors to Statia are welcome at all houses of worship. The following religions have services on the island: Seventh Day Adventist, Methodist, Roman Catholic, Jehovah Witnesses, Bahai Faith, Baptist, Anglican, Apostolic Faith, Pentecostal and World of Faith Ministry.
- Currency:: top
The Antillean Guilder is tied to the United States dollar at a rate of US $ 1.00 = ANG 1.80. The dollar is widely accepted. Local banks will also exchange other foreign currency.
- Business Services:: top
Offices and stores are usually open from 08.00 hours until 18.00 hours. Supermarkets are open at 07.30 hours and usually remain open until 19.00 hours.
- Electricity:: top
The voltage is 110 A.C. 60 cycles. 220 voltage A.C. will not work without a transformer. Plugs tend to be two flat prongs. Please conserve energy.
- Language:: top
Statians have a love for different cultures and speak several languages, including English, Dutch and Spanish. Dutch is the official language used in government administration and schools. English is spoken everywhere. You can be assured, whatever language you may speak, Statians will find a way to communicate with you!
- Taxis:: top
Dispatch, is at the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Airport. Taxis do not have meters. Rates are fixed and should be checked before ride.
- Credit Cards:: top
Most major credit cards are accepted. If you are inany doubt, do check before you commit yourself.
- Time:: top
Atlantic standard time. Same as Eastern daylight saving time, all year round.
- Hyperbaric Medicine Programs:: top
There are two decompression chambers on Statia for the convenience of divers.
Supplementing its medical doctoral program, the University of St. Eustatius offers training leading to technical certification, a Diploma, or a Master's Degree in Undersea and Hyperbaric Medicine. e-mail: hyperdunc@eustatiusmed.edu
- Medical services:: top
The island has an excellent standard of health care at the Queen Beatrix Hospital with two doctors on 24-hour call. Telephone: (599-3) 182371/182211.
- Departure Fees:: top
Everyone leaving Statia has to pay a departure fee of US $5.65 for local destinations within the Dutch Caribbean. All other destinations cost US $12.00. *Prices are subject to change without notice.*
- Airport:: top
Statia's airport is FD Roosevelt (EUX), located 1km (0.6 miles) from Oranjestad (Telephone: (599-3) 18-2887). Taxis and rental cars are available here.
- Festivals:: top
Carnival is the main event of the year and takes place for ten days starting late July until early August. It is very similar to other Caribbean carnivals with a Pyjama Jump-up in the early morning and Carnival Queen and Calypso Competition culminating in the burning of King Momo, the spirit of the carnival.
- Ecotourism:: top
St. Eustatius has always recognized its nature and marine life is one of its most valuable assets. The St. Eustatius National Parks Foundation, known locally as Stenapa is managing many ecotourism initiatives.
Stenapa is a dedicated environmental organization developed to protect the marine and land environment as well as endangered species.
- Customs:: top
There are no Customs duties since the island is a free port.
- Rainy Days:: top
Rain is necessary to keep everything fresh and green. If it rains, why not go to the St. Eustatius Historical Foundation Museum, watch TV, read a book, write your postcards or just use your imagination!
- Entry Requirements:: top
Visitors to Statia do need proof of identity. Residents of the United States and Canada may submit either;
1. Valid passport and return or onward ticket.
2. A re-entry permit, valid non-quota immigration visa or alien registration, green card, for non U.S.A. or Canada citizens residing in the U.S.A. or Canada.
- Hotel Service Charge:: top
There is a 7% service charge on room rates. At hotels, the service charge on food and beverage is 15% in lieu of gratuities.
- Car Rental:: top
With a valid foreign, or international driving licence, you are allowed to drive a car on Statia. You can choose from at least thirteen rental companies. For information inquire at your hotel or the Tourist Information Stand at the Airport.
Brown's Car Rental
Telephone. (599-3) 182266 Fax (599-3) 182454
Rainbow Car Rental
Telephone: (599-3) 182811 Fax (599-3) 182586
Walter's Car Rental
Telephone/Fax (599-3) 182719
ARC Car Rental
Telephone: (599-3) 182595 Fax (599-3) 182594
Richardson Jeep Rental
Telephone (599-3) 182149
Ricardo Car Rental
Telephone/Fax (599-3) 182527
Nilda Rent a-Car
Telephone/Fax (599-3) 182309
Fasha's Car Rental
Telephone (599-3) 182543 Fax (599-3) 182644
Rivers Car Rental
Telephone (599-3) 182309 Fax (599-3) 182566
Trep Car Rental
Telephone (599-3) 182626
Schmidt Car Rental
Telephone/Fax (599-3) 182788 Top
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CaribbeanMag.com
Caribbean Travel Tips
Child Saftey
On the day of the trip or just before you leave, use a Polaroid camera and take photos of each child in your party. Keep the pictures with you at all times. If you become separated from your child, you will have a photo of what your child looks like right then, that day.
Camera Tips
Always keep your film, tape, or computer disks out of the sun. Carry an extra supply of batteries, and be prepared to turn on your camera, camcorder, or laptop to prove to security personnel that the device is real. Always ask for hand inspection of film, which becomes clouded after successive exposures to airport X-ray machines, and keep videotapes and computer disks away from metal detectors.
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