Area Codes -- The country and area code for Anguilla is 264.

Banks -- Banks with ATMs are open Monday to Thursday 8am to 3pm, Friday 8am to 5pm. Several banks, including Scotiabank, the Valley, Fairplay Commercial Complex (tel. 264/497-3333), and First Caribbean, the Valley (tel. 264/497-2301), have ATMs that are usually accessible after hours.

Business Hours -- Banks are open from 8am until 2pm Monday through Thursday and Friday until 4pm. Businesses keep widely varying schedules (some boutiques and art galleries close for lunch), although grocery stores are generally open Monday to Saturday from 8am to 9pm and Sunday to noon.

Drinking Laws -- The legal drinking age is 18. Wine, beer, and liquor are sold in grocery stores and restaurants 7 days a week during regular hours.

Embassies & Consulates -- There is no U.S. diplomatic representation on Anguilla. U.S. citizens are advised to register with the consulates at Bluff House, English Harbour on Antigua (tel. 268/463-6531; ryderj@candw.ag), or Georgetown, Barbados (visit http://bridgetown.usembassy.gov or https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/home.asp). Likewise Canadian citizens should register with the Canadian High Commission on Barbados. Australian citizens can register with the Australian High Commission in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad and Tobago (tel. 868/628-4732).

Emergencies -- You can reach the police at their headquarters in the Valley (tel. 264/497-2333) or the substation at Sandy Ground (tel. 264/497-2354). In an emergency, dial tel. 911.

Holidays -- New Year's Day (Jan 1), Good Friday, Easter Monday, Monday after Pentecost (Whit Monday), May 30-31 (Anguilla Day), June 18 (Queen's Birthday), first Monday in August (August Monday), first Thursday in August (August Thursday), August 6 (Constitution Day), December 17 (Separation Day), Christmas Day (Dec 25), December 28 (Boxing Day).

Hospitals -- For medical services, consult the Princess Alexandra Hospital, Stoney Ground, the Valley (tel. 264/497-2551). Many of the larger hotels have a physician on call.

Internet Access -- Most hotels, large and small, offer free Wi-Fi.

Language -- English is the main language on Anguilla.

Mail -- The main post office is on Wallblake Road, The Valley (tel. 264/497-2528; www.aps.ai). Collectors consider Anguilla's stamps valuable, and the post office also operates a philatelic bureau, open Monday to Friday 8am to 4:45pm. Airmail postcards and letters cost EC$1.50 (55¢) to the U.S., Canada, and the United Kingdom. Note: In January 2009, Anguilla got its first postal code: AI-2640. So if you're sending a letter to Anguilla from another country, you'll place the new postal code after "Anguilla" and before "British West Indies" (or "BWI").

Passports -- All visitors must have an onward or return ticket. U.S., British, and Canadian citizens must have a valid passport.

Pharmacies -- The Princess Alexandra Hospital Pharmacy, Stoney Ground (tel. 264/497-2551) is open weekdays 8am to 5pm and Saturday 10am to noon. The Paramount Pharmacy has branches at Water Swamp (tel. 264/497-2366) and South Hill (tel. 264/498-2366).

Smoking -- There are no regulations against smoking in Anguilla.

Taxes -- The government collects a 10% tax on rooms, and hotels tack on a 10% service charge. Effective January 2008, all visitors traveling through the seaports are required to pay an embarkation tax of $20 per adult, and $10 for children 12 to 18 (children under 12 free).

Time -- Anguilla is on Atlantic Standard Time year-round, which means it's usually 1 hour ahead of the U.S. East Coast -- except when the U.S. is on daylight saving time, when clocks are the same.

Tipping -- Many restaurants include some sort of service charge in the menu pricing. The menu should state whether service is included, but always confirm whether gratuities are added. In many instances, tips are pooled among the staff (including the back of the house), so it's always a good idea to leave something extra if you feel your server warrants it. Give a 10% to 20% tip to boat captains. Bellhops should get $1 to $2 per bag. Be sure to tip beach attendants and leave something for housekeeping (approximately $1 for every night you spend). Tip taxi drivers an extra 10%.

Toilets -- As on St. Martin/St. Maarten, there are few public facilities, although the ferry terminal at Blowing Point has bathrooms. Hotel lobbies and restaurants are your best options.

Water -- Water is a precious commodity on Anguilla, and even though the water is potable, it is in short supply. Bottled water is easily available.

Weather -- The hottest months in Anguilla are July to October; the coolest, December to February. The mean monthly temperature is about 80°F (27°C). Rain is most heavy in the winter, but few days are without sunshine.


Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.