Barbuda - Location Guide & Travel Tips 
Location
The islands of Antigua (pronounced An-tee'ga) and Barbuda make up an island nation located in the middle of the Leeward Islands in the Eastern Caribbean, roughly 17 degrees north of the equator. Antigua and Barbuda are part of the Lesser Antilles archipelago with the archipelago of Guadeloupe to the south, Montserrat to the southwest, St. Kitts and Nevis to the west, and St. Barts and St. Martin to the northwest.
Geography
The country actually consists of a number of islands, with Antigua as the largest at 14 miles long and 11 miles wide, encompassing 108 square miles. Its highest point is Boggy Peak (1319 ft.), located in the southwestern corner of the island. Barbuda, a flat coral island, about 15 miles long by 8 miles wide, with an area of only 68 square miles, lies approximately 30 miles to the north. The nation also includes the tiny (0.6 square mile) uninhabited island of Redonda, now a nature preserve. The capital is Saint John's on Antigua, and the current population for the nation is approximately 68,000, with Antigua being the most populated.
Climate
The islands have a warm, tropical climate, with fairly constant temperatures ranging from the mid-seventies in winter to the mid-eighties in summer. Annual rainfall averages only 45 inches, making it the sunniest of the Eastern Caribbean Islands, and the northeast trade winds are nearly constant, flagging only in September. Humidity is low year-round.
Language
While the official language is English, most of the locals speak patois, a form of Creole English.
Time Zone
Atlantic Standard Time, one hour ahead of Eastern Standard Time and the same as Eastern Daylight Time. GMT -4.
Currency
Official currency is the Eastern Caribbean dollar which is fixed to the US dollar. Recent exchange rate was US$1.00 = EC$2.65. US currency, travelers checks and major credit cards are welcome everywhere.
Telecommunications
Calling the U.S. is easy from Antigua and Barbuda. Most hotels offer USA Direct calling service, or can connect you with a U.S. operator for calling home. Most tri-band telephones work on the island, but check with cellular service providers to see if they have any agreements with any of the Antiguan cellular providers like Cable and Wireless, PCS, APUA, or Cingular.
Electricity
Part of the island is 110 volts, the remainder is 220 volts. Most hotels have both voltages available.
Government
In 1967 Antigua, with Barbuda and the tiny island of Redonda as dependencies, became an associated state of the Commonwealth. In 1981 they achieved full independent status as a state within the British Commonwealth of Nations. Head of State is Queen Elizabeth II, who is represented in Antigua and Barbuda by a governor general. Executive power is in the hands of the prime minister, who is also the head of government. The prime minister is usually the leader of the winning party of the elections for the House of Representatives, held every five years. The other chamber of the parliament, the Senate, has members appointed by the governor general.
Passports & Immigration
U.S., Canadian, U.K. and passport holders of other European Union countries nationals require proof of citizenship--a valid passport, original or certified birth certificate, plus an onward or return ticket. Other nationalities should contact the nearest tourist office for entry requirements.
Entry Requirements for the United States change effective December 31, 2006 -- All air & sea travelers, including U.S. citizens, to and from the Americas, the Caribbean, and Bermuda must have a valid passport or other accepted document that establishes the bearer’s identity and nationality, to enter the United States.
Departure Tax
Antigua & Barbuda has a US$20.00 airport departure tax
Service Charges & Tax
Room tax is 8.5% and a service charge of 10% may be levied in lieu of tipping.
Tipping & Gratuities
Same as in the US; 10-15% depending on the service. Some restaurants & hotels will automatically add a 10% gratuity. If in doubt, just ask. Give porters and bellhops 50 cents per bag, taxi drivers 10-15% of the fare.
Disclaimer
We attempt to ensure the accuracy of all information provided, however we are not responsible for the content provided herein. For the most current information, please visit the Antigua and Barbuda Department of Tourism website, or contact them at:
Antigua and Barbuda Department of Tourism
610 Fifth Avenue, Suite 311, New York, NY 10020
Tel: 212-541-4117 Fax: 212-541-4789