Montserrat - Location Guide & Travel Tips 
Location
The island of Montserrat, one of the Leeward Islands in the Eastern Caribbean, is located approximately 300 miles east-southeast of Puerto Rico and 27 miles southwest of Antigua. From various points on the island, St Kitts & Nevis can be seen to the north, Guadeloupe to the south and Antigua to the northeast. The islet of Redonda is also visible.
Geography
Montserrat is a mountainous, pear-shaped island of approximately 40 square miles, with dramatic rock-faced cliffs rising 15 to 30 m (50-100 feet) above the sea and smooth bottomed sandy beaches scattered among coves on the north and west sides. It is currently about 12 miles long and 7 miles wide, but increasing gradually due to volcanic deposits on the southeast coast of the island. While volcanic activity has changed the face of the southern half of the island, the northern half remains lush and green. The island rises in a series of dramatic mountain slopes to the high point of over 3,000 feet at the Soufriere Hills in the Exclusion Zone. Montserrat also has two islets: Little Redonda and Virgin.
People
Montserratians are among the most naturally hospitable people on earth and everyone you meet will want to make your encounter with the island an unparalleled experience. The population is currently estimated at 4,700. This is reduced from approximately 12,000 as many residents left at the height of the volcanic activity to live elsewhere.
Climate
Temperatures are moderate year-round averaging 24° Celsius (76° F) in winter to 32° Celsius (88° F) in summer. with constant breezes from the sea and mountains. Annual rainfall is about 1,250-2,000 mm or 50-80 inches, well distributed throughout the year, with a wetter season from July to November.
Dress
Light casual clothing is the norm. If you intend to do any serious hiking, bring sturdy shoes and other appropriate attire.
Language
The official language is English, often flavored with a strong Montserratian accent, and sometimes spoken very fast.
Safety
Montserrat prides itself on being one of the safest islands in the Caribbean, but we still advise that you take sensible precautions.
Time Zone
Same as Eastern Standard Time in summer, and one hour ahead in winter (no adjustment for daylight savings time). We're 4 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (5 hours behind Britain during British summer time).
Currency
Currency is the Eastern Caribbean dollar (EC$), which exchanges at approximately 2.7 EC dollars to the $US and between 4.6 and 4.9 EC dollars to the British pound. Credit cards are not widely accepted, but traveller’s checks may be cashed at the banks.
Telecommunications
High speed internet access and cellular service are available. Two mobile access platforms available - TDMA (DAMPS on 800 Mhz) and GSM 850. Local SIM purchase is US$6 and a temporary phone rental is US$20 monthly.
Electricity
Voltage is 220. Some buildings are wired for both 220 and 110 volts to suit North American appliances. Otherwise transformers are available for converting 220 to 110 volts.
Drinking Water
Montserrat has one of the purest supplies of drinking water in the world, and it's perfectly safe to drink from the tap. Bottled or mineral water is also available in grocery stores.
Government
Montserrat is a British Overseas Territory, (formerly a crown colony), with a British Governor and a locally elected government led by the Chief Minister. There is an executive council, and a legislative council with nine elected members including four appointed cabinet ministers of government.
Passports & Immigration
Proof of citizenship is required. A valid passport is recommended for all visitors; however, US Canadian and British citizens may present a driver's license or official ID card as proof of citizenship. Entry visas may be required of visitors from other countries such as Cuba and Eastern Bloc Countries, and can be obtained from British Consulate offices. An onward or return ticket is required. CARICOM citizens can travel on an official ID card, which must bear a photograph of the individual. There shall be proof of accommodation and one must possess sufficient funds to be self-sustaining for the length of the visit.
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
Departure and airport security tax, payable upon leaving Montserrat, is EC$35 (US$13) for CARICOM nationals and EC$55 (US$21) for other nationals.
Service Charges & Tax
Accommodation Taxes are 10% for hotels and 7% for Guesthouses, B&Bs and Villas. Yachting Charges: There is an EC$35 (about US$13) charge for all yacht arrivals at the port levied by the Port Authority.
Tipping & Gratuities
A 10% service charge is added at most restaurants, otherwise tipping is at your discretion.
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 Montserrat Tourist Board website: www.visitmontserrat.com or contact them at:
Montserrat Tourist Board
# 7 Farara Plaza, Buildings B&C, P.O. Box 7, Brades, Montserrat, WI Tel: 664 491 2230/8730 Fax: 664 491 7430USA & Canada, contact:
Cheryl Andrews Marketing Inc.
2655 LeJeune Road, Suite 805, Coral Gables, Florida 33134 USA
Tel: 305 444 4033 Fax: 305 447 0415UK & Ireland, contact:
Montserrat Government (U.K) Office
7 Portland Place, London WIB 1PP UK
Tel: 44 020 7031 0317 Fax: 44 020 7031 0318Germany & Continental Europe, contact:
Montserrat Tourist Board
Basic Services Group, Bahnhofplatz 4, D-55116 Mainz, Germany
Tel: 49 6131 99332 Fax: 49 6131 99331