St. Eustatius - Location Guide & Travel Tips 
Location
Located in the northern part of the Leeward Islands in the eastern Caribbean, Sint Eustatius is about 90 miles east of St. Croix and 17 miles southeast of Saba. Nearby to the north are Anquilla, St Martin/St Maartin, and St Barthélemy, around 40 miles away. St. Kitts is only 7 miles distant towards the southeast.
Geography
Sint Eustatius ("U-STAY-shus"), also known as Saint Eustace or just Statia ("STAY-sha"), part of the Netherlands Antilles, has a land area of 11.8 square miles, and is about 5 miles long by 2 miles wide. At the southern end is the nearly 2000' high extinct volcano, called "The Quill" and at the northern end, slightly shorter elevations are found at Little Mountain, Signal Hill and Boven Mountain. The population of less than 3000 live mostly in the flatter areas found in the center, and though predominantly of black African descent, people from over 20 different nationalities are represented.
The island's capital is Oranjestad, located along the water on the west side. This is Statia's only principal town, with its lower part comprising the original port with harbor, colonial era ruins, and one of the island's 3 sandy beaches. The upper part of Oranjestad is the main commercial and residential area. The Upper Town and Lower Town are connected with a stone paved road and between the two is Fort Oranje, a restored 17th century fort complete with cannons, triple bastions and a cobblestone courtyard. It's perched on the cliffs directly above the lower area commanding a broad view of the waterfront below it.
Travel to Statia
Franklin Delano Roosevelt Airport (EUX), is just over half a mile (1km) from Oranjestad. Taxis and rental cars are available there. Two services allow passengers to connect with international carriers. One is Winair, offering 15 minute flights 5 times a day from St. Maarten, and the other is Caribbean Sun Airlines which flies daily into St. Eustatius from San Juan Puerto Rico.
Yachters can find anchorage at Oranje Bay Marina, but there is no scheduled boat or ferry services to Statia.
Climate
Generally dry and sunny with moderate rainfall in the form of light to medium showers dispersed throughout the year. Constant northeast trade winds provide continuous cooling breezes which generally keep daytime temperatures below 85°F (29°C). Average night-time temperature is about 74°F (23°C).
What to Wear
For the most part, casual informal dress is the rule in Statia. Something a little dressier, yet still casual may be preferred for evening dining at more elegant restaurants. A light jacket or sweater may be needed for evenings during winter. Swimwear is not appropriate in shops and other public places. There is no topless or nude sunbathing.
Language
English, Dutch and Spanish. Dutch is the official language, but English is widely spoken.
Time Zone
Atlantic Standard Time. Four hours behind Greenwich Mean Time GMT-4). Daylight Savings Time is not observed.
Currency
The Netherlands Antilles Guilder (NAfl) is the official currency, with an exchange rate of about NAfl 1.80 = $1.00 US. The U.S. Dollar and most major credit cards are widely accepted. Local banks will also exchange foreign currency.
Telecommunications
Statia enjoys an up-to-date communications system, including available internet access. The local telephone company is the St. Eustatius Telephone Company N.V. CaribTel calling cards are for sale starting at NAF 18 or $US10. Cards can be bought at the Post Office and are usable with most public telephones on the island. The country code for the Netherlands Antilles is 599, and 318 is the area code for Statia.
Electricity
100v / 60hz (U.S. standard). Adapters may be required for European and other plug styles not having 2 flat prongs. Transformers are required for 220v appliances.
Medical Facilities
Queen Beatrix Hospital
With two doctors on 24-hour call, the island enjoys an excellent standard of health care.
Tel: (599-3) 182371/182211
University of St. Eustatius School of Medicine
The island has an ECFMG-accredited medical school leading to an M.D. degree for those interested in practicing medicine in the U.S.
Contact:
University of St. Eustatius School of Medicine, P.O. Box 429, Westminster, MA 01473-9902
Statia Office: Telephone: (599-3) 182600 Fax (599-3) 182088.
U.S. Office: Telephone:(toll free): 001-877-878-2842 Fax 001-978-632-9977
e-mail: admissions@eustatiusmed.edu or e-mail: clinicals@eustatiusmed.edu
Hyperbaric Facility
There are two decompression chambers on Statia.
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.
Contact: e-mail: hyperdunc@eustatiusmed.edu
Government
The islands of Saba, Sint Eustatius, Sint Maarten, Curacao, and Bonaire form the Netherland Antilles. However the idea of the Netherlands Antilles as a state never has enjoyed full support of all islands and political relations between islands were often strained. In fact Aruba was included until 1996 when they seceded to form their own state, but are still associated with the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
In 2004 a commission of the governments of the Netherlands Antilles and the Netherlands met and advised a revision of the Statute of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in order to dissolve the Netherlands Antilles. On November 28, 2005, an agreement was signed between the Dutch government and the governments of each island that would put into effect the commission's findings by July 2007. At that time, Saba, Sint Eustatius and Bonaire will become part of the Netherlands as Kingdom Islands while Curacao and Sint Maarten - who voted for more autonomy - will become two new associated states within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Customs & Immigration - Passports
Statia is a free port and there are no customs duties. A valid passport is required for entry and this applies to all visitors. U.S. and Canadian can no longer enter using birth certificate and drivers license.
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.
Service Charges, Tax & Tipping
Hotels and restaurants will add a service charge of 15% to your bill, and there is a government room tax of 7%. Gratuities for other services are at your discretion, and for taxi drivers the norm is one or two dollars. Note that taxis don't have meters and fare should be agreed on when first engaging service.
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 Statia Tourism website, or contact them at:
St. Eustatius Tourism Development Foundation
Fort Oranje, Oranjestad, St. Eustatius, Netherlands Antilles
Tel: (599) 318-2433 Fax: (599) 318-2433
e-mail: euxtour@goldenrocknet.comThere is also a Tourist Information Booth
at the airport which is open daily.U.S., contact:
Consulate General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Miami:
701 Brickell Ave, 5th floor, Miami, FL 33131
Tel: 786-866-0480 / 786-866-0493 / 786-866-0494 / 786-866-0495
Fax: 786-866-0497 / 786-866-0498
e-mail: mia@minbuza.nlNetherlands, contact:
Antillean House in the Netherlands
Het Antillen Huis, Badhuisweg 173-175, 2597 JP,
The Hague, The Netherlands
Tel: 0031-(0)70-3066 111 Fax: 0031-(0)70-3066 110