Archaeology

The Sint Eustatius Center for Archaeological Research (S.E.C.A.R.) was formed as a not-for-profit research group under the St. Eustatius Historical Foundation on Statia in 2000. S.E.C.A.R. provides a permanent archaeological presence on St. Eustatius with the goal of protecting and developing the historical resources located on the island in full cooperation with local residents

Banking

First Caribbean International 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

Business Services

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

Car Rental

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.

Children on Vacation

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

Climate

Generally dry and sunny. Light constant northeast trade winds bring constant cool breezes and sufficient moisture to keep the average daytime temperature down to about 27 degrees Celsius. The average night temperature drops to a comfortable 23 degrees. Rainfall occurs in showers of medium duration during the months of April, June and September

Communications

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.

The local telephone company is the St. Eustatius Telephone Company N.V.

Colourful CaribTel calling cards are for sale. 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

Telecommunication services:
UTS
Address: Van Toningenweg
Phone: (599) 318-2320
Fax: (599) 318-2200

Credit Cards

Most major credit cards are accepted. If you are in any doubt, do check before you commit yourself.

Currency

The Antillean Guilder is tied to the United States dollar. The dollar is widely accepted.
Local banks will also exchange other foreign currency

Customs

There are no Customs duties since the island is a free port.

Ecotourism

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

St. Eustatius Marine Park
Address: Gallowsbay
Phone: (599) 318-2884
Fax: (599) 318-2913

Education

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

Electricity

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

Emergency Numbers

Local emergency numbers are as follows:
Police 911
Fire Department 912
Hospital 913

Entry Requirements

A valid passport is the entry requirement for visitors to St. Eustatius including USA and Canadian citizens. Birth Certificates and drivers licenses are no longer accepted

Festivals

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.

Language

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

Location

St. Eustatius, affectionately called Statia, is approxi-mately 5 miles long and 2 miles wide, covering a total of 11.8 square miles. The island has a population of approximately 2900 and is located in the north eastern Caribbean. It is 150 miles east of Puerto Rico (latitude 17.00, longitude 63.04), 90 miles east of St. Croix, 38 miles south of St. Maarten and 17 miles southeast of Saba.

Statia is only a few hours by air from major USA cities and a mere 15 minutes flying time from St. Maarten. Together with sister islands Saba and St. Maarten, Statia forms the Windward Islands of the Dutch Caribbean.

Medical services

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.

Postal Services

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.

Taxis

Dispatch, is at the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Airport. Taxis do not have meters. Rates are fixed and should be checked before ride.

When to Visit Statia

Many visitors come to enjoy the island's mild temperature and to escape the cold between mid-December and mid-April. You will, however, discover that this excellent weather prevails throughout the year.

Links & Sources:

• Frommers
• St.Eustatius Tourist Office
• St Eustatius Map