Travel Info Anguilla
Situated east of the Virgin Islands, north of St. Kitts, Nevis, and St. Barts, Anguilla is still one of the Caribbean’s best-kept secrets.
This small, tranquil island is ideal for those seeking a laid-back beach getaway. Among the main attractions of the island are spectacular and ecologically important coral reefs perfect for snorkeling and scuba diving, over 30 unspoiled beaches, and an 18-hole championship golf course designed by Greg Norman.
Capital
The Valley
Language
English
Politics
Anguilla is a self-governing overseas British territory.
Population
13,500 - Approximately three quarters of the inhabitants of Anguillians are native, while most of the remaining quarter are from the United States, United Kingdom, St Kitts & Nevis, the Dominican Republic, and Jamaica.
The People
The history of Anguilla's people created the diverse culture currently present on the island. The Amerindian tribes from South America were the island's first inhabitants; then, in the seventeenth century, the English colonized Anguilla and brought African slaves with them. Today, most of the residents of Anguilla are of African descent, although there is a growing Caucasian population. The island has an estimated adult literacy rate of 95%.
Industry
The economy of Anguilla is primarily based on luxury tourism, offshore banking, and fishing.
Money
The Eastern Caribbean dollar is the local currency. The exchange rate is fixed to the U.S. dollar at approximately about $2.70 (EC) to $1 (USD). While the U.S. dollar is widely accepted, store prices will be listed in Eastern Caribbean dollars and change will be given in local currency. The airport and most hotels in Anguilla have currency exchanges, but it is better to exchange currency at commercial banks because they give a better rate, and you can save money by not using foreign currency for purchases. The island possesses modern banking facilities, including five ATMs. Most major businesses, hotels and restaurants accept major credit cards, although it's a good idea to call ahead and ask just to be sure.
Sunrise and Sunset
Depending on the time of year, the sun rises between 6:00 a.m. and 6:30 a.m. and sets between 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
Electricity
110 Volts alternating at 60 cycles per second
Time
Like most of the Caribbean, Anguilla is in the Atlantic time zone.
Water
The water is potable; for the cautious, however, bottled water is available throughout the island.
Religions
The people of Anguilla are predominantly of the Christian faith, and Anglicans and Methodists are the most popular denominations. Seventh Day Adventists, Baptists, and Roman Catholics are also represented. More than a dozen churches on the island (one every two miles) make attending religious services quite easy. The birthplace of Robert Athlyi Rogers, author of The Holy Piby, Anguilla also has a minor Rastafarian influence.
Telephone Calls
The area code for Anguilla is 264. Public pay phones, many of which accept phone cards that can be purchased at shops and hotels, are available throughout the island.
Media
The Anguillan is a popular local newspaper on the island and What We Do in Anguilla is a monthly magazine for tourists. Access to radio and cable television is prominent in Anguilla.
Postal Service
The Valley, Anguilla's capital city, has a post office that is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., and the island also offers several international courier services, such as Federal Express and UPS. Airmail to the United States and Canada generally takes one to two weeks to reach its destination, while mail addressed to the United Kingdom and other parts of Europe may take up to three weeks. It costs EC$1.50 to send postcards and letters up to a half ounce to the United States, Canada, or Europe. Postage is slightly higher to send mail to Australia or New Zealand.
Library
Located in the Valley, the Anguilla Public Library is open Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., and Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The facility has approximately 14,000 books available and offers high-speed Internet access for a small fee.
