Binding In Antigua And Barbuda: How Much Does It Cost?

Antigua and Barbuda is a beautiful island nation in the Caribbean, known for its stunning beaches and posh climate. The cost of visiting this tropical paradise can vary depending on your travel style and accommodation choices. Here's a breakdown of the expenses you can expect when planning a trip to Antigua and Barbuda:

Transportation:

- Renting a car is a convenient option, costing around US$40-50 per day. A temporary local driving license will cost you approximately US$20.

- Taxis are also available, with fixed fares for trips between the airport, harbour, and popular destinations.

- Local bus services are another affordable option, costing around US$1 per journey.

Accommodation:

- Hotels: Most 3-star hotels cost around US$250 per night.

- Airbnb: For a more affordable option, consider Airbnb, where you can find accommodations for as low as US$150 per night.

Food:

- Groceries: Some food items may be more expensive than in the US, such as berries or chips. Plan to spend around US$545 for groceries for two people over eight days.

- Dining out: You can find local restaurants off the beaten path that offer delicious meals at great prices, such as the Green Apple Cafe, where you can get four items for US$20. Beach bars and resorts will be more expensive.

Excursions and Activities:

- Snorkeling, lobster lunch, and catamaran cruise: Around US$140 per person.

- Food tour: Prices vary depending on the tour operator.

- Ferry ride to the sister island of Barbuda: The Barbuda Express charges US$55 one way and US$100 for a return trip.

Other Costs:

- International driver's license: US$20 per person if you plan to rent a car.

- Airfare: Varies depending on your origin but expect to pay several hundred dollars for a round trip.

So, how much does it cost to bind in Antigua and Barbuda? It really depends on your travel style and preferences. You can find ways to save money, such as cooking your own meals or opting for affordable excursions, or you can splurge on luxurious accommodations and fine dining. A comfortable budget for two people over eight days would be around US$3000, but you can adjust this based on your specific plans and spending habits.

Eating out in Antigua and Barbuda

A Diverse Dining Scene

Antigua and Barbuda offer a diverse range of dining options to suit different tastes and budgets. Whether you're craving a juicy burger, eager to explore local fare, or planning a romantic dinner, you'll find a restaurant to match your mood. The islands boast over 100 restaurants, serving up delicious cuisine that ranges from exotic local dishes to international fare, including West Indian, Italian, French, Chinese, and Swiss-German cuisine.

Seafood Galore

Being surrounded by the Caribbean Sea, it's no surprise that seafood is a speciality in Antigua and Barbuda. The sister island of Barbuda is particularly renowned for its impeccably fresh seafood. Conch, a type of meat found inside spiral shells that wash up on the beaches, is a popular delicacy. It can be prepared in various ways, such as curries, fritters, chowders, or raw in ceviches. The Copper and Lumber Hotel's Friday Night Seafood Buffet is a must-visit for seafood lovers, featuring crispy conch fritters and a massive surf and turf option.

National Dish and Local Specialities

The national dish of Antigua and Barbuda is saltfish and fungi (pronounced foon-ji). Fungi is similar to polenta or grits and is made by forming a cornmeal and okra paste into balls. Saltfish, a salt-cured and flaked white fish, is often paired with fungi for a hearty, traditional meal. Other local specialities include black-eyed pea rice, chop-up (a stew of spinach, okra, and eggplant), and ducana (a sweet potato and coconut dumpling).

Rum and Beyond

Rum is the signature alcoholic beverage of Antigua, and the island is known for producing high-quality rums like Cavalier and English Harbour. However, if cocktails are more your style, rum punch is the island's favourite drink. Papa Zouk, just outside of St. John's, is renowned for its extensive rum collection and delicious rum punches. For a unique beer experience, try Wadadli beer, a light and sweet lager brewed right in Antigua.

Dining with a View

Antigua and Barbuda offer dining options with breathtaking views. The Cove at Blue Waters Resort and Spa provides a romantic, oceanfront setting with cliffside views, perfect for watching the sunset. For a more laid-back atmosphere, Cecilia's High Point Café offers waterfront dining and tasty, eclectic dishes near the airport.

Fine Dining and Casual Bites

The islands cater to a range of dining preferences, from high-end resorts to local joints. Sheer Rocks at Cocobay Resort attracts diners from across Antigua with its locally sourced, Mediterranean-influenced dishes and romantic ambiance. For a more casual experience, Hemingway's Caribbean Restaurant & Café in St. John's offers casual Creole and Caribbean dishes, including curry shrimp, okra gumbo, and roasted jerk pork tenderloin.

Sweet Treats

Don't forget to leave room for dessert! The Antigua black pineapple is a local specialty, known for its sweet, juicy flesh. It's often incorporated into regional specialties and sweets. Additionally, traditional confectionaries like peanut brittle, sugar cake (made from coconut and sugar), and fudge are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Transport costs

The local currency in Antigua and Barbuda is the Eastern Caribbean dollar (XCD), but US dollars are also widely used and accepted as payment. Credit cards are the most popular payment option. ATMs are readily available on Antigua Island, but less so on Barbuda Island.

There are various means of transportation in Antigua and Barbuda. The most common is by private taxi. Fares between the airport, harbour, and many hotels and destinations are fixed and can be obtained upon arrival. Sample fares from V.C. Bird International Airport to Nelsons Dockyard are $21, to Shirley Heights are $21, and to St. John's are $7. Taxi drivers are also qualified as tour guides and can be booked for sightseeing trips. Tour rates can be obtained beforehand through hotels.

There is some local bus service in Antigua, with a network of minivans that only depart when full. A one-way ride costs $1.40, and a monthly pass for public transport costs $33. Biking is also very popular in Antigua and Barbuda, with a great network of roads.

To drive in Antigua and Barbuda, you will need a local driving permit in addition to a valid driver's license from your country of residence or an international driver's license. The rental agency can assist you in getting this temporary license, which costs approximately $20 and is valid for three months. Driving is on the left-hand side of the road.

Renting a car will cost about $40-$50 per day. Imported vehicles are subject to a 15% value-added tax (VAT) and a customs duty of around 60%, depending on the vehicle’s cost, insurance, and freight (CIF). Vehicle importers must also pay an Environmental Level of $1,000 for vehicles up to one year old or $4,000 for vehicles older than one year.

For international transportation to Europe, Canada, or the US, you can fly from VC Bird International Airport in St John's capital. According to Google Flights, a direct flight to Miami International Airport costs around $400 with American Airlines. Daily flights to the rest of the world are also available.

The Barbuda Express operates twice-daily boat connections from Antigua to Barbuda, with tickets costing $55 USD one way, or $100 USD for a return journey. Caribe Summer Breeze is a cheaper ferry company that operates the same route, charging $180 return or $100 one way, with additional fees for luggage.

Healthcare costs

Antigua and Barbuda is a small collection of islands in the West Indies, with a respectable healthcare system by Caribbean standards. The islands are a renowned health and medical care provider in the region, with the Mount St John's Medical Center in the capital city of St John's recognised as the most modern hospital among the Caribbean islands.

The country's healthcare system is primarily free, thanks to the Medical Benefits Scheme, which is funded by a payroll tax. However, it is still advisable to have private health insurance for enhanced medical services and to cover emergency evacuation costs.

Healthcare Infrastructure

Antigua and Barbuda's healthcare infrastructure includes 25 public health clinics and two hospitals: Mount St John's Medical Hospital and the Adelin private clinic. The country is divided into six medical districts, each with a medical officer appointed to carry out treatment. These health centres are located within three kilometres of each major settlement and deliver primary care. The clinics provide a range of services, including dentistry and testing for non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

The average price for a short doctor's visit in St John's is around $70. Monthly healthcare costs for a private health insurance policy range from $240 to $375 for a middle-aged expat, including medical evacuation cover.

Maternal and Child Health

Maternal health is a serious issue at St John's Medical Centre, where trained personnel deliver babies, and all expenses are covered for the mother. However, the country has a high infant mortality rate, with 17.2 deaths per 1,000 births, most of which occur in the neonatal period due to injuries and prematurity.

Grocery costs

Antigua and Barbuda's grocery costs can vary, but certain trends and average prices offer insight into the typical expenses one might encounter. The islands rely heavily on imported goods, which generally results in higher grocery prices than in larger countries.

• A liter of milk can cost around $2.50 to $3.
• A loaf of bread is typically priced between $2 and $3.
• Local fruits and vegetables are more affordable, with prices ranging from $1 to $3 per item or per pound, depending on the season and availability.
• Imported meats and cheeses can be pricier, often exceeding $10 per pound.

For a standard grocery shopping trip, one might expect to spend around $50 to $100 per week, depending on dietary habits and preferences for local versus imported goods.

These prices are subject to fluctuation based on factors like location within the islands, economic conditions, and seasonal changes. It's important to note that visitors and residents can manage their food budgets effectively by combining dining options and shopping choices. Balancing meals at home with the diverse culinary experiences offered by local eateries and restaurants can help optimize costs.

Additionally, shopping at local markets and street vendors can offer more competitive prices for fresh produce, especially during peak seasons.

Real estate costs

Antigua and Barbuda is a highly sought-after Caribbean destination, with its stunning beauty, exclusive lifestyle, and high quality of life attracting tourists, international families, and expats alike. As a result, the cost of living in Antigua and Barbuda is considered more expensive than in most other Caribbean islands. However, it is still about 20% cheaper than in the US and the UK.

For those looking to rent property in Antigua and Barbuda, there are plenty of great choices available at affordable prices. On average, a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre will cost around $740 per month, while a similar property outside the city centre will cost approximately $370 per month. For larger families, a three-bedroom apartment in the city centre will cost approximately $1,450 per month, with prices dropping to around $1,110 per month for properties outside the city centre.

For those looking to buy property, Antigua and Barbuda offers a range of options, from historic colonial houses to luxury beachfront villas. Property prices can range from $255,000 to $12 million. The dynamic and diverse real estate market also provides opportunities for foreign investors, with the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program offering investors and their families the chance to obtain citizenship in exchange for a qualifying investment. The minimum investment required is $300,000, and the property must be located in a 'pre-approved' area listed under the government's Antigua Golden Visa approved development projects. Investors must also hold the property for a minimum of five years.

In addition to residential properties, there are also commercial real estate options available, including large parcels of land for development, apartment buildings, and hotels for sale.

Overall, while the cost of living in Antigua and Barbuda is relatively high compared to other Caribbean islands, it still offers more affordable options than the US and the UK, making it a desirable destination for those seeking a high-quality island lifestyle.

Frequently asked questions