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Bank
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BANKS: The following banks have branches in St. Lucia: Barclays Bank, CIBC, Caribbean Banking Corp, Scotiabank, National Commercial Bank, Royal Bank of Canada, St Lucia Cooperative Bank. Banks are closed Saturdays, Sundays and local holidays. Most banks have ATM machines. You can get cash (local currency equivalent) using your credit card at banks and some ATMs.
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Car Rental
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CAR RENTAL: Cars and four-wheel-drive vehicles can be booked in advance through a travel agent or at the airports, hotels or at car rental offices on the island. A temporary driving licence is required for visitors and can be obtained on production of a current driver's licence on arrival at the airport, at the police station in Castries or at the car rental office. The cost is EC$30. Driving Tips: Driving is on the left, British style; seat belts should be worn; drinking and driving is against the law; observe the speed limits; parking tickets are issued for vehicles parked in "no parking" zones, and the penalties start at around EC$40; in case of a breakdown or accident, make sure to have the telephone number of the car rental company.
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Climate
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CLIMATE: Temperatures in St. Lucia may range between 83? and 88?. The rainy season is June to November.
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Currency
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CURRENCY: The currency of St. Lucia is the Eastern Caribbean dollar although U.S. currency is readily accepted throughout the island. Currency exchange bureaus are located in Castries; and the National Commercial Bank has a branch at Hewanorra Airport.
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Customs/Import
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CUSTOMS/IMPORT: The duty-free allowance into St. Lucia is 200 cigarettes and one litre of spirits or wine.
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Dress Code
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DRESS CODE: Visitors should bring cool, comfortable clothing. Jackets and ties are rarely required, but overly casual beachwear is rarely appropriate off the beach
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Documents
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DOCUMENTS/PASSPORTS: Please refer to this site for the most current information regarding international travel: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_3013.html
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Elecetricity
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ELECTRICITY: The standard is 220 volts/50 cycles (Hz). Most hotels have adapter switches for electric shavers and hair dryers. A few hotels have 110 Volt, 50Hz supply.
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Language
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LANGUAGE: The principal language is English, but a French-based patois is widely spoken
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Medical Services
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MEDICAL SERVICES: All hotels have doctors, either resident or available on call
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Public Safety
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PUBLIC SAFETY: Crime is not prevalent. However, common sense should prevail when traveling. Crimes of any sort should be reported to the hotel, the Tourist Board, and/or the Police.
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Shopping
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SHOPPING: There are a variety of place to shop including Castries market where local crafts are available; Pointe Seraphine, an elegant, Spanish-style shopping center; Gablewoods Mall (open 6 days a week 9.00 am to 9.00 pm) and the boutiques of the Rodney Bay Marina Shopping Arcade. Most hotels have boutiques and a Vendors' Market. Good buys include batik, perfume, straw goods, pottery, silk-screen goods, wood carving, shell jewelry, electronics, cryrstal and leather goods.
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Sun and Skin
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SUN AND SKIN: The tropical sun is hot - be careful when tanning especially around noontime.
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Time Zone
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TIME ZONE: Eastern Standard Time plus one hour
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Water
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WATER: Drinking water is safe from the tap and bottled mineral/distilled water is also available
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