Money and duty free for Antigua and Barbuda

Currency and Money

Currency information

East Caribbean Dollar (XCD; symbol EC$) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of EC$100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of EC$2 and EC$1, and 25, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents. US currency is accepted almost everywhere. The EC Dollar is pegged to the US Dollar.

Credit cards

Major credit cards including American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are accepted all over the islands.

ATM

ATMs are available on the island, with more found in the major resorts and towns such as St John’s.

Travellers cheques

These can be exchanged at international banks, hotels and larger stores. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller's cheques in US Dollars rather than Pound Sterling or Euros.

Banking hours

Mon-Thurs 0800-1500; Fri 0800-1600. The Bank of Antigua also opens until midday on Saturdays.

Currency restrictions

There are no limits on the import of local and foreign currency, provided it is declared upon arrival. Amounts exceeding the equivalent of US$10,000 need to be declared. The export of local and foreign currency is permitted up to the amount imported and declared.

Currency exchange

Although the EC Dollar is tied to the US Dollar, exchange rates will vary at different exchange establishments. There are international banks in St John's, and Pound Sterling and US Dollars can be exchanged at hotels and in the larger shops.

Antigua and Barbuda duty free

Overview

The following items may be imported into Antigua & Barbuda without incurring customs duty by travellers 18 years of age and older:

• 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco.
• 1L of alcoholic beverages.
 

Banned Imports

Prohibited items include arms and non-prescription drugs. Restricted goods requiring a licence include vehicles, meat, plants, fruits and vegetables, pharmaceuticals, chemicals and firearms.