MontserratTravel Tips

MONTSERRAT TRAVEL TIPS
A collection of important information that can make your trip more enjoyable.

The island of Montserrat is in the Lesser Antilles of the West Indies. Until 1956, it was a division of the Leeward Islands. In 1958 Montserrat joined the Federation of the West Indies, remaining a member until that organization's dissolution in 1962. Unlike most other British West Indies possessions, Montserrat, with its weak economy, has not vigorously sought independence. The Soufrière Hills volcano began erupting in 1995, and the situation continued to worsen through 1998, with the capital, Plymouth, destroyed and the southern and central parts of the British colony having been evacuated.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Area: 39 sq mi (102 sq km). Population: 9,439 (growth rate: 1.1%); birth rate: 17.6/1000; infant mortality rate: 7.2/1000; life expectancy: 78.8. Population Density: 240 per sq mi. Capital: Plymouth. The city was abandoned in 1997 due to volcanic activity. Interim government buildings have been built at Brades Estate, in the Carr's Bay/Little Bay vicinity at the northwest end of Montserrat. Government: British Overseas Territory since 1632. Head of State: HM Queen Elizabeth II, represented locally by Governor Deborah Barnes Jones since 2004. Head of Government: Chief Minister Dr John A Osborne since 2001. Head of Government: Chief Minister Dr John A Osborne since 2001. Language: English is the official language. Religion: Roman Catholic, Anglican, Methodist and other Christian denominations.

Electricity: 110/220 volts AC, 60Hz.

GEOGRAPHY: Montserrat is one of the Leeward Islands group in the Eastern Caribbean. It is a volcanic island with black sandy beaches and lush tropical vegetation. There are three main volcanic mountains on the island and Chances Peak is its highest point at 915m (3002ft). The Soufrire group of hills houses the volcano which began erupting in July 1995 and to date is continuously active. The Great Alps Waterfall, previously one of the most spectacular sights in the West Indies, has been destroyed by the volcano.

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MONTSERRAT ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

U.S. citizens may present a valid or expired passport, a certified U.S. birth certificate, or a certificate of naturalization, in addition to photo identification and an onward/return ticket and sufficient funds for their stay for entry into Montserrat.  Although expired passports are accepted for entry, the Department of State strongly recommends that American citizens travel with valid U.S. passports.  As of January 1, 2007, U.S. citizens will be required to present a valid passport to enter the United States by sea or by air. Click here for Visa Informations

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MONTSERRAT COMMUNICATIONS

Telephone: Full IDD is available. Country code: 1 664. Outgoing international code: 011. Phone booths are operated by coins and phonecards.

Mobile telephone: TDMA network not compatible with GSM handsets. Coverage extends over the northern half of the island. Handsets can be hired from the network provider, CW Caribbean Cellular. GSM 850 network operates, provided by Cable & Wireless West Indies.

Fax: Cable Wireless (WI) Ltd runs international links.

Internet: Main ISP is Cable Wireless.

Telegram:Cable Wireless (WI) Ltd runs international links.

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MONTSERRAT SOCIAL PROFILE

Food Drink
Dining options in Montserrat are varied, with a choice of international or local specialities. The island specialities are fresh seafood and mountain chicken – not actually chicken, but the leg from a local species of large frog (Dominica is the only other island where these frogs can be found). Barbecues are popular and other local dishes include pumpkin soup, goat water (comparable to Irish stew), aubergine patties, salt fish, crêpes and dishes made from abundant local fruits. Waiter service is normal.
Most bars serve imported beers, spirits and wines. The local rum punch liqueur is Monserrat Rum Punch. There is also an abundance of local fruit drinks available.

Nightlife
There are numerous clubs open in the evenings and at weekends.

Social Conventions
Casual clothes are acceptable. Beachwear should be confined to the beach or poolside. The lifestyle is generally peaceful, combining many English influences with West Indian. The people are usually friendly and relaxed. All visitors are made welcome.

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MONTSERRAT SAFETY & SECURITY

The crime rate in Montserrat is low.  However, travelers should take normal, common sense precautions.  Avoid carrying large amounts of cash and displaying expensive jewelry.  Use hotel safety deposit facilities to safeguard valuables and travel documents.

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MONTSERRAT HEALTH

Food drink: Mains water is normally chlorinated, and is safe to drink. Bottled water is available. Milk is pasteurised and dairy products are safe for consumption. Local meat, poultry, seafood, fruit and vegetables are generally considered safe to eat.

Other risks: Bacillary and amoebic dysenteries are common. Hepatitis A is present. Outbreaks of dengue fever may occur. After an ash fall, the ash-laden air may cause breathing problems for persons suffering from respiratory problems such as asthma.

Health care: There is a well-equipped 30-bed hospital, providing 24-hour casualty service. Montserrat is a UK Dependency and a limited reciprocal health agreement exists with the UK. On presentation of proof of UK residence, free treatment is available at the general hospital and at state-run clinics to those aged over 60 and under 16. Dental treatment is also free for school-age children. Private health insurance is recommended. For specialist treatment, visitors are required to travel to neighbouring islands (eg Antigua or Guadeloupe).

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MONTSERRAT CURRENCY/MONEY

Currency: East Caribbean dollar.

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MONTSERRAT SHOPPING

Locally made items include jewellery, needlework, ceramics, glassware and some interesting artefacts made from coconut. Local arts and crafts shops are dotted throughout the island. Shopping hours: Mon, Tue and Thurs 0800-1200 and 1300-1600, Wed and Sat 0800-1300, Fri 0800-1700.

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MONTSERRAT TIPPING

Service charge and government tax are added to restaurant and hotel bills.

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MONTSERRAT CLIMATE & CLOTHING

Climate: The climate is subtropical, tempered by trade winds. There is little climatic variation throughout the year. The heaviest rainfall occurs between September and November; however, the heavy cloudbursts serve to refresh the atmosphere and once they are over the sun reappears.

Clothing: Tropical lightweights are worn, with light woollens for cooler evenings. A light raincoat or an umbrella is useful.

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MONTSERRAT SPORTS & ACTIVITIES

Hiking

The Montserrat Forest rangers offer a wide range of guided walks and hiking tours in the northern part of the island. Popular routes are the Cot trail (which runs through an oki banana plantation to a historic family house), Runaway Ghaut, the Centre Hills trail, and the Silver Hills trail (which passes through one of the islands oldest volcanic centres). Trained guides are available to inform hikers about the flora and fauna.

Volcano viewing

Day tours of the volcano area are available. Experienced guides take the visitor to safe vantage points from which they can observe the Soufrire Hills volcano. The Montserrat Volcano Observatory can also be visited. Caribbean Helicopters also offer helicopter tours around the volcano.

Watersports

Most villas have their own swimming pools. Beaches are of black’ volcanic sand. The surrounding waters are excellent for scuba diving. Both deep and shallow dives are available. Equipment may be hired or purchased on the island. Snorkelling equipment is available in resorts. Villa owners or agents can arrange professional instruction, and the tourist board can give details of dive schools. Sea-fishing trips can be organised through hotels or directly with specialist operators.

Cricket

This is popular and matches are played from February to June.

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MONTSERRAT TIME ZONE

Montserrat Standard Time is GMT -4.

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