Getting Around

Car Rental:

Thrifty at Airport

(869) 465-3160

Taxi:

Solomon's Taxi Service and Great House

(869) 465-7336

Groceries:

There’s a small market down the road from the St. Christopher Club called Ram’s. Just take a right when you exit the property, and it’s on your right. For basic food and supplies, there’s also a convenience store in the Marriott that’s open until 11 p.m. or so. And in town, there’s a larger Ram’s. Your best bet for grocery shopping though is the Horsford’s IGA. If you go to the traffic circle right outside the airport, then head toward Basseterre, you’ll see it on your left at the gas station.

Speed:

Everything seems to move at a slower pace here (except the driving), particularly anything that involves another human being. So be prepared for slow service, but also polite service with a good attitude and a smile.

Inconveniences

There are irregular power outages. Don’t worry. They never last more than, um, twelve hours. There is also some petty crime and theft on the island, so keep doors locked and valuables safe.

If there’s a medical emergency, a doctor who you can visit or who makes house calls is LeRoy E. Richardson. His office is on Rosemary Lane near the police station. That said, a house call is only $75. So you may as well call. His office number is 869-465-4083. In an emergency, his home number is 869-466-8838. In an extreme, extreme emergency, his mobile number is 869-662-5295. There is also a general hospital with an emergency room on the main road through town, just before the Caribbean Cinemas.

For police, there’s a Frigate Bay outpost at 1-869-465-6899. WPC Handley (#450) is one of the more competent and friendly officers there.

Taxis:

There is a taxi stand down the road, just to the right as you exit St. Christopher Club. You can also always find taxis waiting on the Caribbean side, next to Timothy Beach. Taxis on the island are not cheap, because it’s expensive to get a car on the island. That said, the rates are set - generally $10 - $20 to most locations – so you won’t get ripped off.

Airport

Note that there is a $22 US ($60 EC) departure tax per person that you’ll have to pay in cash when leaving St. Kitts. So bring a little money to the airport.

Other

The Marriott resort here is a monstrosity. Dozens of people will ask you if you’re staying there, and you may respond with pride, “No.” That said, although it looks like Tiananmen Square outside and they’ve destroyed their beach with these strange concrete umbrellas, it is the best thing to a local tourist information and cultural center. Go here to mail letters, get supplies, ask questions about tours, get help if there’s a problem, find local resources, and obtain any other information or resource not included in this guide.