St. John's, Antigua and Barbuda 🇦🇬
#1774
,
Nomad Score:
52%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | St. John's is the capital city of Antigua and Barbuda and a vibrant hub of culture and commerce. |
| 👥 Population | approximately 30,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | average of 20-30 Mbps, with some areas offering higher speeds |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 XCD (East Caribbean Dollar) ≈ 0.37 USD |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type G sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Local providers include Digicel and Flow; prepaid SIM cards are widely available. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Major banks include Bank of Nova Scotia, Antigua Commercial Bank, and Eastern Caribbean Central Bank. ATMs are common. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, long-term rentals, and guesthouses |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, credit cards are accepted at most shops and restaurants, but cash is preferred in smaller establishments. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb, HomeAway provide ample short-term rental options across St. John's. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Budget options include local guesthouses and hostels such as The Heritage Hotel. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Dickenson Bay offers proximity to the beach and tourist amenities. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | St. John's city center provides easy access to coworking spaces, cafes, and networking opportunities. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Office in St. John's offers reliable internet and a comfortable working environment. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café Belle Époque is a popular spot with good coffee and Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Regular meetups and events are hosted by the Antigua and Barbuda Chamber of Commerce. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Expats often gather for social events organized by local groups on social media platforms. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Taxi services are available but Uber is not; traditional taxis and local ride services are your best choices. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bikes and scooters can be rented from local shops; however, options are limited. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Dickenson Bay is the closest beach, approximately 5 minutes away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | LIAT offers regional flights across the Caribbean. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | American Airlines and JetBlue provide direct flights from several US cities. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Main road access includes the Sir George Walter Highway connecting to various parts of the island. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | There are no trains; public transit is primarily via minibuses and taxis. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No formal public transport pass system exists; fares are paid per journey. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Minibuses and taxis connect St. John's with other areas and attractions. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Mount St. John's Medical Centre is the primary healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Wellness Spa offers yoga and holistic health services. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | The Gym and Fitness Club provides a range of fitness equipment and classes. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundromats are available, with Drop & Wash being a popular choice. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Food delivery can be arranged via local restaurants directly, as major apps are not widely used. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Fungee and Pepperpot, a traditional Antiguan dish, is highly recommended. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Trappas provides excellent vegan and vegetarian dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Chocolate Bar offers a variety of delicious local desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets, such as the St. John's Market, offer fresh produce and local goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon is available for shipping to St. John's, though delivery times may vary. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Grocery delivery is not common; most shopping is done in-store. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Heritage Quay provides several bars and nightlife options. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Antigua's Beer Company brews local beers like Wadadli Lager. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Woods Restaurant features a selection of wines and a relaxed atmosphere. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street food options can be found near the market, offering local snacks. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Several restaurants offer international cuisine, including KFC and Pizza Hut. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | St. John's Cathedral and the Nelson's Dockyard are must-visit sites. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Antigua and Barbuda Museum showcases the history of the islands. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Fort James provides insight into the military history of Antigua. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | St. John's Cathedral is a historic Anglican church worth visiting. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Carnival, held each July, is a vibrant celebration of culture and music. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The city center features local arts, crafts, and cultural experiences. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Antigua Recreation Grounds often hosts shows and performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | St. John's Market is vibrant with local produce and crafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music is prevalent in various bars and venues across the city. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Local graffiti and murals can be found around the city center. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local chefs offer cooking classes focusing on Antiguan culinary traditions. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The Gallery of Antigua and Barbuda features local artists' work. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Museum of Antigua and Barbuda is housed in a historic building dating back to the 18th century. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Antiguan culture is rich in history, highlighted through music, dance, and art. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Half Moon Bay offers beautiful scenery and beach access. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Nelson's Dockyard National Park is a key attraction for nature lovers. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Walking paths along the coastline offer scenic views. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Shirley Heights provides stunning views of the harbor at sunset. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The Frigate Bird Sanctuary on Barbuda is excellent for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain beaches allow bonfires; check local regulations. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Local services like DHL and FedEx are available for parcel delivery. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops in St. John's offer basic tech repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | The local sports center sometimes has tables available for public use. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language exchange events can be found via local community centers. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Antigua and Barbuda Public Library offers quiet study areas. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Antigua Cultural Center fosters community engagement. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Local cafes sometimes host gaming nights. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | The Casino at the beach provides gaming options. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $100,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $2,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $80,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $168,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $2,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $132,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $3,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $240,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $2,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $200,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Territorial basis for residents |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 30% |
| 🧾 VAT | 15% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No strict CFC rules in place. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax based on value deemed appropriate. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 5% standard rate on property purchases. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | 0% tax on income earned outside Antigua and Barbuda. |