Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis 🇰🇳
#1226
,
Nomad Score:
57%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Basseterre is the capital city of Saint Kitts and Nevis, known for its historical sites and vibrant culture. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 15,000. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is about 20 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD), 1 USD ≈ 2.7 XCD. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable, but it's recommended to use bottled water. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type A/B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Local providers include Digicel and Flow, offering competitive data plans. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Commonly accepted payment methods are credit and debit cards; banks include Republic Bank and Scotiabank. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, local guesthouses, and hotels like St. Kitts Marriott Resort. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are widely accepted, but cash is recommended for small purchases. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local vacation rentals are popular for short stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Consider budget options like Sugar Bay Club Suites or local guesthouses. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Frigate Bay and the Basseterre Waterfront are recommended for tourists. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Frigate Bay offers a good balance of amenities, quietness, and coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | COWO St. Kitts offers a spacious environment for remote work. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe de Paris is known for its quick internet and relaxed atmosphere. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Check local Facebook groups for expat meetups and networking events. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | The St. Kitts-Nevis Expat Community regularly organizes social gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Local taxis are available, but there are no ride-hailing apps currently. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Scooter rental shops are available around Frigate Bay. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Frigate Bay Beach is a popular choice for relaxation and water activities. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | LIAT operates flights to other Caribbean islands. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | American Airlines and JetBlue offer direct flights from major US cities. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | The island is well-connected via the main road running through Basseterre. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | There are no trains; local minibuses offer public transport options. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public transport is mostly pay-per-ride with no formal passes. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Ferries to Nevis and other islands are available from the main dock. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Joseph N. France General Hospital provides the main healthcare services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | The Kittitian Hill offers wellness classes and spa services. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Vigorous Gym and other local facilities are available for fitness enthusiasts. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Self-service laundromats are available, but local laundry services are common too. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | No major food delivery apps; local restaurants usually offer direct orders. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Don't miss the local dish, 'Pepperpot' – a rich meat stew. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Try the vegetarian restaurant 'Plant based Kittitian' for plant-based meals. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Visit Bliss Cafe for various desserts and sweet treats. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets near the city center offer affordable fruit and groceries. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon and local delivery services can ship to Basseterre. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Local grocery stores like Ram's and SuperValue offer delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The strip in Frigate Bay is popular for nightlife and bars. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Visit the St. Kitts Brewery for local beers and tours. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | The Royal Beach Casino has a variety of bars that serve wine. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Look for local stalls around town selling “Saltfish” and “Fried Johnny Cakes.” |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Several places offer Italian and American cuisine, like Pizza Boys. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Brimstone Hill Fortress and Independence Square are must-visit historical sites. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | St. Kitts National Museum located on the Bay Road is worth visiting. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Check out the Berkeley Memorial and other colonial buildings. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The St. George's Anglican Church is a notable landmark. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The St. Kitts Music Festival takes place each June, attracting many visitors. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Basseterre's waterfront area showcases local culture and art. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Cultural Centre hosts various performances year-round. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Basseterre Farmers Market is vibrant on Saturday mornings. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local bars often feature live calypso and reggae music. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Explore murals around the Basseterre waterfront area. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local chefs offer cooking classes focusing on Caribbean cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The National Museum often showcases local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Explore various colonial-era buildings scattered throughout the city. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Kittitian culture is reflected in the architecture and festivals of the island. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The beaches at Frigate Bay and Pinney's Beach are nearby nature escapes. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | The Christophe Harbour is a stunning spot for hiking and nature walks. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Explore the scenic coastlines along the local roads. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Head to Timothy Hill for breathtaking views of the island. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Look for tropical birds in the wetlands behind Frigate Bay. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Some beaches allow bonfires; check local regulations for specific areas. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local postal services offer parcel delivery. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local electronics shops can assist with tech repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | The St. Kitts National Cricket Stadium has facilities for table tennis. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Local conversation groups help residents practice English and other languages. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Basseterre Public Library is a quiet place for reading and studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank has community programs and events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gaming opportunities can be found at local bars and cafes with WiFi. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | The Royal Beach Casino offers gaming experiences. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $80,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $72,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $132,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,900 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $114,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $200,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $2,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $160,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | No withholding tax on dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Territorial tax system for expats. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 25%. |
| 🧾 VAT | No VAT; however, Import Taxes apply. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, CFC rules are in place. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax is around 0.5% of the property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Approximately 5% for property purchases. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Saint Kitts offers a citizenship by investment program, making it attractive for digital nomads. |