Essentials
- SIM Card
- Digicel or Flow. Available at Main Street branches for approx. $25 USD with 5GB data.
- Banking for Expats
- Republic Bank and St. Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla National Bank; Revolut/Wise used for international transfers.
- Accommodation
- Mix of luxury villas, heritage inns, and local apartments via Nevis Style Realty.
- Cashless Friendly
- Mostly yes in tourist areas; cash preferred at the local market and small bars.
- Short Term Rentals
- Airbnb and VRBO. Average monthly rate for a 1-bed: $1,200 - $1,800 USD.
- Budget Accommodation
- Nisbet Plantation (seasonal deals) or local guesthouses starting at $75 USD/night.
- Best Area to Stay for Tourists
- Pinney's Beach area for luxury and beach access.
- Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads
- Hamilton Estate or Fern Hill for reliable internet and quieter long-term living.
- City
- Charlestown, Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Population
- 1,500 (Charlestown), 12,000 (Nevis Island)
- Internet Speed
- Average 40-60 Mbps; Digicel and Flow offer fiber in central areas.
- Currency & Banking
- Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD). Fixed rate 1 USD ≈ 2.70 XCD.
- Tap Water
- Safe to drink; sourced from mountain springs and wells.
- Power
- 230V, 60Hz. 🔌 Type G (UK style) is standard.
Working and Networking
- Best Coworking Space
- The Nevis Hub (Lower Government Road); Day pass approx. $20 USD.
- Best Cafe for Work
- Cafe des Arts (next to Museum of Nevis History); quiet garden seating and decent Wi-Fi.
- Networking Events
- Nevis Island Administration (NIA) business mixers; Nevis Chamber of Commerce events.
- Social Events for Expats
- Friday night mixers at Sunshine's Beach Bar & Grill.
Transportation
- Best Taxi/Ride App
- No apps; use authorized taxis (Yellow plates). Text 'Nevis Taxi' on WhatsApp.
- Bike/Scooter Rental
- Bike Nevis (Oualie Beach) - approx. $45 USD/day for mountain bikes.
- Best Beach Nearby
- Pinney's Beach, located just north of Charlestown.
- Top Regional Airline
- LIAT or Silver Airways (via San Juan/Antigua).
- Top International Airline
- American Airlines or British Airways (into SKB airport, then ferry to Nevis).
- Highway Access
- Island Main Road circles the entire 36-mile island.
- Main Train/Transit Hub
- Charlestown Ferry Pier (Connections to Basseterre, St. Kitts).
- Public Transport Passes
- Minibuses (H-plates); pay per ride ($1.00 - $3.00 USD). No digital passes.
- Regional Travel
- Ferries like MV Sea Hustler or Seabridge (Car ferry); approx. $10 - $15 USD one way.
Health and Wellness
- Best Hospital
- Alexandra Hospital (Government Rd, Charlestown).
- Yoga & Wellness Centers
- Nevis Yoga Terrace at Oualie Beach Hotel.
- Gyms & Fitness Centers
- Focus Fitness (Potworks); $10 USD day pass.
- Laundry Services
- City Laundry (Main Street); approx. $15 USD per medium load.
Food and Drink
- Best Food Delivery App
- 869ToGo (Limited service in Nevis compared to St. Kitts).
- Best Local Dish to Try
- Stewed Salt Fish with Spicy Plantains and Coconut Dumplings.
- Vegan/Vegetarian Options
- Bananas (Upper Hamilton); offers high-end plant-based Caribbean fusion.
- Best Dessert Spots
- The Nevis Mansion (famed for Rum Cake).
- Affordable Shopping Spots
- Charlestown Public Market (Saturdays for fresh produce).
- E-commerce/Online Store
- ShopNevis.com (local delivery); Amazon ships via freight forwarders like E-Zone.
- Grocery Delivery
- Ram's Supermarket (Valu Mart) offers online ordering for pickup.
- Bar/Nightlife Area
- The 'Strip' on Pinney's Beach (Sunshine's, Killer Bee cocktails).
- Local Brewery
- Carib Brewery (St. Kitts based, widely available in Nevis).
- Wine Bars
- The Gin Trap (Cades Bay); extensive wine and gin list.
- Street Food Stalls
- Wilma’s Diner (Charlestown Waterfront) for daily local lunches.
- Popular International Cuisine
- Luna Restaurant (Italian/Mediterranean fusion at Cliffdwellers).
Culture and Attractions
- Must-See Landmarks
- Hamilton House (Birthplace of Alexander Hamilton).
- Museums & Art Venues
- Museum of Nevis History; $5 USD entry fee.
- Historical Sites
- Bath Hotel and Spring House (First hotel in the Caribbean, built 1778).
- Religious Sites
- St. Thomas' Anglican Church (Built 1643, oldest in Nevis).
- Annual Events
- Culturama (late July/early August) - Caribbean carnival.
- Cultural Districts
- Charlestown Historic District (Georgian architecture).
- Local Markets
- Charlestown Artisan Village for local crafts.
- Music Scene
- Live String Bands at Hermitage Plantation on Wednesday nights.
- Street Art
- Historical murals near the Charlestown Port.
- Cooking Classes
- Nevis Mansion Culinary Experience; approx. $120 USD/person.
- Art Galleries
- Eva Wilkin Art Gallery (Clay Gautier).
- Historic Buildings
- The Cotton Ginnery (now a shopping complex).
- Local Heritage
- African-Caribbean heritage celebrated during the Tea Meeting oral traditions.
Nature and Outdoor Activities
- Nearby Nature Escapes
- Nevis Peak (Hiking to 3,232 ft summit).
- National Parks Nearby
- Nevis Peak National Park.
- Cycling/Walking Paths
- The Heritage Trail (Circular coastal path).
- Scenic Viewpoints
- Saddle Hill (Overview of Charlestown and St. Kitts).
- Birdwatching Locations
- Nelson's Spring (Herons and Egrets).
- Bonfire-Friendly Spots
- Chrishi Beach Club (designated event nights).
Other Services and Amenities
- Parcel Delivery Service
- DHL (Main St) and E-Zone for US mail forwarding.
- Tech Repair Services
- The Computer Shop (Charlestown).
- Table Tennis Spots
- Community centers in Gingerland often have tables.
- Language Classes
- Spanish language workshops at the Nevis Public Library.
- Libraries & Study Spots
- Nevis Public Library (Prince William Street).
- Community Centers
- Jessica’s Community Center (Bath Village).
- Gaming Lounges
- Internet cafes near the ferry terminal.
- Casino & Gaming Halls
- None in Nevis (Must take ferry to St. Kitts Marriott Casino).
Business
- Studio Purchase Price (City Center)
- Approx. $4,200 per m² ($170,000 for 40 m²).
- Studio Purchase Price (Outside City)
- Approx. $3,000 per m² ($120,000 for 40 m²).
- 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center)
- Approx. $4,000 per m² ($240,000 for 60 m²).
- 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City)
- Approx. $2,800 per m² ($168,000 for 60 m²).
- 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center)
- Approx. $3,800 per m² ($304,000 for 80 m²).
- 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City)
- Approx. $2,600 per m² ($208,000 for 80 m²).
- Corporate Tax
- 33% (but Nevis IBCs can be 0% if no local income is generated).
- Dividend Withholding Tax
- 15% for non-residents.
- Tax System
- Territorial/Residence based; Nevis is a known offshore financial hub.
- Highest Income Tax Bracket
- No personal income tax for residents since 1980.
- VAT
- 17% standard rate; 10% for hotel/restaurant industry.
- Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules
- None.
- Property Tax
- 0.2% of market value for residential property.
- Property Transaction Tax
- 10% Stamp Duty (usually paid by seller); 10% Alien Land Holding License for non-citizens.
- Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads
- High; 0% personal income tax on worldwide income for residents.