Charlestown, Saint Kitts and Nevis 🇰🇳
#1227
17.139397, -62.621615
Nomad Score:
58%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Charlestown is the capital of Saint Kitts and Nevis, known for its historical significance and picturesque bays. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 1,200 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed: 25 Mbps (varies depending on service provider). |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 XCD (East Caribbean Dollar) ≈ 0.37 USD. Major banks include First Caribbean International Bank and The Bank of Nova Scotia. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Generally drinkable, but bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 60Hz, ⏏️ Type G sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Local providers include Flow and Digicel offering good mobile coverage. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Popular payment options include credit cards (Visa, MasterCard), and banking apps like Revolut are accepted. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from budget guesthouses to luxury villas. Airbnb is popular. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are accepted in most places, but cash is still useful for small vendors. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb, VRBO, and local property agents offer various short term rentals. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | The Sandy Bank Cottages are a good budget-friendly option with rates starting around $75 per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | There are no dedicated coworking spaces yet; however, some cafes offer good work environments. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Zaragoza Cafe provides a cozy atmosphere with Wi-Fi and good coffee. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Local expat groups often organize meetups; check on Facebook or event platforms. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | The Nevis Expatriates' Association hosts monthly gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | There are no ride-sharing apps; local taxis are widely available. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited options; local rentals may be available through hotels. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Pinney's Beach, approximately 10 mins away by taxi. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | LIAT and Caribbean Airlines. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | American Airlines and Delta Airlines provide flights to St. Kitts. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | The western coast road is the primary route for travel. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Bus station in Charlestown for local transit; no train service. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No specific passes, but local buses are affordable for travel around the island. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Ferries are available to Nevis and other neighboring islands. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Alexandra Hospital provides general healthcare services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga on the Beach offers classes at various locations. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Iguana Gym is the main fitness center in Charlestown. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Self-service laundromats are limited; hotel services may be available. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Local delivery options are limited; restaurants may offer direct delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try 'Goat Water,' a local stew made with goat meat and spices. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | The Coconut Restaurant offers vegetarian-friendly dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | The Sugar Mill is popular for local desserts and pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets, especially on Saturdays, provide fresh produce and affordable goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon and local shop websites offer delivery options. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Services are limited; many use local supermarkets like Rams or Best Buy. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Strip in Frigate Bay is popular for nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Bringing cider, a local favorite, is made on the island. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Wine bar options are limited; some restaurants have good selections. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Local roadside vendors offer snacks like 'salt fish fritters.' |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Spices Restaurant offers a mix of local and Caribbean food options. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site nearby. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Museum of Nevis History provides insight into the island's past. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Alexander Hamilton's birthplace is located in Charlestown. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The St. Thomas' Anglican Church is a notable church in the area. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Carnival is celebrated in late December with vibrant parades. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Charlestown has a charming historical district with colonial architecture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | There are limited dedicated theaters; events are often held in local community spaces. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Charlestown Market features local artisans and fresh produce. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music can often be found at local bars and festivals. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Limited street art, but local artists may have murals around town. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local chefs offer cooking classes focusing on Caribbean cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Local galleries showcase Caribbean and regional art. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Old Treasury Building is an example of colonial architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Cultural festivals celebrate the rich history and African heritage of the islands. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Nevis Peak trail offers hiking experiences with stunning views. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | The Central Forest Reserve is a protected area for nature lovers. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Coastal paths around Charlestown offer scenic views for walking and biking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The viewpoint at Fort Charles provides breathtaking views of the coastline. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The Salt Pond area is known for various bird species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Beaches such as Pinney's are popular for bonfires, especially during gatherings. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Local courier services include FedEx and DHL at the airport. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops for mobile and computer repairs are limited but available. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Limited; check local community centers for available tables. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Local schools may offer English classes to non-speakers. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Public Library in Charlestown provides a quiet study area. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Various community centers offering events and activities are available. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited; local gaming may happen in homes or community events. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos on Nevis, but some gaming events happen at local bars. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $200,000 for a studio in central Charlestown. |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $150,000 for a studio outside Charlestown. |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $300,000 for a 1-bedroom apartment in Charlestown. |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $220,000 for a 1-bedroom outside Charlestown. |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $400,000 for a 2-bedroom apartment in central Charlestown. |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $320,000 for a 2-bedroom outside Charlestown. |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30% standard corporate tax rate. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Tax rate applied to dividends is 15%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Territorial tax system; income generated outside is not taxed. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | The maximum personal income tax rate is 35%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Value Added Tax is 17%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No strict CFC rules in place. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Property tax varies based on property type; typically between 0.1% and 0.2%. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Stamp duty of 4% on property transactions. |