Castries, Saint Lucia 🇱🇨
#1161
,
Nomad Score:
50%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Castries is the capital city of Saint Lucia, known for its vibrant markets and stunning bay. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 70,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 27 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 2.70 XCD. ATMs are widely available and credit cards are accepted. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type A/B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include DigiCell and Flo, offering good coverage. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Citi Bank and local banks accept international transfers, Revolut works for expats. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include hotels, guesthouses, and Airbnb. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are accepted in most places. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb, VRBO, and local listings available for short stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Options include The Blue Capsule and Youth Hostel Castries. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Rodney Bay is popular among tourists for its nightlife and beaches. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | City Center offers a balance of amenities and access to coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Mindspace Castries, featuring reliable internet and a community of remote workers. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | The Pink Plantation House offers a quiet atmosphere and strong Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Monthly meetups organized by the Saint Lucia Chamber of Commerce. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups like "Expats in Saint Lucia" provide regular updates. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Olé Taxi is a reliable local taxi service. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Castries Bike Rentals offers affordable bike and scooter rentals. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Reduit Beach in Rodney Bay, about 15 minutes away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | LIAT provides inter-island flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | American Airlines, British Airways, and JetBlue serve Castries. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Well-connected via the George F. L. Charles Airport Road. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | No train services; public buses operate throughout the island. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Monthly passes are available for local bus services. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and ferries connect to nearby islands. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | OKEU Hospital in Castries is the main healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Pointe Seraphine offers yoga classes and wellness retreats. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness Connection has affordable memberships. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Coin-operated laundromats are available throughout the city. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Fantastically delivers local cuisine. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try "Green Fig and Saltfish", a local delicacy. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Green Gourmet offers diverse vegan and vegetarian options. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Fruity Deli is known for its fresh fruit creations. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Castries Market for fresh produce and local products. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon delivers to Saint Lucia. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Super J offers grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Pigeon Point is popular for bars and nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Piton Beer Brewery offers tours and tastings. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | The Cellar is a popular wine bar in Castries. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Local vendors near the market offer delicious street food. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Banana Boat serves great seafood and international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Castries Central Market and Derek Walcott Square. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Saint Lucia Museum showcases the island's history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception is a historic landmark. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Morne Fortune Chapel offers stunning views and history. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Saint Lucia Jazz Festival is majorly celebrated in April. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The local arts district near The Morne features street art and galleries. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The National Cultural Centre hosts performances and events. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Castries Market is a hub for local crafts and produce. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local bars host live music events regularly. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Explore the murals around the Morne Fortune area. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Join local cooking classes to learn about Caribbean cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Art in the Park offers a glimpse of local artistry. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Visit Fort Charlotte for history and scenic views. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The island's Creole culture is celebrated through music and festivals. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Visit the Rainforest Adventure Park for treks and canopy tours. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Morne Sea Salt National Park is accessible for day hikes. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The scenic coastal paths around Castries are perfect for outdoor activities. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Signal Peak offers stunning views of the island. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Morne Fortune is popular for observing local bird species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Take a trip to Anse La Raye for bonfire nights on the beach. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and FedEx services are available in the city. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local computer shops can handle most tech repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Indoor sports complexes often have table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Local community centers offer various language classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The National Library offers quiet study spaces. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Various community centers host activities and workshops. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gaming centers provide a space for video games and socializing. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Royal St. Lucia Casino offers gaming facilities. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,500 per m² (e.g., 30 m² = $75,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 30 m² = $54,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $132,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,600 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $96,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $160,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $120,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30% on profits for corporations. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% applicable on dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residency-based tax system with income tax on local earnings. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Effective rate can reach up to 30%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT is set at 12.5%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No strict CFC rules. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax is levied based on assessed value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | A standard rate of 5% applies to property transactions. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | 0% tax on worldwide income for non-residents. |