Castries, Saint Lucia 🇱🇨
#1161
14.009596, -60.990235
Nomad Score:
58%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Castries is the capital city of Saint Lucia, known for its vibrant culture and mountainous backdrop. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 70,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speeds are around 25 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 2.70 XCD (Eastern Caribbean Dollar); ATMs are widely available. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Tap water is generally considered safe to drink, but bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | Voltage is 240V, 50Hz; compatible with Type G sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Local providers include Flo, Digicel, and they offer prepaid SIM cards. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Popular international options include HSBC and CIBC FirstCaribbean. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Popular options include Airbnbs and local guesthouses, with prices ranging from $50 to $150 per night. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, many businesses accept cards, but cash is still common. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb is widely used, with average costs around $70 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Options like The Downtown Hotel offer rooms starting from $60 per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Hive is a flexible coworking space located in Castries. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café Moustache is popular for its coffee and conducive working atmosphere. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Check the Saint Lucia Chamber of Commerce for local networking events. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Join the Expat Association of Saint Lucia on Facebook for meetups and activities. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber is available, and local taxis are common. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rentals are available at island-wide locations such as Rent a Bike Saint Lucia. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Reduit Beach is about 15 minutes from the city center. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Caribbean Airlines provides regional connectivity. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | American Airlines and JetBlue operate frequent flights. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Main access roads include the Castries-Gros Islet Highway. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Castries lacks train service; buses and taxis are primary options. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Bus passes are available but are not commonly used; pay on boarding. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Minibus services offer travel to various parts of the island. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Victoria Hospital is the main medical facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga on the Beach offers classes and wellness sessions. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | The Body Holiday Gym provides good facilities for fitness enthusiasts. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Services like A & B Laundry are available throughout the city. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Food delivery services like UberEats operate in Castries. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try Fritters and Callaloo Soup at local eateries. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Options like Mango Spice cater to vegetarian diets. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | The Pastry Shop offers a variety of local desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Visit the Castries Market for local produce and snacks. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local grocery stores like Massy Stores have online shopping options. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Massy Stores also offers delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Friday nights at Baywalk Mall often have vibrant nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Piton Beer is the local brew worth trying. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Rituals Coffee House often features wine tasting events. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | The Castries Market has many street food vendors, especially during lunch. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like Spinnakers offer a mix of local and international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visit Derek Walcott Square and Fort Charlotte for stunning views. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Saint Lucia National Trust offers exhibitions on local culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Fort Saint Louis provides insights into the island's colonial history. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception is a notable site. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Saint Lucia Jazz Festival draws large crowds every May. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Explore the areas around the Castries Market for local art and crafts. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The National Cultural Center hosts various performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Castries Market is a vibrant spot for local produce. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Look out for local bands at bars like the Harbour Club. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Various murals can be found throughout the city. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Learn local cuisine at the Culinary Institute of Saint Lucia. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Visit the Art & Creole Gallery for local art. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Check out the Old Prison Museum for historical insights. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The island has a rich Creole heritage celebrated throughout Castries. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Visit the Pigeon Island National Park for beautiful trails. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Morne Coubaril Nature Park nearby offers various activities. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The area around Castries has several scenic walks, including along the waterfront. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The lookout point at La Toc offers stunning views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The Agard’s Marsh is a renowned birdwatching spot. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Some beaches allow bonfires, but check local regulations. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and FedEx provide reliable services for parcels. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local tech shops can help with repairs, such as Alpha Electronics. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers often have table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools offer Creole and English classes for learners. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Castries Public Library is a good study spot with resources. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Castries Community Center hosts various events and activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Find gaming centers around the city catering to video gamers. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | The Treasure Bay Casino offers gaming options in the area. |
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. $2,300 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $138,000) |
| 🏡 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 | 30% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Source-based taxation for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Effective max rate of 40%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT rate is 12.5%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No strict CFC rules. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual tax based on property value, rates vary. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 5% on property sales. |