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Gros Islet, Saint Lucia 🇱🇨
#1164
,
Nomad Score:
56%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Gros Islet is a vibrant town located on the northern tip of Saint Lucia, known for its beautiful beaches and lively atmosphere. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 12,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 25 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is East Caribbean Dollar (XCD), 1 USD ≈ 2.70 XCD. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not recommended to drink unless boiled; bottled water is preferred. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity is 230V, 50Hz, and uses Type A and B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Digicel and FLOW, with reasonable plans available for expats. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Popular banks include Scotiabank and Republic Bank, with ATMs available. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Variety of options including hotels, guesthouses, and vacation rentals are available. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, credit and debit cards are widely accepted. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb is popular, with prices ranging from $50 to $150 per night depending on the season. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options like 'The Green Room' offer beds starting from $25 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Reduit Beach area is highly recommended for its proximity to amenities and activities. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The area around the Rodney Bay Marina is ideal for digital nomads due to its coworking spaces and cafes. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Business Center at Baywalk Mall offers good facilities for remote work. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Espresso Restaurant and Bar is known for its work-friendly atmosphere and WiFi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Events at the Saint Lucia Chamber of Commerce provide great networking opportunities. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups like 'Saint Lucia Expats' host regular meet-ups. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Local taxis are available, and Uber is gradually becoming used in the region. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Scooter rentals are available at places like 'Scooter Paradise', starting at $25 per day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Reduit Beach is the closest and it’s only a 5-minute walk. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Regional carriers like LIAT and Caribbean Airlines operate regular flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | American Airlines and British Airways provide flights from major hubs. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Good access via the Castries-Gros Islet Highway connecting various parts of the island. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Public transport mainly comprises minibuses; there are no train services. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | On-demand minibus services are widely used but do not offer formal passes. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Minibuses and taxis are the primary means to travel to nearby towns. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Gros Islet Health Centre provides basic healthcare and emergency services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga on the Beach offers classes at various times. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Several hotels have gyms; 'Body Active' gym offers local memberships. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Several laundromats in the area, including 'Wash & Go' for self-service and wash & fold. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Food deliveries can be ordered via 'Foodie' app and WhatsApp services. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Don't miss 'Green Fig and Saltfish', a local staple. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | The Vegan Cafe offers a range of plant-based options. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Chocobar is popular for its delicious handmade chocolates. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Grocery stores like 'Super J' provide good local products. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon delivers to Saint Lucia, though options may be limited. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Some grocery stores offer delivery, check with 'Super J' for availability. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Gros Islet Street Party on Friday evenings is a local favorite. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Piton Beer is a popular local brew you should definitely try. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | The Landings offers a nice wine selection with a beachfront view. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors along the beach serve local snacks and delicacies. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | The Blue Olive offers a mix of local and Mediterranean dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Castries Market and Pigeon Island National Park are must-visit locales. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Visit the Saint Lucia Folk Research Centre for local culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Pigeon Island's Fort Rodney provides historical insight with stunning views. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Church of the Assumption is a historic and beautiful site. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Saint Lucia Jazz Festival is held every April, attracting numerous visitors. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The area around the Castries Market offers rich cultural experiences. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The National Cultural Centre in Castries hosts various performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Visit the Castries Market for local produce and crafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local bars often feature live calypso and reggae music. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Explore the murals in Gros Islet that reflect local culture and history. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes available at local homes, offering a real taste of Saint Lucian cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The Eudovic's Art Studio showcases local artists' work. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Castries is a historic piece worth visiting. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The unique blend of French and English influences in local culture is a hallmark of the region. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The lush surroundings of Pigeon Island offer splendid nature views. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Morne Coubaril Estate is a fantastic spot for nature lovers. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Walking along the beaches and coastal paths is picturesque. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The views from Fort Rodney offer breathtaking panoramic sights. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The mangroves around Pigeon Island are great for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain beaches allow bonfires; check local regulations. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Services like FedEx and DHL operate in the area. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Find tech repair services at 'Gros Islet Computer Repair'. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers may have table tennis tables available. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Local community colleges offer courses in English and French. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Gros Islet Library provides a quiet space for study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Gros Islet Community Center hosts events and gatherings. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Check local listings for gaming events in community centers. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | The Treasure Bay Casino offers gaming opportunities. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² ≈ $40,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $700 per m² (e.g., 40 m² ≈ $28,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,250 per m² (e.g., 60 m² ≈ $75,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $900 per m² (e.g., 60 m² ≈ $54,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² ≈ $120,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,100 per m² (e.g., 80 m² ≈ $88,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30% corporate tax rate. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% dividend withholding tax. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residence-based tax system for income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 25% maximum personal income tax rate. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT rate is 12.5%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, CFC rules are applicable. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax is based on the property's assessed value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 5% property transaction tax. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Certain benefits for long-stay visas and low tax rates for non-residents. |