Kingstown, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 🇻🇨
#1193
,
Nomad Score:
57%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Kingstown is the capital city of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, known for its vibrant culture and seaside ports. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 23,000. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speeds are around 20-25 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | East Caribbean Dollar (XCD) - 1 USD ≈ 2.70 XCD. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable, but it is advisable to use bottled water. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 60Hz, Type A and B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Local providers include Digicel and Flow. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Banks such as First Citizens Bank and Scotiabank are present; major credit cards are widely accepted. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, local guesthouses, and serviced apartments. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are widely accepted but it's good to have some cash for small vendors. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Short-term options available through Airbnb, with prices starting from $50 per night depending on the season. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | The Youth Hostel Association offers budget stays starting around $25-30 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The waterfront area near the Botanical Gardens and Fort Charlotte. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The Campden Park area is recommended due to its quieter environment and proximity to amenities. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Cafe 360 offers free Wi-Fi and laptop-friendly space. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | The Coffee Shop near the Central Market is ideal for remote work. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Check out Digital Nomads in Saint Vincent on social media for events. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Expat groups on Facebook often organize meetups at local bars and beaches. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Local taxis are available; app options are limited but ride-hailing apps like Bolt are emerging. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bikes can be rented at local shops around Kingstown. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Indian Bay Beach is about 10-15 minutes away from the city center. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | SVG Air operates regional flights between islands. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | American Airlines and JetBlue fly into Argyle International Airport. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | The main highway runs from Kingstown northwards across the island. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Kingstown does not have a train service; public buses are the main transit. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No specific public transport passes, but buses are cheap; fares typically around $1-2. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses provide access to other towns and beaches; they are frequent and affordable. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | The Milton Cato Memorial Hospital is the main public hospital. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Pure Yoga Studio offers various classes in town. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | The Fitness Centre in Kingstown offers a variety of workout equipment. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Several laundromats are available; a popular one is Laundromat & Coin Wash on Bay Street. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Hungry is a local option for food delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try Cou-Cou and Flying Fish, a national dish. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | The Veggie Box specializes in plant-based cuisine. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | The Sweet Spot is known for delicious pastries and ice cream. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | The Kingstown Market offers fresh produce and local goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon delivers to Saint Vincent, though shipping times may vary. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Local groceries may not have delivery; it's best to shop in-store. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The waterfront bars near the ferry terminal offer a vibrant nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | The St. Vincent Brewery provides local beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Cafe 360 has a selection of international wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors around the market sell various local snacks. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | There are several Italian restaurants in Kingstown like Da Bubbles. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Fort Charlotte provides stunning views of the bay. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Saint Vincent and the Grenadines National Museum is located on Museum Lane. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Botanical Gardens date back to 1765 and are a must-visit. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Kingstown Methodist Church is notable for its architecture. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Vincy Mas carnival takes place in July, showcasing local culture. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Downtown Kingstown is rich in Caribbean culture with local shops and street art. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The NIS Building often hosts cultural events and performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Kingstown Market is a vibrant place for local produce and artisan goods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Reggae music is prevalent; check out local bars for live performances. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Various murals can be found in and around the downtown area. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes are available through local chefs focusing on Caribbean cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The Art Boutique highlights local artists and crafts. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Old Prison of Kingstown is a historic site worth visiting. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The Garifuna culture is a significant part of local heritage, known for its music and dance. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Vermont Nature Trails are accessible for hiking and exploring nature. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | The Morne Trois Pitons National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site on nearby Dominica. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The coastal road provides a scenic route for cycling and walking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The viewpoint at Ft. Charlotte offers breathtaking views of the harbor. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The Botanical Gardens are also a great spot for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain beaches allow bonfires; always check local regulations. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and FedEx provide reliable parcel delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops in Kingstown can handle tech repairs, such as iPhone repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers often host ping pong tables for public use. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | English is the primary language; some local schools offer language classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Kingstown Public Library is a quiet place to work and study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Community Centre offers various activities and events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Locals gather to play games at certain cafes; check community boards for activity times. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | There are no major casinos in Kingstown, but smaller gaming establishments exist. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $72,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $60,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,650 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $99,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,400 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $84,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,900 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $152,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,600 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $128,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30% standard corporate tax rate. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% tax rate on dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | St. Vincent operates a progressive tax system on local income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 30% maximum personal income tax rate. |
| 🧾 VAT | 15% standard VAT rate. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, there are CFC rules governing taxation of foreign investments. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax is based on rental value, generally considered low. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Approx. 5% tax applied during property purchases. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Special exemptions on income tax for qualifying digital nomads. |