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Money & duty free for St Lucia

Currency information: 

Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD; symbol EC$) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of EC$100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of EC$1, and 50, 25, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents. US Dollars are also accepted as legal tender.

The Eastern Caribbean Dollar is tied to the US Dollar at EC$2.7 to US$1.

Credit cards: 

American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are accepted at all large shopping centres, restaurants, hotels etc. Most banks have ATMs.

ATM: 

Most banks have ATMs.

Travellers cheques: 

Accepted. However US Dollar cheques are preferred and will help to avoid additional exchange rate charges. Change may be given back in EC$.

Banking hours: 

Generally Mon-Thurs 0830-1500, Fri 0830-1700. Some banks at Rodney Bay Marina are open Sat 0800-1200.

Currency restriction: 

There are no restrictions on the import or export of local or foreign currency.

Currency exchange: 

US Dollars ensure a better exchange rate.

St Lucia duty free

The following items may be imported into St Lucia without incurring customs duty:

• 200 cigarettes or 2kg of smoking tobacco or 50 cigars.
• 1L of alcoholic beverage.
•Gifts or souvenirs not exceeding a value of EC$270. This does not include alcohol, tobacco products or commercial goods.

Note: US citizens who spend more than 48 hours in St Lucia will be able to return with 2 litres of local alcohol, 100 non-Cuban cigars and other goods worht up to $600, without incurring additional taxes.

Banned imports: 

The following items may not be brought into the St Lucia:
• Counterfeit currency and coins.
• Indecent or obscene photographs, painting or objects.
• Any narcotics including marijuana, morphine, LSD, opium, morphine.
• Flick knives and blades.
• Shaving brushes made in or exported from Japan.
• All matter associated with black magic and occultism.

 

Banned exports: 

The following items may not be exported from St Lucia without the correct consent:
• Narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.
• Ginger and dry coconuts.
• Any goods that have the coat of Arms or the Flag of St. Lucia.
• Rare or threatened species of animals or plants, their products and derivatives.

For a comprehensive list of prohibited imports and exports see St Lucia Customs departmental website www.customs.gov.lc.

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