St.
Eustatius, affectionately
called Statia, is approximately 5 miles long and 2 miles wide,
covering a total of 11.8 square miles. The island has a population of
approximately 2900 and is located in the north eastern Caribbean. It
is 150 miles east of Puerto Rico (latitude 17.00, longitude 63.04), 90
miles east of St. Croix, 38 miles south of St. Maarten and 17 miles
southeast of St. Eustatius.
Statia is only a few hours by air from
major USA cities and a mere 15 minutes flying time from St. Maarten.
Together with sister islands St. Eustatius and St. Maarten, Statia
forms the Windward Islands of the Dutch Caribbean.
Statians have a love
for different cultures and speak several languages, including English,
Dutch and Spanish.
Dutch is the official language used in government
administration and schools. English is spoken everywhere. You can be
assured, whatever language you may speak, Statians will find a way to
communicate with you!
Weather - Generally
dry and sunny. Light constant northeast trade winds bring constant
cool breezes and sufficient moisture to keep the average daytime
temperature down to about 27 degrees Celsius. The average night
temperature drops to a comfortable 23 degrees. Rainfall occurs in
showers of medium duration during the months of April, June and
September.
Time -
Atlantic standard time. Same as Eastern daylight saving time, all year
round.
Passport and Visas:
A valid passport is preferred from U.S., British, and Canadian
nationals. An original birth certificate accompanied by a photo ID
that's issued by a government agency is also acceptable, but we
recommend that you carry a passport when visiting a foreign country.
All arriving visitors must have a departing ticket.
Currency - The
Antillean Guilder is tied to the United States dollar at a rate of US
$ 1.00 = ANG 1.80. The dollar is widely accepted. Local banks will
also exchange other foreign currency.
Business Hours - Offices and
stores are usually open from 08.00 hours until 18.00 hours.
Supermarkets are open at 07.30 hours and usually remain open until
19.00 hours
Banks -
First Caribbean International Bank is open Mondays to Fridays from
08.30 hours -15.30 hours. The Post Office Bank, Post Spaarbank opens
Mondays to Fridays from 07.30 - 16.00 hours. The Windward Island Bank
is open Mondays to Fridays from 08.30-12.00 hours and 13.30 - 15.30
hours
