GENERAL
Capital
The former capital is Plymouth (almost completely destroyed by lava flows in 1997).
The temporary capital is Brades Estate on the northwest coast of the island.
Geography
According to topschoolsintheusa, Montserrat is one of the Leeward Islands in the Caribbean. The island is of volcanic origin with black sand beaches and lush tropical vegetation. There are three larger volcanoes with the 915 m high Chances Peak as the highest point. The volcano belonging to the Soufrière chain, which erupted in July 1995, is still active today. The Great Alps Waterfall, formerly one of the most impressive attractions on the West Indies, was destroyed due to ongoing volcanic activity.
Government
British crown colony since 1632, internal autonomy since 1960. Constitution of 2011. Parliament: Legislative council with 11 members.
Head of state
Queen Elizabeth II, represented by Governor Elizabeth Carriere, since August 2015.
Head of government
Reuben Meade, since 2009.
Electricity
220 V, 60 Hz. US sockets often, adapters necessary.
Time zone
Atlantic Standard Time: CET -5
TRAVEL WARNING
Overview
Security
advice from the Foreign Office: Status: 02/22/2013
(unchanged valid since: 02/19/2013
Special information for the British Virgin Islands, Montserrat and Anguilla
The British Virgin Islands, Montserrat and Anguilla are located in the cyclone endangered
zone of the Caribbean (cyclone season from June to the end of Current hurricane information is
available on the Internet at www.nhc.noaa.gov
Note for Montserrat
The volcanic activities of the Soufrière Hills volcano on the eastern Caribbean island of Montserrat have
remained unchanged. Two thirds of the country are now uninhabitable. For safety reasons
the southern section of the island below the Belham Valley is regularly declared a restricted area.
The Montserrat Volcano Observatory (MVO) currently set the hazard level at level 2 (out of
a total of 5). Residents in the northern, still inhabited part of the island were
advised to always expect an evacuation, as the situation could
worsen again at any time. It is therefore strongly recommended that
you regularly follow the activity of the volcano on the MVO website at www.mvo.ms.
Updated reports are published on the website every week.
The entire population of around 6,000 residents, as well as tourists, stay exclusively in the
North of the island. An island-wide siren alarm system has been introduced to
warn the population of volcanic activity. In the event of a siren warning, Radio Montserrat
ZJB 88.3 FM or 95.5 FM should be switched on immediately to receive the latest official information.
German travelers or residents of Montserrat should ensure that they have comprehensive travel and
health insurance protection, including repatriation insurance.
MONEY
Currency
1 East Caribbean dollar = 100 cents. Currency abbreviation: EC $, XCD (ISO code). There are banknotes in the denominations of 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5 EC $; Coins in circulation: 1 EC $ as well as 25, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cent. The East Caribbean dollar is pegged to the US dollar.
Credit cards
All major credit cards are accepted, but not everywhere. Details from the issuer of the credit card in question.
ATMs
ec / Maestro card / Sparcard
ATMs are available in the two banks (Bank of Montserrat and Royal Bank of Canada).
Attention: Travelers who pay with their bank customer card abroad and want to withdraw money should find out about the options for using their card from their bank prior to departure.
Bank opening times
In general Mon-Thu 8 a.m.-2 p.m., Fri 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
Foreign exchange regulations
The import of national and foreign currencies is unlimited, declaration required. The export of national and foreign currencies is limited to the amount declared upon entry.
Currency Exchange
Foreign currency can be exchanged in banks. You can also pay with US dollars almost everywhere.
LANGUAGE
Overview
The official language is English.
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
DUTY-FREE SHOPPING
Overview
The following items can be imported into Montserrat duty-free:
200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 225 g tobacco (people aged 17 and over);
1.14 l of wine or spirits (people aged 17 and over);
170 ml of perfume and eau de toilette;
Gifts up to a value of 500 EC $ (includes tobacco products, alcoholic beverages and perfume).
ECONOMY
Business etiquette
Suit or costume are not necessarily expected at business appointments.
Business hours: Mon-Fri 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Economy
Montserrat Development Unit
PO Box 292, Brades
Tel: 491 20 66.
Internet: www.mninet.com/devunit
Business contacts
Montserrat Development Unit
PO Box 292, Brades
Tel: 491 20 66.
Internet: www.mninet.com/devunit
COMMUNICATION
Phone
International direct dialing. Public telephone booths operated with phone cards or coins are available. When calling abroad, dial the area code 011.
Cellphone
GSM 850 and TDMA network (not compatible with GSM mobile phones). Network operator is Cable & Wireless West Indies Ltd. (Montserrat). The transmission / reception area for mobile communications extends to the northern part of the island. Cell phones can be rented from the local network operator. GSM device owners can also use their SIM cards in a TDMA device.
Internet
The main internet provider is Cable & Wireless (internet: www.cwantigua.com).
Post Office
The main post office is in Brades. Opening times: Mo-Fr 08.15 a.m.-3.55 p.m. Postage stamps are available in stores where postcards can be purchased. Hotel receptions accept letters for a tip of around US $ 1. Airmail shipments to Europe take around 4 weeks.
Radio
Since the use of shortwave frequencies changes several times over the course of a year, it is advisable to contact Deutsche Welle customer service directly (Tel: (+49) (0228) 429 32 08. Internet: www.dw-world.de) to request.
SHOP
Overview
Jewelry, bags, baskets, ceramics, glassware, coconut items, clothing, tablecloths, and pillows. Shop opening times: Mon, Tue, Thu 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Wed and Sat 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Fri 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
NIGHTLIFE
Introduction
Some hotels offer live entertainment with music and dancing. Barbecue parties are very popular.
CULINARY
ACCOMMODATION
Hotels
Some hotels had to close due to volcanic activity. Hotels are i. General small with personal service. Accommodation prices are higher in winter than in summer. An 18-room hotel opened in Sweeneys. Some hotels offer small separate bungalows and hotel rooms. Cleaning staff, babysitting and laundry service are available on request. 7% tax and 10% service charge are usually added to the bills.
Categories: Most hotels offer several room rates:
Full American Plan (FAP): rooms with full board (including afternoon tea).
American Plan (AP): Room with three meals.
Modified American Plan (MAP):Room, breakfast and dinner, in some hotels also afternoon tea.
Continental Plan (CP): Bed and breakfast.
European Plan (EP): overnight stay only.
CULTURE
Religion
Catholics, Anglicans, Methodists and other Christian denominations.
Social rules of conduct
Everyday clothing is appropriate, swimwear belongs on the beach. The lifestyle is tranquil and combines Irish and Caribbean influences. Tips are common.
CLIMATE
Best travel time
Subtropical climate, mitigated by trade winds. Rain showers can almost always be expected from September to November.
COUNTRY DATA
Area code +1 664 Area (square km) 102 Population 5241 Population density (per square km) 51 Population in 2015 Member of the EU No main emergency number 999
