Anguilla boasts an exciting array of gourmet, gastronomic dining experiences (by chefs from the excellent hotel dining rooms that have set up independent restaurants) as well Mexican and Italian and of course the informal fare of the beach bars. While most ingredients are imported, local fish, lobster, Anguillian crayfish and some local crops are used.

Mains water is normally chlorinated and, whilst relatively safe, may cause mild abdominal upsets. Bottled water is readily available and is advised. Milk is pasteurised and dairy products (all imported) are safe for consumption. Local meat, poultry, seafood, fruit and vegetables are generally considered safe to eat.

The normal practice for tipping is 10-15%.

Lightweight cotton clothing is recommended throughout the year. Waterproof clothing is advisable for the rainy season.

Electrical sockets in Anguilla are very similar to the electrical outlets found in the United States and Canada, and if your appliance has a North American plug, it's possible that you won't need any adapter at all in order to plug in there. However, there are two potentially very important physical differences that may need to be addressed with an adapter: grounding and/or polarization. If your plug has one or both, and the socket doesn't, then the plug may not physically be able to fit into the socket without an adapter.

Electrical sockets in Anguilla usually supply electricity at between 110 and 120 volts AC. If you're plugging in a U.S. or Canadian 120 volt appliance or an appliance that is compatible with multiple voltages, then an adapter is all you need.If your appliance isn’t compatible with 110-120 volts, a voltage converter will be necessary.

Currency

The local currency is the 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 25, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents. The EC Dollar is tied to the US Dollar.

Banking

Banking hours: Monday-Thursday 08h00-15h00, Friday 08h00-17h00.

American Express and Visa cards are widely accepted in hotels and restaurants or shops accustomed to serving tourists. ATMs are available in at the airport, several banks in The Valley and at certain shopping malls. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller’s cheques in US Dollars.

Currency may be exchanged in the capital. US Dollars are widely accepted and prices quoted are generally in US Dollars.