Most visits to Antigua and Barbuda are trouble-free but visitors should not become complacent. Crime exists on the island and visitors should take normal precautions. Avoid isolated areas, including beaches after dark, and do not carry large amounts of cash or jewellery. Hurricane season is usually from June to November.

Antiguans and Barbudans are primarily of African origin, descendants of slaves brought to the Island centuries ago to labour in the sugarcane fields. Away from the resorts the islands have a distinct West Indian flavour - calypso, steel bands and reggae are all popular. But the islanders have also been influenced by the years of British rule and this is particularly apparent in their passion for cricket. It is an offence to wear camouflage clothing as it is reserved for the military and beachwear should be confined to the beach.

Antigua's tax advantages have attracted many international companies and offshore financial centres to the island. Business attire is generally more formal than other Caribbean islands; a lightweight suit is appropriate for most meetings, unless in an informal outdoor setting where smart-casual dress is more appropriate. Handshaking is customary for introductions between both men and women; women are considered equals in the business world and should be treated as such. Business cards are exchanged on introduction. Being late for meetings is considered offensive. Business hours are 8am to 12pm and 1pm to 4.30pm Monday to Friday and 8am to 12pm Saturdays.

The international access code for Antigua and Barbuda is +1, in common with the US, Canada and most of the Caribbean, followed by 268. The outgoing code is 011 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 01144 for the United Kingdom). A GSM 900 mobile network covers Antigua, and GSM 1900 covers both Antigua and Barbuda. Internet cafes are available in tourist areas.

Travellers to Antigua over 18 years do not have to pay duty on 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco. 170ml of perfume and 1 litre wine or spirits is also allowed.

Trvellers to the UK can bring in:

• beer - 16 litres
• wine (not sparkling) - 4 litres

You can also bring in either:

• spirits and other liquors over 22% alcohol - 1 litre
• fortified wine (eg port, sherry), sparkling wine and alcoholic drinks up to 22% alcohol - 2 litres

You can split this last allowance, eg you could bring 1 litre of fortified wine and half a litre of spirits (both half of your allowance).

You can bring in one from the following:

• 200 cigarettes
• 100 cigarillos
• 50 cigars
• 250g tobacco

You can split this allowance - so you could bring in 100 cigarettes and 25 cigars (both half of your allowance).

The Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD) is the main form of currency, and it is tied to the US Dollar. US currency can be used nearly everywhere. Major currencies and travellers cheques can be exchanged at the international banks in St John's and at many hotels. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted but there are not many ATMs in the area, so it is best to make arrangements around this.

UK nationals require a passport. A visa is not required for stays of up to six months. All nationalities must hold confirmed onward or return tickets and sufficient funds to cover their period of intended stay. Extensions are possible on visas. As part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), all travellers travelling between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean region are required to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter or re-enter the United States. If departing from the USA a valid passport will be required by immigration authorities.

Antigua and Barbuda have a pleasant year-round climate. The average daily temperature drops a few degrees in winter (December to March) from the usual high of around 81°F (27°C). Antigua and Barbuda are fairly dry throughout most of the year except during the rainy season (mid-September to November) when daily showers can be expected. Hurricane season runs from June to November and visitors are advised to keep an eye on the weather forecast during this period.