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Travelers should be aware of certain travel tips before traveling to a foreign country. These tips come in handy when venturing into a new land and interacting with unknown people. These tips help you prepare mentally as well as physically about what to expect in a foreign land and how to behave with locals. |
Etiquettes
Visitors to Saba should be friendly and courteous. They should be respectful to both the people and the environment. When in Saba, vacationers should be sure to return the friendliness and hospitality of the island's residents. Visitors who wish to take photographs of residents should always ask their permission beforehand.
Time Zone
Saba follows the Atlantic Standard Time and does not observe daylight savings time. Atlantic Standard Time is 4 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time in England, i.e., Saba will be 5 or 6 hours behind the Netherlands in Europe. The Eastern Standard Time observed on the east coast of the United States is 1 hour behind Atlantic Standard Time when daylight savings period is not being observed.
Official currency
The official currency of the Netherlands Antilles is the Netherlands Antilles guilder, also known as the Florin (NAf). The NAf is fixed to the United States dollar at an approximate rate of NAf1.77 to $1(USD). U.S. dollars are widely accepted on the island. There are only two banks on Saba both located in Windwardside opening from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm.
Clothing
Casual sportswear and neat informal dress can be worn around the island. The beachwear should not be worn in villages, shops or restaurants. Temperatures on Saba can drop in the evening, especially in areas of higher elevations, so visitors may pack a light sweater or jacket. A comfortable and durable pair of shoes is necessary as most of the island is on an incline. Visitors should also pack sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses to protect themselves from the bright sun.
Electricity
Electricity in Saba runs at 110 volts and 60 cycles. Most plugs on the island accept the flat two pronged blades that are standard on many U.S. electrical appliances and outlets. Travelers from Europe and other areas of the world should buy converters or adapters that will allow them to use their appliances in Saba. Travelers staying in eco-lodges should be aware that electricity may not be available there.
Driving
There are no international rental car agencies but there are several local firms. Visitors must have a valid international driver's license in order to legally drive on the island. Driving is on the right hand side of the road and seat belts are required by law. Children under the age of 12 must ride the back seat of a vehicle while kids under the age of 4 should have a child safety seat.
There is only one gas station on the island located in Fort Bay, which remains open until 3:00 pm Monday through Saturday. Roads in Saba can be quite thin and steep, and have turns that are unexpectedly and hazardously sharp. Drivers should take curves and turns with caution. Road surfaces in most of the Netherlands Antilles can become very slick during and after a rain, and drivers should exercise additional caution when driving in these conditions. Drivers should be cautious of driving in the evening, when lighting may be non-existent.
Crime
Crime is not a problem in the island of Saba. Nevertheless, travelers should always take precautions. The police office is located at The Bottom and officers navigate the small island in squad cars to enforce traffic laws. Travelers should always have their credit cards, cash and other important documents such as passports in secure and concealed locations. Always lock hotel doors and make use of hotel safes. Travelers should be cautious while taking out credit cards and cash in public. It is always better to avoid traveling in remote and dark areas after sunset.
Health tips
Visitors should always also pack insect repellent (containing DEET) and long sleeve shirts, pant, and shoes to protect them from mosquitoes. Travelers should beware of eating reef fish such as barracuda, grouper, and red snapper, as these fish may carry the dangerous ciguatera biotoxin. Never eat uncooked food or unpasteurized dairy products. Travelers are advised to drink bottled water while on the island, although water is generally considered to be safe.
Medical services
Saba houses a medical center as well a medical school. The medical center does not handle complex cases or general surgery but does provide general first aid assistance to travelers. The hyperbaric chamber serves the Eastern Caribbean and is used to treat scuba divers with decompression complications.
Postal services
There are 2 post offices and several other express mail services. The post offices are located in both Windwardside and The Bottom. The post office in Windwardside is open from 7:30 am to 12:00 pm, while at The Bottom, it is open from 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm. The post office allows for express mail while several other express mail and shipping services are also available.
Tipping
Visitors should be sure to tip taxi drivers about 10 to 15% of their fare. The guide should be given tip appropriately based on his service, knowledge and friendliness. Hotels generally add a 5% government tax along with 10 to 15% service charge to the bill. Travelers can give a little amount to hotel cleaning staff for good service. Some restaurants may add a 10 to 15% service charge to the final bill. The diners can give a small percentage to supplement it.
By: Shuchita Bist
GOWEALTHY.COM © 2006
For comments: editor@gowealthy.com
