Upcoming trip to Nevis, where I understand US dollars are pretty freely accepted. However, is it considered advisable (or even just polite) to have EC Dollars also for situations like tipping? What about souvenirs or taxis? Thanks!
Should I have some EC dollars on Nevis?
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I just came back from Nevis and they were pretty used to visitors using $US dollars. I found it handy to have EC because it is sometimes difficult to get change in $US. I do have to say that I have to remember if I am tipping in EC to make sure it is equivalent to what I would give in $US.
No one will have the least bit concern whether you use $EC or $US on Nevis.
In some instances if you pay in $US you may get change in $EC - this occurs mainly when dealing with smaller vendors. Most restaurants and many vendors have prices marked in both $US and $EC.
FYI - the official exchange rate is $1US = $2.6882EC but many vendors use $1US = $2.70EC. Others will use anything between $2.65 and $2.70 to $1US.
When comparing $EC price to $US price you may find paying in $EC will give you a slight price advantage but unless you are making a major purchase the difference is negligible.
We use both. When we first go into Charlestown we usually go to the ATM and get EC. Every year there are fewer and fewer places that don't easily make the conversion, but I've found it faster to buy gas and groceries with EC. But it's no big deal either way.
Anybody know - Does it make it hard on the workers in Nevis if you tip in US dollars? For example, we always tip in pesos in Mexico, because it is a hassle for bartenders, maids, etc. to get US dollars switched and they lose a percentage in the transaction. Is the same true in Nevis? Or can they easily use the US dollars themselves?
cavdeb - No problem tipping in $US on Nevis. The locals use either currency around the island with the same ease and convenience. It's very easy for them to exchange $US for $EC and get the official exchange rate. So, It makes no difference which currency you use for tips.