Antigua and Barbuda sits in the eastern Caribbean. That is about as far from Changi as a holiday can take you. The name gives away the basic layout: two main islands, each with a very different feel. One is livelier and easier to get around. The other is quiet and slow.
Because it is so far away, a little planning goes a long way. You cannot pop back for something you forgot, the way you might after a weekend in Johor. Here are the things worth sorting out before your first trip.
Getting there takes a long time
There is no quick hop from Singapore to the Caribbean. Expect at least one connection and a long day of travel each way. Flight routes and journey times vary, so compare options and check them before you book. Plan a slow first day, so jet lag does not eat into your first beach afternoon.
Time your trip around hurricane season
Hurricane season runs from June to November every year. If you are booking now for the coming weeks, your trip will still fall inside it. Monitor the local news while you are there, and follow the advice of the local authorities. Leave some slack in your plans in case flights or boats change.
Antigua and Barbuda feel like two different trips
Antigua is the bigger and busier island. It has the capital, St John's, the old naval area around English Harbour and Nelson's Dockyard, and the lookout at Shirley Heights. Barbuda is much quieter, with long, empty beaches and a small main village at Codrington. A day trip across is possible, but a night or two lets you settle into its slower pace.
Getting between the islands needs planning
Getting from Antigua to Barbuda means a boat or a small plane. Schedules can change with the weather and the season, so check them close to your travel day. Book your return leg early, so you are not stuck if a crossing is cancelled. Think of it less like a ferry to Sentosa and more like a proper journey.
Getting around Antigua
There is no MRT here, so you will rely on taxis, local buses or a rental car. Taxi fares vary, so agree on the price before you get in. Local buses are cheaper, but routes and timings can be less regular than you are used to. If you plan to drive, check the local road rules and permit requirements first, and take it slow on narrow, hilly roads.
Money and paying
Check the local currency and its rate against the Singapore dollar before you go. Cards are usually fine at larger places, but smaller stalls, beach vendors and buses may want cash. Tell your bank you will be travelling, so your card is not blocked mid-trip. ATM and overseas card fees vary, so check what your bank charges.
Staying connected
Check your roaming plan with your telco before you leave Changi. Roaming in the Caribbean can cost more than in Southeast Asia, and a surprise bill is a poor souvenir. A local SIM card or eSIM is another option to look into. Download offline maps before you go, in case the signal drops on quieter beaches.
Mind your manners
A greeting goes a long way here. Say good morning or good afternoon before asking a question, rather than jumping straight in. Keep beachwear for the beach, and cover up a little more in town and in churches. Always ask before taking photos of people, and expect a more relaxed pace than the Orchard Road rush.
Eat local
Local cooking leans on seafood, spiced stews, root vegetables and fresh tropical fruit. Roadside stalls and markets feel a bit like a looser, sunnier hawker centre. Prices vary, so check the menu or ask before you order. Check whether service is already included in the bill before adding a tip.
See your doctor before you fly
Visit your doctor before you travel for advice on required or recommended vaccinations. Pack any medicines you take regularly, in their original packaging, with enough for the whole trip and a little spare. Bring sunblock and a hat, since the island sun is strong. Drink plenty of water, especially on long beach days.
Keep safety basics in mind
Keep valuables out of sight, and do not leave bags alone on the beach while you swim. Swim where other people are swimming, and keep an eye on sea conditions. For the latest safety and entry advice, read MFA's travel advice linked on our Antigua and Barbuda page. Check it again a few days before you fly.
Know who to call if something goes wrong
Singapore has no mission in Antigua and Barbuda. If you need consular help, contact MFA's 24-hour Consular Response Centre on +65 6379 8800 or at [email protected]. Save both in your phone before you leave home. Note the local emergency numbers when you arrive, too.
A quick checklist before you go
Run through this list in the week before you fly:
- Flights: connections booked, with enough time between legs.
- Weather: hurricane season noted, and local news on your radar.
- Island hop: Barbuda boat or plane schedule checked and return leg booked.
- Money: bank told about your trip, some cash ready for small purchases.
- Phone: roaming plan or local SIM sorted, offline maps downloaded.
- Health: doctor visited, medicines packed with spares.
- Help: MFA's Consular Response Centre number saved in your phone.
- Advice: MFA's travel advice read and rechecked close to departure.
With these sorted, you can spend less time worrying and more time on the beach.
Before you go: travel insurance for Antigua and Barbuda
Before you fly, get your travel insurance through Shenton Brokers for your trip. Compare travel insurance for Antigua and Barbuda to see today's prices from every insurer we compare, with the destination's travel notes and MFA's latest advice. Or get a quote for your own dates.
Buy it as soon as you book: trip cancellation pays only for events after the policy starts.