Currency in Saint Lucia XCD - Things to know
Foreign exchange guide to Saint Lucia and the East Caribbean dollar
What's in this Saint Lucia currency guide?
What currency is used in Saint Lucia?
The official currency of Saint Lucia (country code: LC) is the East Caribbean dollar, with symbol EC$ and currency code XCD.
Loading rates...
|
|
|
Things to know about the East Caribbean dollar
Here are a few things to know about the XCD:
The XCD is pegged to the US dollar at a rate of 2.7 XCD to 1 USD, meaning that the value of the XCD is directly tied to the value of the US dollar.
The XCD is divided into 100 cents. Coins come in denominations of 5, 10, 25, and 50 cents, as well as 1 dollar. Banknotes are available in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 dollars.
The East Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) issues the XCD and is responsible for maintaining the currency's stability. The ECCB also oversees the financial system in the countries that use the XCD.
The XCD is widely accepted in the countries that use it as their official currency and is also accepted in some other Caribbean countries, but it may be less widely accepted in other countries.
Some shops and restaurants in the tourist areas may accept US dollars, but it's good to have local currency in case the merchant don't accept the USD or if they charge a higher rate for USD.
There are some restrictions on the amount of XCD that can be brought into or taken out of the countries that use it, so it's always good to check before you travel.
In some countries, you can use a credit card or debit card, but in rural areas, cash is king. Some ATMs in rural area might not accept foreign cards, so it's always good to have cash.
Recently, the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank introduced plastic notes in an interesting vertical format.
Travel money for Saint Lucia
Save money and time by Ordering your East Caribbean dollar online from Travelex, you get better rates and can pick up the XCD cash locally or even on travel day at the airport.
Another popular option is to use a Pre-paid Travel Card. Your Debit/Credit Card provider will charge you 2% from market mid-rate, but your bank may also charge an extra 3% as an “Overseas Transaction Charge” plus “Overseas ATM” fees for withdrawing cash.
For card purchases if offered a choice of currencies always select to Pay in East Caribbean dollar otherwise you may get much worst exchange rates.
Travel Ideas and Money Tips for Saint Lucia
Saint Lucia is a small Caribbean island nation located just south of Martinique and north of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. It is a popular tourist destination for its beaches, resorts, and lush tropical landscape. English is the official language, but French and Creole are also widely spoken. Saint Lucia is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations and the United Nations.
Best things to do and see in Saint Lucia
1. Go hiking in the rainforest
2. Visit the twin Pitons
3. Go diving or snorkelling
4. Take a scenic drive along the West Coast
5. Visit Sulphur Springs Park
6. Take a boat trip to Pigeon Island
7. Go shopping in Castries
8. Visit the Derek Walcott Square
9. Experience the Saint Lucia Jazz Festival
10. Visit the Saint Lucia Botanical Gardens
Top Travel tips for Saint Lucia
1. Pack plenty of sunscreen and insect repellent. The sun is strong and the bugs are plenty.
2. Bring comfortable walking shoes. You'll do a lot of exploring on foot.
3. Don't forget your bathing suit. The beaches here are some of the best in the world.
4. Be prepared for some rainfall. It is a tropical island after all.
5. Purchase a map of the island. It will come in handy when exploring.
What's the best way to pay in Saint Lucia?
Cash is king in Saint Lucia, and credit and debit cards are not as widely accepted as in other places. It's always a good idea to have some cash on hand to make purchases.
USD/XCD Market Data
The below interactive chart displays the USD/XCD change and UP📈 DOWN📉 trends over the past 1 Year.
Frequently Asked Questions
What currency should I use in Saint Lucia?
The domestic currency in Saint Lucia is the East Caribbean dollar.
What is the East Caribbean dollar currency code and symbol?
The three letter currency code for the East Caribbean dollar is XCD — symbol is EC$.
Which countries use the East Caribbean dollar?
It is the domestic currency in Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia and Saint Vincent and The Grenadines.
Is the East Caribbean dollar a closed currency?
No, the East Caribbean dollar is freely available and convertible. See guide: What is a closed currency?
What are equivalent amounts of USD and XCD?
Here are some popular conversion amounts for USD to XCD (US dollar to East Caribbean dollar)*.
| USD | XCD |
|---|---|
| $ 370.00 | EC$ 1,000 |
| $ 1,850 | EC$ 5,000 |
| $ 7,400 | EC$ 20,000 |
| $ 37,000 | EC$ 100,000 |
More amounts
*Converted at the current USDXCD interbank exchange rate. Calculate actual payout amounts for Send Money and Travel Money exchange rates.
Send Money to Saint Lucia - Best Rates
To get a good (and fair) exchange rate when sending money to Saint Lucia you need to find and compare exchange rates for International Money Transfers (IMTs).
The available FX rates for sending money abroad can be very different to the mid-market (wholesale) rate which you see reported online and in the News.
You should especially compare your own bank's exchange rates to those available from Money Transfer specialists to see how much you can save - we make that calculation easy in the below table.
Get a better deal for foreign transfers to Saint Lucia
When sending money to Saint Lucia it’s important to compare your bank’s rates & fees with those we have negotiated with our partner money transfer providers. To get a better deal you should follow these 4 simple steps :
- Open an account with a BER reviewed FX provider (id docs may be required)
- You specify the local or East Caribbean dollar amount you want to transfer
- Make a local currency domestic transfer for the requested amount to the provider's bank account in your country
- Once your funds are received by the provider the converted XCD amount will be transfered to the recipient account you specify in Saint Lucia.
Use the above calculator to compare the exchange rates of FX specialist providers rates versus your bank's standard rates you can hopefully save around 5% and maybe more - end result is more East Caribbean dollar deposited into the recipient bank account and less margins and fees kept by the banks!
Expat Money & Business Guide to Saint Lucia
Managing your money effectively while living and working abroad can be challenging, but there are several steps you can take to ensure that your finances are in order.
By following these tips and managing your money effectively, you can reduce financial stress and enjoy your experience living or doing business in Saint Lucia.
How is the cost of living in Saint Lucia?
The cost of living in Saint Lucia is relatively high when compared to other Caribbean islands.
How is the expat life in Saint Lucia?
Expat life in Saint Lucia can be very enjoyable. There is a strong expat community on the island and many opportunities to meet other expats and make friends. There are also plenty of activities and attractions to keep you busy, including beaches, hiking, and diving.
Any laws in Saint Lucia that foreigners should be aware of?
Foreigners should be aware of the following laws in Saint Lucia:
-The legal age for purchasing and consuming alcohol is 18.
-It is illegal to drive under the influence of alcohol.
-The use of marijuana is illegal.
What is doing business like in Saint Lucia?
Doing business in Saint Lucia is generally considered to be quite easy and straightforward. The country has a well-developed infrastructure and a relatively business-friendly environment. Additionally, the government offers a number of incentives to encourage foreign investment.
Managing your finances in Saint Lucia
Here we list some key points for expats and businesses to consider when managing financial dealings in Saint Lucia:
Understand East Caribbean dollar currency exchange rates: Exchange rates can have a big impact on your finances, so it is important to keep an eye on the XCD exchange rate and consider using a currency exchange service or a credit card that does not charge foreign transaction fees to get the best exchange rate.
Use a local East Caribbean dollar bank account: A local XCD bank account can make it easier for you to manage your finances and pay bills while you are in Saint Lucia. It may also be more convenient to use a local XCD bank account to make purchases and withdraw cash.
Research local laws and regulations: It is important to understand the local laws and regulations that apply to financial transactions in Saint Lucia. This can help you avoid legal issues and ensure that you are complying with local requirements.
Consider the tax implications: It is important to understand the tax implications of living or doing business in Saint Lucia. This can help you plan your finances and ensure that you are paying the correct amount of tax.
Seek financial advice: If you are unsure of how to manage your finances in Saint Lucia, it is a good idea to seek the advice of a financial professional who is familiar with the local financial system. This can help you make informed decisions and avoid financial pitfalls.