Resources for Expats, Travelers, and Entrepreneurs Navigating Life and Trade in Saint Lucia with the East Caribbean dollar
What's in this Saint Lucia currency guide?
The official currency of Saint Lucia (country code: LC) is the East Caribbean dollar, with symbol EC$ and currency code XCD.
Loading rates...
|
|
The domestic currency in Saint Lucia is the East Caribbean dollar.
The three letter currency code for the East Caribbean dollar is XCD — symbol is EC$.
Here is an example East Caribbean dollar banknote:
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.
No, the East Caribbean dollar is freely available and convertible. See guide: What is a closed currency?
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.
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.
Using Wise for East Caribbean dollar travel money is a smart choice for savvy travelers. With its competitive exchange rates and low fees, Wise allows you to convert and manage multiple currencies effortlessly.
Be careful when using your own bank's Debit/Credit Card, as your bank may also charge an extra 3% as an “Overseas Transaction Charge” plus “Overseas ATM” fees for withdrawing cash on top of the standard Visa/Mastercard 2.5% from market mid-rate.
For card purchases, if you are offered a choice of currencies always select to Pay in East Caribbean dollar otherwise you will typically get much worst dynamic currency conversion (DCC) exchange rates.
If you really want East Caribbean dollar cash before departure, you can save money by ordering online. You generally get better rates and can pick up the XCD cash locally or even on travel day at the airport.
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.
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
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.
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.
The below interactive chart displays the USD/XCD change and UP📈 DOWN📉 trends over the past 1 Year.
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.
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 :
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!
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.
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 money transfer specialist 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.
We have put together some key points to help managing your money effectively, you can reduce financial stress and enjoy your experience living or doing business in Saint Lucia.
The cost of living in Saint Lucia is relatively high when compared to other Caribbean islands.
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.
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.
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.