Currency in Saint Vincent and The Grenadines XCD - Things to know
Foreign exchange guide to Saint Vincent and The Grenadines and the East Caribbean dollar
What's in this Saint Vincent and The Grenadines currency guide?
What currency is used in Saint Vincent and The Grenadines?
The official currency of Saint Vincent and The Grenadines (country code: VC) is the East Caribbean dollar, with symbol EC$ and currency code XCD.
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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 Vincent and The Grenadines
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 Vincent and The Grenadines
While it may sound like a playground for the rich and famous, you don't need your own yacht to enjoy SVG. In fact cheap ferries make exploring this archipelago nation independently a breeze and with so many islands to choose from, there's sure to be one that perfectly meets your needs. And while it's famed for its islands and beaches, the country offers more than just a relax in a hammock. There are volcanoes to climb, refreshing waterfalls to explore and great hiking throughout.
Just the name St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) evokes visions of exotic, idyllic island life. Imagine an island chain in the heart of the Caribbean Sea, uncluttered by tourist exploitation, with white-sand beaches on deserted islands, sky-blue water gently lapping the shores and barely a soul around.
What currency to use in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines?
The local currency in St Vincent and the Grenadines is the Eastern Caribbean dollar. Many places will accept US dollars as currency for payment (although only bills, not coins). To avoid confusion between the two currencies, always confirm which currency vendors are asking for, although often they will quote prices in both.
ATMs are rare St Vincent and the Grenadines. There a few located at the major banks in the capital, Kingstown, but certainly do not expect any in the Grenadines other islands. It is best to take all the cash you need with you if visiting these islands, and most of the hotels here will accept credit card payments.
How to get around in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines?
Flights within SVG are a quick and inexpensive way to shuttle around the country. There are airports on all the main Grenadine islands except Mayreau. There are a number of airlines running regular services between the islands.
The main islands of SVG are well linked by boats. It’s very important to confirm schedule details in advance as they change frequently. You can also usually find a fishing boat who will get you between islands in the Grenadines. Usually this will be on a small, open fishing boat with room for, at best, four people with minimal luggage. The rides can be quite exciting and should not undertaken in rough seas. Places to stay on the islands always have reliable contacts. Costs are negotiable – for an example, you should be able to get from Mayreau to Union Island for under EC$150.
Buses are a good way to get around St Vincent. It is possible to catch one on Bequia and Union Island, but these islands are so small that you'll rarely use them. The buses themselves are usually minivans that are often jammed full. You can expect to get to know at least 20 fellow commuters as you are squeezed into every available space in the bus. There’s usually a conductor on board who handles the cash and assigns the seats. When you get to your stop, either tap on the roof or try to get the attention of the conductor over the thumping music, and the bus will stop for you just about anywhere.
Taxis are abundant on St Vincent and Bequia. Agree on a fare before departure.
St Vincent is really the only island where you may wish to drive. It has enough roads to make exploration interesting and worthwhile. However, expect to drive slowly over its very narrow and winding roads – think 20mph as a good average.
Travel tips for Saint Vincent and the Grendaines.
Though the temperature is steady, the humidity fluctuates throughout the year—the wet season runs from June through October, while the dry season goes from mid-November through April or May. That being said, St. Vincent and especially the Grenadines often avoid severe autumn hurricanes. As in the rest of the Caribbean, rates at luxury resorts are highest from December 15 to April 15. However, prices at smaller hotels, inns, and guesthouses usually remain the same year-round. Those looking to plan their visit around special events should consider the Mustique Blues Festival in January, the Bequia Easter Regatta in the spring, or Vincy Mas (St. Vincent’s carnival) in late June and July.
On St. Vincent, you’ll learn a lot about the nation’s history and people by visiting Fort Charlotte, touring the Botanic Garden, and simply walking around Kingstown. Adventurous visitors can attempt the climb up La Soufrière (the volcano that covers about a third of the island), but everyone should get out on the water and visit the dazzling Grenadines. Each island has a different appeal, but all are ringed with powder-soft, white-sand beaches and an aquamarine sea with gentle surf. Sailing on your own or a chartered sailboat is ideal, but even a ferry ride is a delightful way to spend a day. Highlights include Tobago Cays, Saltwhistle Bay Beach on Mayreau, Basil’s Beach Bar on Mustique, and Port Elizabeth on Bequia.
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 Vincent and The Grenadines?
The domestic currency in Saint Vincent and The Grenadines 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 Vincent and The Grenadines - Best Rates
To get a good (and fair) exchange rate when sending money to Saint Vincent and The Grenadines 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 Vincent and The Grenadines
When sending money to Saint Vincent and The Grenadines 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 Vincent and The Grenadines.
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!