๐งญ Anguilla: good to know
The general-information half of trip planning: how expensive Anguilla feels, what is considered polite, what is not, and the everyday practicalities - alongside our 28 written places.
Laid-back and personal - greetings open every exchange, boat racing is religion and nobody hurries.
โ Considered polite
- Say good morning or good afternoon before any request - it is basic manners here
- Dress neatly casual for restaurants - beach chic, not beachwear
- Take an interest in boat racing - the national sport is a ready-made conversation
- Wave hello on the road - drivers greet each other and visitors alike
โ Better avoided
- Wear swimwear in shops or restaurants - cover up off the sand
- Rush service - the unhurried pace is the point, not a flaw
- Haggle with taxi drivers - fares are government-set and quoted upfront
- Play loud music on beaches - quiet is part of what people come for
๐ก Worth knowing
- US dollars are accepted everywhere alongside the Eastern Caribbean dollar
- Driving is on the left and visitors need a temporary Anguilla permit - rental agencies sell it with the car for about US$20-25
- Many restaurant bills already include 10-15% service - check before tipping again
- Most visitors arrive by ferry or shared boat from St Maarten - flights are small-plane only
Some links on this page are Amazon affiliate links - if you buy through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only list the kind of gear we would pack ourselves.
Customs are living things - regions differ, cities relax, generations shift. Take these notes as a friendly head start, watch what locals do, and when in doubt a smile and a greeting in the local language cover almost everything.