The currency of the country is the East Caribbean dollar, denoted by the symbol: “$” or “EC$” (ISO currency code: XCD), which is also used by seven other island nations in the Caribbean. The EC dollar is subdivided into 100 cents. It is pegged to the United States dollar at an exchange rate of US$1 = EC$2.70.

Coins circulate in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10 and 25 cents and 1 dollar. Banknotes circulate in denominations of 10, 20, 50, and 100 dollars.

Often, accommodations are priced in the more valuable US dollar, so the designation EC$ is useful to distinguish the two.

Items for sale in shops are generally ‘expensive’ compared to US and European standards.

Shops take cash, and may not accept debit cards. Also as a bonus, the ferry service only takes cash!

There are only two ATMs on the island, but the Bank of Montserrat cannot withdraw from international accounts (not even UK). As with the rest of the Caribbean the Royal Bank of Canada charges a flat fee of US$4.50 to withdraw, so if you want to avoid fees or being in a cashless state, stock up in your previous ECD currency country!

• Bank of Montserrat, Brades Main Road, +1 664 491-3843. M-F 8AM-2PM; closes W 1PM, F 3PM.
  
• Royal Bank of Canada, Brades Main Road, +1 664 491-2426. M-F 9AM-2PM; closes W 1PM, F 3PM.

Traffic drives on the left. Montserrat has one main two-lane road that winds along the coast on the east and west sides of the island. Cars can be rented from several businesses. Traffic is light (there are no traffic lights) but there are only two gas/petrol stations on the island. In 2011, a 4-door Suzuki Vitara (residents would call it a Jeep) rented for approx $250 US dollars per week.

A temporary Montserrat driver’s license can be obtained at the police station in Brades or Salem, all that is required is a completed form, presentation of your home country/territory license, and a payment of US$20 or EC$50.

Bicycle rentals are also available. Taxis and buses run, mostly during the day. Hitch-hiking, during the day and early evening is safe and considered normal – just point your finger in the direction you are going.

Walking, while safe and possible to all points, is quite an arduous task, as the roads traverse very steep hills. Locals tend to walk within a local village or housing area, but find other transport from village to village.

EAT:

Most establishments are casual. Some bars on the beach are okay with folks walking right in sand and all.

Most meal choices consist of chicken or seafood, with most having a red meat option, though the type of meat various greatly. Few places are open at night for dinner, and most of those that are require reservations (not because they’re fancy or expensive, but because business is slower and they want to ensure they have fresh food available.)

Goat Water is a dish enjoyed on Montserrat. Despite the name, it’s actually a spicy goat meat and bread fruit stew.

There are no international fast-food chains on Montserrat.

• The Attic, Olveston Estate Drive (turn right off the Salem Main Road, just below the National Trust), +1 664 491-2008. Roti for lunch.
  
• Emerald Rose Restaurant, St. Johns, +1 664 491-5941, fax: +1 664 491-2333.
  
• Gourmet Gardens, Olveston, +1 664 491-7859, mariet.walters@hotmail.com. Part of the old Olveston Estate. Sunday brunch. Eat on a patio overlooking the garden or inside the classic gingerbread house.
  
• La Colage, Sweeney’s, +1 664 491-4136.
  
• Tina’s Restaurant, Brades Main Road, +1 664 491-3538. Green wooden building on main road. Licensed. Tina’s, La Colage and Emerald Rose offer great local lunches. EC$50 (lunch).
  
• Ziggy’s, Mahogany Lane, Woodlands, +1 664 491-8282. Upscale. Steak, butterfly shrimp, good wine selection. Dinner seven days/week by reservation only.

DRINK:

• Desert Storm Bar & Snackette, Salem Centre, +1 664 491-5136.
  
• Gary Moore’s Wide Awake Bar, Salem, +1 664 491-7156, +1 664 492-1357.
  
• Misers, Salem, +1 664 491-4182.
  
• ‘Ponts’ “Beach View” Bar & Restaurant, Little Bay, +1 664 496-7994, +1 664 491-5025.

Accommodation on Montserrat is a bargain compared to many of its less geologically active neighbours, as the island is anxious to re-establish its tourism industry. The tourism board has listings of private villas for as little as US$700/week. Beware of hidden “service charges”, as a few properties have been known to tack on an extra 10% in addition to the room cost and taxes.

Prices do not include the 7-10% tax on accommodations unless otherwise indicated.

• Essence Guest House, Old Towne Bluff Drive, Old Towne, +1 664 491-5411. Guest house owned by friendly Belgian couple, beautiful rooms and apartment ($55 and $75, respectively). English, French, Dutch spoken.
  
• Gingerbread Hill, St. Peters, Montserrat, +1 664 491-5812, +1-813-774-5270 (USA). Guest house and separate villa with mountain and ocean views. A fully equipped suite at US$125, or simpler accommodations as low as US$35. German and American radio amateurs have installed a fully-equipped station at the guest house; contact the Montserrat Amateur Radio Society well in advance to obtain an elusive VP2M local callsign. $35-125.
  
• Grand View Bed & Breakfast, Baker Hill, Cudjoe Head, +1 664 491 2284, fax: +1 664 491-6876, grand@candw.ag. Seven room guesthouse with covered patio, occasional live music or special events. Breakfast, lunch and dinner may be ordered in advance, with authentic Caribbean cuisine and home grown produce. EC$175-260.
  
• Hot Rock Hostel, Salem. Near Montserrat Volcano Observatory. Rates negotiable depending on how many and how long, about $25 including light breakfast (in 2008).
  
• Miles Away Villa Resort & Spa, Mayfield Estate Dr, Olveston, +1 664 491-7362, +1 306-500-3707 (Canada). Rooms and suites, three-bedroom villa with private pool. $10 extra for AC, $10 extra for continental breakfast. $100-120 (rooms), $180/night (villa, three night minimum).
  
• Olveston House, Olveston, +1 664 491-5210, +1 664 495-5210. Built 1950 by the manager of Montserrat Company to replace an original wooden house built in the 1800s, onetime home of ZJB radio and of the first local cinema. It is the holiday home of Sir George Martin, who was the manager of the Beatles. When he is away, this private residence is opened as a restaurant and six-room guest house. International and traditional English cuisine, breakfast, lunch, dinner and ‘high tea’ daily.
  
• Villa “Tan Ry Doon”, Olveston, +1 802 442-9236, fax: +1 802-442-2861. Villa rental in Olveston; owner is based in Bennington, Vermont, USA. $1250/week (winter), $850/week (summer).
  
• Vue Pointe Hotel, Old Towne, Saint Peter, +1 664 491-5508. Reopened after extensive 2016 renovation, outdoor pool.

TBC.