Is cash still widely used?
Moderately. Antigua’s tourist resort areas and St. John’s have good card acceptance. Local buses, smaller restaurants, village shops, and the Saturday market require Eastern Caribbean dollar cash. Barbuda is more remote and cash-dependent.
ATMs and withdrawing cash
ATMs are available in St. John’s and tourist areas. Eastern Caribbean Amalgamated Bank and RBTT machines accept foreign cards.
- Fees are around $10 XCD per withdrawal
- Good availability in St. John’s; limited on Barbuda
- Withdraw cash before visiting Barbuda
Card acceptance
Good at tourist resorts. Visa and Mastercard accepted at most tourist-facing businesses. Local transport and markets require cash.
Tips for travelers
- Antigua has 365 beaches — one for every day of the year
- Barbuda’s pink sand beach is extraordinary and requires a separate boat trip
- USD is widely accepted in tourist areas
- Tipping 10-15% is expected in tourist restaurants