Sidesplitter
Senior Pilot
Joined: 05 Jun 2005
Posts: 2036
Location: Land of Eurovision Winners!
1019 ants
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 Posted: Wed Oct 05, 2005 1:08 pm Post subject: Saint Helena |
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This is one those far flung little places that fascinates me, more info here
Banking Business Hours Car Rentals Climate
Clothing Communications Banking Cruise Ships
Currency Customs Eating Out Education
Electricity Emergencies Entry Requirements Insurance
Immigration Language Location Marriage
Medical Care Motoring Population Post
Public Library Pubs Religion Seaport
Shopping Shop Hours Sports Taxis
Time Tipping Travellers HELP Transport
Travel
Banking
Banking services on St. Helena (and Ascension Island) are provided by the Bank of St. Helena, which delivers a full retail banking service to individuals and business in, and trading with, St. Helena. For more details about the Bank of St. Helena and the services it offers please refer to its website at www.sainthelenabank.com. There are no international banks on the island.
Credit cards (MasterCard & Visa) are accepted by major shops and businesses for the payment of goods. Cash up to the amount of £200.00 can be withdrawn using your MasterCard/Visa from the Cash Office, Solomon & Co. PLC, Main Street. 7.5% commission and £1.00 connection fee is charged for this service. Travellers' cheques are recommended and can be cashed at the Bank of St Helena, Main Street, Jamestown. A commission of 1% is charged for Travellers cheques. [Also see Money Matters].
Business Hours
Businesses hours, unless otherwise stated, are usually open from 8:30am - 12:30pm & 1:00pm - 4:00pm Mondays to Fridays. [More info can be viewed on the official St Helena Development Agency web site]
Car Rentals
Car rentals can be booked via the Tourist Office or through your travel agent. If you hire a car, make sure you are a named driver on the insurance policy. [Also see Getting About]
Climate
The Island is blessed with a pleasant climate with warm sunny summers and cool mild winters, with moderate rains. The South Atlantic high pressure cell and the equatorial trough control the climate of St Helena. Despite the island's locality within the tropics, it's climate is kept mild and equable by the south-east trade winds. There are noticeable contrasts in climate between Jamestown, the capital on the north leeward shore, and the inland areas. Jamestown can be sunny and lightly humid whilst areas like Longwood experience chilly mists and a higher rainfall. [see weather for details]
Clothing
Casual informal clothing is appropriate, however it is advisable to bring a jersey and light-weight rain jacket, and good walking shoes if you are contemplating doing any of our interesting walks. Semi-formal clothing is also suggested for some evenings.
Communications
International Direct Dialing, Internet & Email Facilities, Facsimile and Telegram are all available. Phone cards can be obtained from the Cable & Wireless Office, Post Office, Ann's Place, Standard and Consulate Bar. Phone booths are located in Jamestown and the country districts. Collect calls are possible to Canada, United Kingdom and Ascension Island.
Visa, Euro and MasterCard are accepted for payment of telephone calls and other products purchased from Cable & Wireless.
Cruise Ships
A number of cruise ships have included St Helena on their itinerary - some annually on trips to the south and others on their world cruise.
Currency
St Helena currency is used on the island and the St Helena £ is fixed at parity with British £ Sterling. [Also see Money Matters]
Customs
St Helena is not a duty-free port.
Duty Free Allowance
Visitors arriving in St Helena may bring with them the following:
(a) Spirits, strong liqueurs over 22% volume 1 liter and Wine 2 liters or Beer/Lager 340 bottle/cans 12 bottles/cans
(b) Perfumed spirits & toilet water not exceeding 250 ml
(c) Cigarettes not exceeding 200, or
(d) Other tobacco goods not exceeding in all 250 grams
Persons under the age of 18 years cannot claim the duty free allowance of alcoholic liquors and persons under the age of 16 years cannot claim the duty free allowance of cigarettes and other tobacco goods.
Prohibited Goods
> Firearms and ammunition unless accompanied by a valid license.
> Obscene items or pornographic literature, films or video tapes.
> Fruit, vegetables and plant material unless accompanied by an import permit issued by the Chief Agricultural & Natural Resources Officer, St Helena and phytosanitary and export inspection certificates from the country of origin.
> Animals unless accompanied by a permit issued by the Chief Agricultural & Natural Resources Officer, St Helena.
Further information can be obtained from Customs on telephone +290 2287.
Animals, Fruit & Vegetables
It is important to make arrangements well in advance of your departure date if you wish to bring animals, fruit or vegetables to the island. The law prohibits the importation of animals, plants, fruit and vegetables without prior approval and documentation from the Chief Agricultural & Natural Resources Officer.
Eating out
There is a variety of St Helena local dishes for the visitors to enjoy such as fishcakes, black puddings, pilau, coconut fingers, pumpkin pudding and pumpkin fritters. Visitors are advised to book in advance at one of the local eating places for evening meals. [Also see Eating Places]
Education
Education on St Helena is based broadly on the British system and curriculum. All children attend school between the ages of five and fifteen, and nursery classes are also provided in all first schools. The island operates a three-tier system with students progressing from First Schools to Middle Schools (at 7+ years) and, at the age of 11+, to the one Community High School, Prince Andrew School.
Students sit the GCSE Examinations (GCSE) and can progress to the Cambridge Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE) or a limited number of A Levels. At 16+ students may enter a Youth Training Scheme under a structured vocational programme or they may continue to attend school as day release students. For tertiary or higher education, students go mainly to the United Kingdom.
Electricity
The electricity supply on St Helena is 240V, 50Hz. The standard electrical socket is the 13-amp flat pin as used in the United Kingdom.
Emergencies
In case of emergency, dial 911 for Ambulance and 999 for Police, Fire or Sea Rescue.
Entry Requirements
All visitors must have valid passports and return tickets. Pre-booked accommodation is recommended.
Visitors Pass
A fee of £11.00 is payable for all visitors over twelve years disembarking at St Helena. A Visitors Pass will normally be issued for a period of one month, although this may be renewed for stays up to three months. Remember to have your proof of medical insurance with you if you intend staying longer than 48 hours.
Entry Permit
Visitors envisaging a stay of over three months are advised to consider applying for an Entry Permit, which can be issued for a period of up to five years, especially where the applicant has a spouse or common law partner with St Helenian status. Applications for an Entry Permit should be submitted to the Immigration Control Board, and if granted, visitors will be required to pay a fee of £20.00 per annum.
Immigration
The St Helena Government welcomes visitors and, subject to certain conditions, those who intend to make their future lives on the Island, particularly those married to or in a stable long-term relationship with a resident with 'St Helenian status'. [Full documentation for requirements for residency can be downloaded here]
Insurance
Before leaving home you should arrange travel, personal accident, additional medical insurance and baggage insurance to cover the journey. You will be asked to produce proof of medical insurance by the immigration officer if you intend to stay longer than 48 hours, please remember to have it with your passport.
Language
English is the only language spoken on St Helena, although most St Helenians speak their own dialect of the English language.
Location
St Helena is situated in the South Atlantic Ocean, 5° 43' west and 15° 56' south, 1,200 miles (1,950km) from the south-west coast of Africa, and 1,800 miles (2,900km) from the coast of South America. The nearest land is Ascension Island, which lies 703 miles (1,125km) to the north-west. The Island is 47 square miles (122 square km), ten and a half miles (17km) long and six and a half miles (10km) wide. [Also see Geography]
Marriage
Those wishing to marry on St Helena must provide the following:
> Full names, dates of birth and addresses
> Current status, ie whether a bachelor/spinster, widow/widower, divorced (to be supported by appropriate documentation)
> Occupations/Professions
Notice of the intended marriage must be posted for 21 days, but if there is insufficient time, a Governor's Special Licence can be applied for.
Medical Care
There is a small (54 beds) modern, well-equipped General Hospital, a Dental Surgery and a Community Clinic in Jamestown. There are also six rural health clinics around the island, regularly visited by the doctors, dentist and community nurses.
There is no National Health Service and Saints pay for all medical treatment. British Passport holders are eligible to pay local rates for medical and dental attention but non-UK residents pay higher rates.
Motoring
Most roads are single lane. Etiquette requires the driver coming down to make way for up-coming traffic. Drive on the left-hand side of the road. The drink drive laws are strictly applied with a limit of 50µg of alcohol per 100ml of breath. The safest course is not to Drink and Drive.
Speed Limits: Unless otherwise stated, normal speed limits are 30mph. Road signs are shown in miles per hour and not kilometres per hour. In Jamestown the speed limit is 20mph.
Petrol and diesel can also be bought from Solomon's Fuel Stations in Half Tree Hollow and Longwood.
Population
The population of St Helena is 5,000, mainly descendants of British settlers, East India Company employees and slaves from the South Asian sub-Continent, the East Indies and Madagascar as well as Chinese indentured labourers. The capital and only town is Jamestown, with a population of 884. The other main districts of population are Longwood (960) and Half Tree Hollow (1140). [Also see Demography]
Postal Service
The main Post Office is in Main Street, Jamestown. All districts have a sub-Post Office operating in a general store or grocery shop. Postage stamps are available from the main Post Office, sub-Post Offices and Souvenir Shop, Main Street, Jamestown. Overseas post is operated via the RMS St Helena. The Post Office will receive mail for you providing it is addressed Poste Restante where it can then be collected from the main Post Office.
Public Library
The St Helena public library is the oldest in the Southern Hemisphere. Visitors may borrow up to four (4) books at a time on deposit of £10 which will be refunded on the return of all books borrowed. Check with the Tourist Office for opening times.
Pubs
Mondays to Saturdays: 11:00am - 2:00pm & 5:00pm - 11:00pm. Some pubs are also open on a Sunday from noon until 2:00pm. Alcoholic beverages cannot be consumed on the streets of Jamestown.
Religion
All but one of the religious groups on the island describes themselves as Christians. The majority of Saints belong to the Anglican Church. Other religious groups include Baptists, Roman Catholics, Seventh Day Adventists, Salvation Army, New Apostolic, Jehovah's Witnesses and Baha'i Faith.
Details of most church services are published in the weekly St Helena Herald.
Seaport
Jamestown is the only port on St Helena. The harbour consists of an open roadstead with three anchorages. Vessels of any size can use the anchorage. Passengers can be ferried by ships' tenders or local boats.
Shopping
Local crafts on St Helena are limited due mainly to the fluctuating market demand. However a limited amount can be bought from the Art & Craft Centre, Warren's and other shops in Jamestown. Special items of craft can also be purchased from the individual producer. Souvenirs, such as T-Shirts, Caps, Key-rings, etc are on sale in a number of shops in Jamestown. St Helena stamps on First Day Covers make excellent souvenirs of St Helena. Most shops accept credit cards for the purchase of goods.
Shop Hours
Most shops in Jamestown usually open from 9:00am - 5:00pm Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays & Fridays, 9:00am - 1:00pm Wednesdays, and 9:00am - 1:00pm & 6:30pm - 8:30pm Saturdays. Some shops also open late on Friday evenings. All shops are closed on Sundays, except when there is a cruise ship in port.
Sports
A wide variety of sporting activities takes place on St Helena and the participation of visitors is welcomed by almost all. Cricket, golf and rifle shooting were introduced to the island in the late 1800's. Other sports and leisure enjoyed are football, tennis, basketball, badminton, skittles, table tennis, darts, euchre drives, water sports and line dancing. [Also see Sports & Leisure]
Taxis
Details of taxis can be found in the telephone directory or Tourist Office. Taxis do not have meters and rates should be checked before the journey. There is also a taxi rank in Jamestown. [Also see Getting About]
Time
Greenwich Mean Time all year round.
Tipping
Tipping is very much the individual's choice according to service. A tip of around 10% is standard.
Travellers HELP
Assistance or advice is available throughout the week, 8:30am - 4pm, from our Tourist Office located at: The Canister, Main Street, Jamestown. Tel: + (290) 2158, Fax: + (290) 2159, Email: sthelena.tourism@helanta.sh
Transport
The public transport system on St Helena is fairly new and has a very limited service. However, visitors have the option of booking tours through the Tourist Office, car rental or taxis. [Also see Getting About]
Travel
St Helena has no airport. Therefore the only mode of travel is by ship. The RMS St Helena provides a regular service from the United Kingdom (via Tenerife and Ascension Island) and from Cape Town, South Africa.
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Older women + beer + your mates egging you on = One massive ego trip =) |
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