Welcome to Nevis
Your local shortcut to what to know, where to go and what not to miss while you’re here.
What do you need?
Just arrived?
Your First 24 Hours in Nevis
Get settled, pick up anything you need, find somewhere for dinner and decide what tomorrow looks like.
Explore your first 24 hours →A little local knowledge
Getting around
T = Taxi (yellow plate)
H = Bus (green plate)
R = Rental vehicle (red plate)
Public taxis and buses are usually minibuses.
Keep your bottles
Empty larger water bottles can be refilled at Nevis Spring Water in Charlestown or Nelson Spring Water in Nelson Spring.
Heading into Charlestown?
Beachwear is for the beach. Cover up before heading into town and wear a shirt when visiting most establishments.
Good to know while you’re here
Getting Around
Public vehicles in Nevis are easy to recognise from their number plates.
Taxi — yellow plate beginning T
Bus — green plate beginning H
Rental vehicle — red plate beginning R
Taxis and buses are usually minibuses.
Driving
Nevis drives on the left.
Rental cars can be left- or right-hand drive, so choose whichever you are most comfortable with — but always keep left.
Need a private driver? Ask Book Nevis → Going to St Kitts? Check ferry information →Groceries & Water
For water, snacks, wine, sunscreen and everyday essentials, the main supermarkets include:
- IGA Valu Mart — Charlestown area
- RAMS — Charlestown area
- Best Buy — Charlestown
- Best Buy — Gingerland
Small village shops and snackettes around the island are useful for drinks, snacks and everyday basics.
Water refills
Instead of continually buying new bottles, larger empty water bottles can be refilled at either of Nevis’s two refill locations:
Nevis Spring Water — Charlestown
Nelson Spring Water — Nelson Spring
You’ll normally need transport to reach them. Nelson Spring Water is especially convenient if you’re staying at Hamilton Beach, as it is just across the road.
Power & Wi-Fi
Power
110V is standard on Nevis.
Many private residences also provide UK-style 220V outlets. Check with your accommodation if you need a particular socket type or voltage.
Staying connected
Free Wi-Fi is widely available across Nevis. Most hotels, restaurants and bars provide Wi-Fi for guests, and you will also find free Wi-Fi at many establishments around Charlestown and Pinney’s Beach.
Need a local SIM? Book Nevis can arrange for your transfer driver to have a local SIM card with data/credit ready for you when you arrive, so there is no need to spend time looking for one at the airport. Just ask us before you travel.
Banks & Money
Banks
Banks generally open at 8:00 AM Monday–Friday.
Tipping
Tipping is customary and appreciated in St. Kitts and Nevis, although it is always at your discretion. For drivers, water-taxi crews and other service providers, around 10–20% for good service is a useful guide.
Most restaurants and hotels may already include a service charge, so check your bill before adding an additional tip.
Find your bearings
Nevis is small, but where you’re staying makes a difference to beaches, restaurants and getting around. New to the island? Our About Nevis page covers where Nevis is, how big it is and how it relates to St. Kitts.
Simple orientation sketch — not to scale.
What sounds good?
See your Nevis Wish List →Seasonal closures
Some hotels and restaurants close for part of the low season. Current closures are listed below.
Current and upcoming closures
Bananas Restaurant — final day of service Friday 28 August 2026
Golden Rock Inn — closed Sunday 9 August to Wednesday 7 October 2026
L’Escale — closed for the season
Montpelier Nevis — closed Wednesday 12 August to Thursday 8 October 2026
Mount Nevis Hotel — restaurant only, closed Saturday 8 August to Saturday 31 October 2026. The hotel is open.
Last checked 14 August 2026. Opening dates can change, so check before travelling.
Explore a little deeper
Heading home?
Emergency Help
For a genuine emergency, call 911 first.