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The currency of Saint Lucia is the East Caribbean Dollar, with one Dollar equalling 100 cents. Notes come in denominations of EC$100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of EC$1, as well as 50, 25, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents. US Dollars are accepted as currency and the EC$ is tied to the US$. Money can be exchanged easily at a number of bureau de changes on the island, and US Dollars give favourable rates. Traveller’s cheques are accepted, though to avoid additional conversion charges they should be in US Dollars. ATMs are available, and major international credit and debit cards are accepted. See: Visa: http://www.visa.com/atms/ MasterCard: http://www.mastercard.com/cardholderservices/atm The import and export of both domestic and foreign currency is unlimited. Business: General banking hours in most areas are from 0830 to 1500 Mondays to Thursdays, and from 0830 to 1700 on Fridays. Shopping hours are generally from 0830 to 1230 then from 1330 to 1600, Mondays to Fridays, and from 0800 to 1200 on Saturdays – large shopping areas sometimes open longer. The mix of French, West Indian and British customs are interesting, but people are generally polite, laid back and friendly – though formality is expected of business meetings. Service charges are sometimes added to bills, and taxi drivers are not usually tipped.
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