GENERAL
Capital
The bottom.
Geography
According to localcollegeexplorer, Saba is one of three islands in the Windward Islands of the former Netherlands Antilles, but geographically it is one of the Leeward Islands of the Lesser Antilles. It is located 265 km east of Puerto Rico, 44 km south of St. Maarten and 21 km west of St. Eustatius. Saba is the summit of an extinct volcano, the 870 m high Mount Scenery, which is overgrown with dense forest. Until recently, the four villages on the island were only connected by rock stairs. Today a road connects the airport with The Bottom.
Government
Constitutional parliamentary-democratic monarchy. Until it was dissolved in 2010, Saba was part of the Netherlands Antilles, as were Bonaire, Curaçao, St. Eustatius and St. Maarten. The former Netherlands Antilles, Aruba and the Netherlands have the same status as autonomous regions with internal self-government within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
The Dutch queen is represented by a governor. Foreign and defense policy are decided by the Council of Ministers of the Kingdom. Routine affairs are carried out by the Island Council under the supervision of the lieutenant governor.
Head of state
Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands, represented by her appointed governor Frits Goedgedrag, since 2002.
Head of government
Emily de Jongh-Elhage, since 2006.
Electricity
110/220 V, 60 Hz.
GETTING THERE
Arriving by plane
There are no direct flights to Saba. KLM (KL) offers flight services to St. Maarten, onward flights with Winair (Internet: www.fly-winair.com) to Saba. The flight times depend on the particular connection.
Departure fee
US $ 2 to the Netherlands Antilles and Aruba.
Arrival by ship
Small boats depart from the Leo A. Chance Pier in Fort Baai. Regular ferry service to St. Maarten (travel time: 1 hour) as well as a weekly cargo boat that delivers food and other supplies.
Cruise ships occasionally call at Saba.
ON THE GO
On the way by car / bus
There is a 15 km long road on Saba that runs through the island from the airport to Fort Bay. Right-hand traffic.
Taxis are available.
Rental cars are available in Windwardside.
Documentation: National driver’s license.
MONEY
Currency
1 US dollar = 100 cents. Currency abbreviation: US $, USD (ISO code). Banknotes are available in denominations of 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 US $. Coins are available in denominations of US $ 1 as well as 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 cent.
The US dollar has been Saba’s official currency since 2011. It replaced the Antilles florin (Antilles guilder).
Credit cards
Credit cards are generally accepted. There is a bank each in Windwardside and The Bottom with an ATM. Details from the manufacturer of the respective credit card.
ATMs
ec / Maestro card / Sparcard
Attention: Travelers who pay abroad with their bank customer card and want to withdraw money should find out about the possibilities of using their card from their bank before starting their journey.
There is one ATM in the RBC Bank in Windwardside and one in the WI Bank in The Bottom.
Bank opening times
Mon-Fri 8.30 a.m.-3.30 p.m.
Foreign exchange regulations
Unrestricted import and export of local and foreign currencies, obligation to declare. Silver coins from the Netherlands and Suriname are not allowed to be imported.
Currency Exchange
There are two banks on the island.
LANGUAGE
Overview
The official language is Dutch. Papiamento, English and Spanish are also spoken.
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
DUTY-FREE SHOPPING
Overview
The following items can be imported into Bonaire duty-free (people aged 15 and over):
200 cigarettes or 50 cigarillos or 25 cigars or 150 g of tobacco.
Either 1 liter of spirits or liqueurs with an alcohol content of more than 22% vol. or
1 l spirits or liqueur or sparkling wine or liqueur wine with an alcohol content of max. 22%.
and 2 liters of non-sparkling wines and 8 liters of beer.
Personal effects and gifts up to a value of US $ 500 (persons under 15: US $ 150).
If more than the specified amount is imported, the entire amount will be cleared.
Prohibited imports
Neither leather goods from Haiti nor silver coins from Suriname or the Netherlands may be imported.
ECONOMY
Business etiquette
Business meetings are quite formal. A light tropical suit or costume are appropriate. Appointments should be made in advance and punctuality is important.
Business hours: Mon-Fri 7.30 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1.30 p.m.-4.30 p.m.
Economy
Curaçao Chamber of Commerce
PO Box 10, Kaya Junior Salas 1, Curaçao
Tel: (9) 461 3918.
Internet: www.curacao-chamber.an
St. Maarten Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Cannegieter Street 11, PO Box 454, Philipsburg, St Maarten
Tel: 542 35 90.
Business contacts
Curaçao Chamber of Commerce
PO Box 10, Kaya Junior Salas 1, Curaçao
Tel: (9) 461 3918.
Internet: www.curacao-chamber.an
St. Maarten Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Cannegieter Street 11, PO Box 454, Philipsburg, St Maarten
Tel: 542 35 90.
COMMUNICATION
Phone
Fully automated system with self-dialing remote service. Calls made through the operator are more expensive (15% tax will be charged). Hotels have international direct dialing. Public phone booths are available at The Bottom and Windwardside. International phone calls can also be made from phone booths.
Cellphone
Analog cellular networks operated by Windward Islands Cellular and digital analog network (System B) operated by East Caribbean Cellular (Internet: www.eastcaribbeancellular.com). Not compatible with GSM cell phones. A GSM cellular network is being planned.
Internet
Main provider: Unspoiledqueen.com. There is an internet café in Windwardside.
Post Office
There is a post office in The Bottom. Airmail to Europe takes around 4 weeks to travel, and 6 weeks by sea. International couriers like Federal Express support the national postal system. Postage stamps are available in stores where postcards can be purchased. Hotel receptions accept letters for a tip of around US $ 1.
Radio
Since the use of shortwave frequencies changes several times over the course of a year, it is advisable to contact Deutsche Welle customer service directly (Tel: (+49) (0228) 429 32 08. Internet: www.dw-world.de) to request.
SHOP
Overview
The Artisan Foundation Sabas in The Bottom (founded in 1972 with the help of the UN development program) promotes local handicrafts. The Island Craft Shop in Windwardside sells handmade lace, tie-dye fabrics and fabric prints. The high-proof Rum Saba Spice has a unique taste and is an original souvenir. Shop opening times: Mon-Sat 8 a.m.-12 p.m. and 2 p.m.-6 p.m.
NIGHTLIFE
Introduction
On Friday and Saturday evenings, dancing is offered in some establishments.
CULINARY
CULTURE
Religion
Roman Catholic with a Protestant minority and Protestant churches of different denominations as well as Muslim and Hindu minorities.
Social rules of conduct
Dutch customs and traditions still have a strong influence, but tourism on neighboring St. Maarten has been bringing American influences to Saba for some time now (several shops are owned by US citizens). Light, casual cotton clothing is recommended. Tip: In inns and restaurants, a 20% tax is usually added to the bill. Otherwise a tip of 10-15% is expected.
CLIMATE
Best travel time
The high temperatures are tempered by the cool trade winds. The average annual temperature is 26 ° C and rarely varies more than 1-3 degrees. On winter evenings, the temperature can drop to 16 ° C.
COUNTRY DATA
Area code +599 Area (km2) 13 Population 2000 Population density (per km2) 154 Population in 2013 Member of the EU No main emergency number 911
