Country guides
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Electricity
The electrical current is 230 volts, 50Hz. Flat three-pin plugs are standard.
Language
English is the official language.
Money
The currency on Ascension Island is the Saint Helena Pound (SHP), which is equal in value to the British Pound (GBP) and divided into 100 pence. The coins and notes look similar to British ones, but with different designs. Saint Helena Pounds are only accepted on Ascension Island and Saint Helena, and travellers won't be able to exchange them at banks in the UK.
British money is widely accepted across the island, so it's a good idea to bring some along. US dollars are sometimes accepted too, especially at Cat Hill, where the American base is located. Credit cards can be used at the NAAFI shop on Travellers Hill and at the Chandlery in Georgetown, but they are not commonly accepted elsewhere. There's just one bank on the island, a branch of the Bank of Saint Helena, and there are no ATMs, so it's best to plan ahead and bring enough cash.
Tipping
Tipping is not expected on Ascension Island, but it's appreciated for particularly good service. In restaurants or guesthouses, a small tip may be welcome, though it isn't required. For other services, tipping is entirely at the visitor's discretion.
Health
Visitors to Ascension Island are required to have medical insurance that includes coverage for emergency evacuation, as the island has only a small hospital and no facilities for advanced treatment. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is only needed for travellers aged one year or older who are arriving from a country where yellow fever is a risk.
Although there's no malaria on Ascension, mosquitoes can still be a nuisance. Travellers are advised to bring mosquito repellent. It's also important to carry an adequate supply of any prescription medication, as pharmacy services are limited. A UK-qualified dentist is usually available on the island.
Those planning to dive should note that there's no decompression chamber on Ascension and no qualified rescue divers, so extra caution is essential.
Safety
Ascension Island has a very low crime rate, and incidents involving residents or visitors are extremely rare. It's considered a safe and welcoming place. Visitors hiring cars should take care on the roads, as wild sheep and donkeys often wander across them, especially in wet weather.
Local customs
Social customs on Ascension Island are similar to those in the UK, with a friendly handshake being common when meeting someone for the first time. Taking the time to greet locals with a smile or a simple 'hello' is appreciated, especially in such a small and close-knit community.
Doing business
Business on Ascension Island generally follows UK norms, with politeness and punctuality appreciated in meetings and day-to-day interactions. The overall approach is relaxed and friendly, reflecting the island's small and close-knit community. While people maintain professional standards, formal dress such as suits is usually not necessary. Smart casual clothing is more common, and business cards are rarely used. Most offices are open from 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, with a lunch break around midday.
Duty free
Travellers over 16 years old coming to Ascension Island don't have to pay duty on goods they bring with them, as long as those items are for personal use or gifts for family and friends. However, there are limits on alcohol and tobacco. If visitors bring more than 200 cigarettes or 250 grams of tobacco, more than 1 litre of spirits, more than 2 litres of wine, or more than 12 cans or bottles of beer (each 340ml), they may have to pay duty on the extra amount.
Communications
The international dialling code for Ascension Island is +247. Most hotels and guesthouses offer WiFi, but connections can be slow or unreliable. Local SIM cards from Sure South Atlantic are available for unlocked phones, mainly around Georgetown; mobile signal is limited elsewhere. Public WiFi is scarce, so visitors should plan for limited internet access during their stay.
Passport & Visa
Visitors to Ascension Island need a valid passport, and most will require a visa to enter. It's a good idea for visitors' passports to be valid for at least six months beyond their planned departure date, as immigration rules can sometimes be applied differently than what travel agents or embassies may suggest.
Entry requirements
Visitors from the USA need a valid passport and an entry visa.
Visitors from the UK need a valid passport and an entry visa.
Visitors from Canada need a valid passport and an entry visa.
Visitors from Australia need a valid passport and an entry visa.
Visitors from South Africa need a valid passport and an entry visa.
Visitors from Ireland need a valid passport and an entry visa.
Visitors from New Zealand need a valid passport and an entry visa.