LANGUAGE

The official language of Saba is Dutch, but English is the most commonly spoken language. Saba has been predominantly anglophone since 1912. English has been the language of instruction since 1986, although Dutch remains the official language. On the island, residents speak a form of creole English similar to that found in Saint Eustatius and the neighboring Virgin Islands. This English, also known as "Saban English," is part of the "Virgin Islands Creole" and is similar to the West Indian English spoken in Saint Martin.

JETLAG

Compared to Paris (France):

• 5 hours in winter (from late October to late March)
• 6 hours in summer (from late March to late October)

Compared to New York:

• +1 hour in winter (from late October to late March)
• Compared to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT): -4:00 hours

In the tropics, the sun rises early (between 5:00 and 6:00 AM) and sets early (between 5:30 and 6:30 PM).

CLIMATE

Saba experiences a tropical humid climate with two distinct seasons: a dry season from December to May and a wet season from June to November. The island is regularly exposed to tropical cyclones during the wet season, with intense rainfall and strong winds. The mountainous island, with its dense vegetation, features mild temperatures ranging from 20 °C to 30 °C, with an annual average of 27 °C.

Sea temperatures remain consistent between 25 °C and 28 °C, making it ideal for scuba diving year-round.

CURRENCY

The official currency of Saba is the US dollar (USD).

• Major credit cards are accepted at many hotels, restaurants, and businesses, but not everywhere on the island.
• Currency exchange offices and banks are available, but their number is limited.
• Off-site checks are rarely accepted.

The US dollar is widely used for transactions due to the importance of tourism and economic ties with Saint Martin and Saint Eustatius.