Saint Helena - Info & Facts

Suggested Length of Stay

If you want a good overview of St Helena, 7 Days is the recommended and minimum amount of time on the island (due to flights).

Modes of transport

Road

Most roads are single lane on St Helena – driving on the left-hand side of the road. The high way code states that drivers coming down must make way for upcoming traffic. The drink drive laws are strictly applied on St Helena, with a limit of 50µg of alcohol per 100ml of breath.

Unless otherwise stated, normal speed limits are 30mph. Road signs are shown in miles per hour. In Jamestown the speed limit is 20mph.

Petrol and diesel can be bought from Solomon’s Fuel Station, Jamestown; Half Tree Hollow Supermarket and Longwood Supermarket.

Visitors over the age of 70 are required to provide proof of fitness to drive before they can drive on St Helena. It is advised for visitors to complete a medical check before travelling to the island. There is also an option to undergo a medical fitness examination at the island’s general hospital which will require a cost.

Taxi’s and Public transport

Taxis do not have meters and rates should be checked before beginning your journey. There is also a taxi rank in Jamestown, located behind the Tourist Office building. The public bus service on St Helena has a minimal service, which is designed primarily for locals.

Climate

The climate of St Helena is controlled by the South Atlantic High-Pressure Cell and the Equatorial Trough. Despite the island’s locality within the tropics, its climate is kept mild and equable by the South East Trade Winds. The trade winds blow from high to low almost continuously making our weather so changeable. A dull rainy morning can often lead onto a bright sunny afternoon.

For much of the year, temperatures remain between 20-27°C but nights and early mornings can get colder in June, July and August. Rains usually begin from March to early May, with April being the height of the rainy season and again in July to September, with August being the height of this period.

Health Precautions

There is a small (54 bed) well-equipped general hospital, dental surgery and a community clinic in Jamestown. There are also rural health clinics around the island, regularly visited by the doctors and community nurses. There is no National Health Service, and local residents pay for all medical treatment. Rates for medical and dental attention is divided into three rates: Non-British passport holders, British passport holders and Residents rates. You must have proof of your passport when seeking on-island medical care.

Food

There is a variety of St Helena local dishes for visitors to enjoy, such as fishcakes, black puddings, pilau, coconut fingers, pumpkin pudding and pumpkin fritters.

Money

St Helena currency and Sterling is used on the island. One St Helena Pound is equal to one British Pound, but cannot be used off the island. There are no ATM’s on the island although travellers can obtain cash advances on major credit and debit cards at the local Bank of St Helena branches. Visa and Mastercard are accepted.

Time Zone

St Helena operates Greenwich Mean Time all year round.

Visas

Australians do not require a visa to visit St Helena.

Australian Embassy & Consulate contacts for St Helena

Australian High Commission, London, United Kingdom

Department of Home Affairs Representation:

Principal Migration Officer

Street Address:

Australia House

Strand London

WC2B 4LA

United Kingdom

St Helena Embassy contacts in Australia

Please contact the British Consulate in your closest capital city.

Electricity

The electricity supply on St Helena is 240V, 50Hz. The standard electrical socket is the 13-amp flat pin as used in the United Kingdom.

Getting there (stopovers)

SA Airlink now operates a direct weekly service between St Helena and Johannesburg (via a refuelling stopover at Windhoek International Airport in Namibia).

A brief history

The history of St Helena is fascinating and touches many aspects of world history. Discovered by the Portuguese in 1502, it became a Dutch than a British possession (initially under the East India Company then the Crown). It was a strategically important port of call during the British Empire, until the opening of the Suez Canal and the advent of steamships.

The island’s remote location meant it was used as a place of exile for key prisoners, including some 6 000 Boers, King Dinuzulu, Bahraini princes and Napoleon, who died on St Helena. The island also played an important role during the abolition of slavery. St Helena’s heritage provides a significant legacy of fortifications, remains, historic buildings, and what has been described as “the quintessential Atlantic port” – Jamestown. In the capital of Jamestown, several buildings are listed because of their historical importance while Main Street has been described as ‘one of the best examples of unspoiled Georgian architecture anywhere in the world.

Tipping

There is no set protocol for tipping on the island: we recommend 10% on meals and restaurants and GBP10 per person per day on tour.