Caribbean Islands

Island hopping is the ultimate Caribbean dream, but it requires a bit of logistical finesse. While many travellers stick to one destination, taking the L'Express des Îles ferry between Guadeloupe, Dominica, and Martinique offers a scenic and affordable way to see more of the archipelago. For longer distances, regional carriers like InterCaribbean Airways connect hubs like Providenciales and Tortola. Navigating these transitions is much smoother when you have reliable data; activating a Hello eSIM before you land ensures you can pull up your digital boarding passes and map out the route to your accommodation the moment you touch down, avoiding expensive international roaming fees.

When you're on the ground, transport varies by island. In Barbados, the iconic yellow 'Z-vans' are a budget-friendly way to get around for about BBD 3.50 ($1.75 USD) per ride. In Jamaica, 'route taxis' are the local standard. To keep your logistics organized, use the Trip planning feature in the Hello app to store your ferry schedules and flight times in one central place, ensuring you never miss a departure while chasing the perfect sunset.

The Caribbean is a mosaic of flavors, where every island boasts a signature dish that reflects its unique heritage. In Jamaica, you cannot miss a trip to a roadside jerk shack like Scotchies for pimento-smoked chicken. Over in Puerto Rico, seek out a hearty Mofongo—mashed plantains seasoned with garlic and filled with succulent shrimp. For a truly local experience in Barbados, the Friday night Oistins Fish Fry is essential, where a generous plate of fresh grilled mahi-mahi or flying fish typically costs between BBD 30 and BBD 50 ($15–$25 USD).

Dining out with a group is a highlight of any Caribbean holiday, but calculating the bill after a few rounds of rum punch can be a challenge. The Expense splitting tool in the Hello app makes it simple to divvy up the cost of a seafood feast or a shared catamaran lunch. You can also use the Budget tracking feature to log your spending in the local currency, whether you're paying in East Caribbean Dollars (XCD) or Bahamian Dollars (BSD), helping you stay on top of your holiday finances without the mental math.

Navigating the financial landscape of the Caribbean requires a bit of preparation. While the US Dollar is widely accepted in many tourist areas, using the local currency often gets you a better rate at smaller establishments. The Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD) is used across eight territories, including St. Lucia and Grenada, and is pegged to the USD at a rate of approximately 2.70. In the Dominican Republic, you'll be using Dominican Pesos (DOP), where a casual lunch might cost around DOP 600 ($10 USD).

ATMs are generally accessible in major towns, but it's wise to carry some cash for beach vendors and local craft markets. To avoid any surprises, the Hello app's budget tracker allows you to set daily limits and monitor your outgoings in real-time. If you're heading into more remote areas, like the lush interior of Dominica or the smaller Grenadines, your Hello eSIM will keep you connected so you can check the latest exchange rates or locate the nearest bank. By staying organized with your digital tools, you can spend less time worrying about your wallet and more time enjoying the turquoise waters.