Yes, even paradise has a customs office and bank tellers. You'll need a passport to enter St. Lucia, and you should make some photocopies -- of your passport and health insurance information -- to keep on your person while the originals are safe in your hotel. You can find banks, ATMs and currency exchanges throughout the island and some resorts will even accept U.S. dollars. Resorts and many tourist services also take major credit cards, but you should always have some cash on hand for tips, trips to smaller towns and basic expenses. The local currency is the Eastern Caribbean dollar. Electricity in St. Lucia is 220-volt, and most sockets are three-pronged, so make sure your electronics can function with 220 volts and bring a universal adaptor.
Weather in St. Lucia is pleasant year-round. Winter temperatures range from 65 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit from December to May and rise to a range of 75 to 95 degrees from June to November. Summer is also the rainy season, but tropical showers occur year-round. Whenever you're traveling, focus on light and comfortable clothing. Natural fabrics such as cotton and linen tend to breathe better in the tropics. St. Lucia is somewhat more casual than other Caribbean resort destinations, but a nice set of clothing is always a good idea for resort events or a seaside dinner. Don't forget some light rain gear, a towel and a swimsuit.
Footwear should be comfortable. Bring one pair of sandals or flip-flops for the beach and a pair of comfortable boating shoes or sneakers for nature trails or walks around town. As casual as St. Lucia is, beach-wear is best left for the beach. You also might want some basic accessories such as sunglasses or a wide-brimmed hat. Sunscreen with a high SPF rating is highly recommended even for walks around town in the sunny Caribbean, and bring some mosquito repellent if your itinerary includes a trip to the rain forest. Evenings can be breezy, so you can also include a light jacket or sweater.
St. Lucia is a place to relax. Bring whatever you need to do that, whether that's a book to read on the beach, a deck of cards or some music for the tranquil nights. For days on the beach, most resorts and hotels rent equipment for water sports and other beach activities. If you're squeamish about rented equipment, consider bringing your own snorkel or scuba mouthpiece. Avid golfers might also want their own equipment. You can always call ahead and compare resort rental prices to airline luggage fees for large items. A flashlight is always a useful travel item, whether for locating the light switch in a jungle bungalow or making your way down to the beach at night.
