Eastern Caribbean

Living Conditions
Communications
Telephones
You may bring your cellphone as long as it is compatible with the Eastern Caribbean system. This means it must be either GSM or TDMA. It may be easier to buy the phone and service together in-country once you are assigned to an island in the Eastern Caribbean. You are encouraged to purchase a cellphone plan that services your island of assignment. United States phone cards do not work here.
Internet
Each Peace Corps office has a computer with Internet access for use by Volunteers. Internet cafes are available in the capital, as well as in some towns and villages. Some Volunteers have email and full Internet access in their home or work via providers in the Caribbean. Insuring your laptop and bringing an external or thumb drive is strongly recommended.Housing and Site Location
During training, you will begin to integrate and establish links with your host community. Your associate Peace Corps director (APCD) will identify proper housing following your homestay. All homes will have running water, either through a rain catchment system or delivered by pipes through WASCO, and electricity. The current is 220 volts, although some of the newer homes have both 220- and 110-volt outlets. If you have items that operate on 110 volts only in a 220-volt house, then you must use a step-down converter. The islands experience power surges and occasional power cuts, so bring along a good surge protector. Homes will also be fully furnished and may even include a television set. Volunteer sites can be as close as 15 minutes and as far as 2 hours from the capital and the Peace Corps office. Volunteers will receive a settling-in allowance to supplement other basic items to get started.Living Allowance and Money Management
Volunteers receive a monthly allowance in local currency that is sufficient to live at the level of the local people. The allowance covers food, housing, household supplies, clothing, transportation to and from work, utilities, recreation and entertainment, and incidental expenses. Peace Corps Volunteers are expected to live at a level that is comparable with that of their host country counterparts. The Peace Corps discourages Volunteers from supplementing their living allowance with funds from home. However, Volunteers often wish to bring additional money for vacation travel to other countries. For this, credit cards and traveler’s checks are preferable to cash. If you choose to bring extra money, bring the amount that will suit your own travel plans and needs.