Travel Scams in
Antigua & Barbuda

Taxis from V.C. Bird International Airport are unmetered and drivers frequently charge tourists above the official government rate card. The standard fare to St John's is around USD 15; to English Harbour around USD 30; to most resort areas USD 20–35. Drivers at the airport can be persistent and may claim the rate card does not apply after dark or at weekends — this is false.

• Ask to see the official government rate card before agreeing to any fare — drivers are required to carry it.
• Confirm the total fare in USD or EC dollars before getting in — not "around" or "roughly."
• Pre-book an airport transfer through your hotel for a fixed, confirmed price.
• The official taxi rank is outside the arrivals hall — avoid drivers who approach you inside the terminal.

Hair braiders and jewellery vendors approach sunbathers with offers of a "free sample" or "just one braid to show you." Once they have started — braiding a section of hair, placing a bracelet on your wrist, giving you a "gift" shell necklace — payment demands follow, often at USD 30–80 or more. The pressure can be aggressive and sustained, particularly on Dickenson Bay which has a high vendor density.

• Say "no thank you" clearly and early — do not engage with the "free sample" offer under any circumstances.
• If something is placed on your body without your consent, remove it immediately and return it before walking away.
• Sit at a beach bar or resort beach area — vendors have less access to guests of established businesses.
• If genuinely interested in hair braiding, agree the full price including all add-ons before work begins.

Informal watersports operators on beaches quote an attractive price for jet ski hire, snorkel trips, or boat excursions, then present a substantially higher bill citing fuel surcharges, equipment rental add-ons, beach landing fees, or gratuity expectations not mentioned during booking. Some jet ski operators deliberately take tourists into shallow reef areas, then claim the tourist caused damage requiring payment.

• Book watersports through your hotel or resort's recommended operator — they are vetted and accountable.
• Get the total all-inclusive price confirmed in writing (a message on your phone is sufficient) before starting.
• For jet ski hire, inspect the equipment for pre-existing damage and photograph it before departure.
• Operators registered with the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority wear ID badges — look for them.

The craft markets at Heritage Quay and Redcliffe Quay target cruise passengers who have 4–8 hours ashore and limited price comparison ability. Items sold as "locally handmade" Antiguan crafts are frequently mass-produced imports from Asia. Prices quoted to tourists are typically 3–5× the local value. Sellers use high-pressure tactics and guilt to discourage walking away once you've shown interest.

• Bargaining is expected — start at 40–50% of the asking price and work from there.
• Ask specifically whether items are made in Antigua or imported — genuine local craft is usually identifiable.
• The best authentic local crafts are found at the Public Market on Market Street, away from the cruise terminal area.
• Never feel obliged to buy after entering a stall or picking up an item.

Antigua's villa rental market has grown rapidly with social media advertising. Fraudulent listings — properties that don't exist, are not available, or bear no resemblance to advertised photos — have targeted visitors seeking private villa stays outside the main hotel circuit. Payment is requested upfront by bank transfer or cryptocurrency, and the "owner" becomes unreachable after payment.

• Book villas only through established platforms (Booking.com, Airbnb, VRBO) with verified reviews and payment protection.
• Never pay by bank transfer or cryptocurrency to an individual for a rental property.
• Use Google Street View to verify the property location exists as advertised.
• For high-value villa rentals, use a licensed Antiguan real estate or villa rental agency.

Around Nelson's Dockyard National Park and in St John's, individuals approach tourists offering personalised island tours or historical commentary for an unspecified "small fee." The fee becomes a very large demand once the tour is underway and you're committed. Some offer to take you to "their cousin's" restaurant or shop where they receive a commission on anything you spend.

• Decline unsolicited guide offers politely — "No thanks, I'm fine" is sufficient.
• Book licensed tours through GetYourGuide, your hotel, or the Nelson's Dockyard visitor centre directly.
• If accepting any offer of assistance, agree the exact fee before moving from the spot.
• Nelson's Dockyard has official park rangers and licensed guides — use them rather than street approaches.