The Island Montserrat, a UK Overseas Territory, is a small island, approximately 10 miles by 5, with a very friendly English speaking population of about 5,000. The southern third of the island is designated an exclusion zone, following the eruption of the Soufriere Hills Volcano, which came to life in the summer of 1995. The Montserrat Volcano Observatory is open to visitors, and trips can be arranged into the exclusion zone, weather (and volcano!) permitting. Further information about the volcano can be found at www.mvo.ms. The remainder of the island is lush, green and unspoilt either by volcanic activity or by mass tourism. This truly is the way the Caribbean used to be. CLOTHES Montserrat is a very casual, unsophisticated island with few occasions which require any formality. CLIMATE Montserrat has a tropical climate with little seasonal variation; temperatures range from 22 degrees C to 31 degrees C, 70 - 90 degrees F. TIME ZONE 4 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time SHOPPING There are a few small supermarkets, which stock goods mainly imported from the US; fresh fruit and vegetables are sold at various roadside stalls with availability according to the season. Do not expect to be able to buy everything which is readily available in European or American supermarkets MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS There is a hospital on island, plus doctors and dentists, but facilities are limited. If you need any special medication, do take it with you. Please ensure you have adequate medical insurance in case of emergency. CURRENCY Currency is East Caribbean Dollar, which is linked to the US Dollar. One US Dollar is worth 2.67 EC Dollars. Exchange rate with UK Sterling varies between 4 and 5 EC dollars to £1, according to the relative exchange rate between UK Sterling & US Dollar. Credit cards are not widely accepted on island but traveller cheques can be exchanged at banks and some shops. VISA No special visas are required for visitors. DEPARTURE TAX There is a departure tax and airport security tax which is payable upon leaving Montserrat: US$13 (EC$35.00) for CARICOM nationals and US$21 (EC$55) for all other nationals. If you spend less than 24 hours in Antigua, there is no departure tax to pay there THINGS TO DO Apart from simply enjoying the privacy of the house, the beauty of the island and the friendliness of the islanders, various other activities can be enjoyed including diving, snorkelling and hiking. Please see the Montserrat Tourist Board website for more information: www.visitmontserrat.com .