Guide · Updated 2026-07-29
What to Pack for St Barts: a Practical Checklist
St Barts is chic, sunny and French — which shapes what you bring. Here’s a practical packing guide, including the things US visitors most often forget.
The adapter you must not forget
St Barts uses European sockets (types C and E) at 220 volts, so US devices need a plug adapter, and some older US-only electronics need a voltage converter. It’s the single most-forgotten item for American visitors.
Dress the part
Days are barefoot-luxe — swimwear, linen, sandals — but evenings in Gustavia and at the better tables lean resort-chic: a collared shirt or a summer dress rather than beachwear. Pack one or two dinner outfits above your beach wardrobe.
Sun, sea and skin
The sun is strong and many beaches have no shade, so bring reef-safe sunscreen, a hat and a cover-up. Water shoes help on a few rockier entries, and a dry bag is useful for boat days.
The small practical things
A card with no foreign-transaction fees (the euro is the currency), any medication in its original packaging, and light layers for breezy evenings. You won’t need much more — the villa and concierge cover the rest.
Questions
Do I need a plug adapter for St Barts?
Yes. St Barts uses European plugs (types C and E) at 220 volts, so US devices need an adapter and some older electronics need a voltage converter.
What is the dress code in St Barts?
Beach-casual by day, resort-chic by evening. Gustavia’s restaurants lean elegant, so pack a dinner outfit or two above your beachwear.
What currency should I bring to St Barts?
The euro is the official currency. Bring a card with no foreign-transaction fees; dollars are sometimes accepted but paying by card in euros is best.