Currency in Saint Helena: SHP Send & Spend FX Guide
Resources for Expats, Travelers, and Entrepreneurs Navigating Life and Trade in Saint Helena with the Saint Helena pound.
What's in this Saint Helena currency guide?
What currency is used in Saint Helena?
The official currency of Saint Helena (country code: SH) is the Saint Helena pound, with symbol £ and currency code SHP.
What is a good Saint Helena pound exchange rate?
The BestExchangeRates.com currency comparison table below helps you see the total cost of your currency transaction by showing the exchange rates offered by different providers. It also makes it easy to spot potential savings from market-leading FX services compared to bank rates.
To see a full list of rates, enter your transaction type, currencies and amount then click ‘GET RATES’:
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Good things to know about the Saint Helena pound
The Saint Helenian pound (SHP) is the official currency of Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha, a British Overseas Territory located in the South Atlantic Ocean. Here are a few things to know about the Saint Helenian pound:
- The Saint Helenian pound is abbreviated as SHP and is divided into 100 pence.
- The Saint Helenian pound is issued and regulated by the Government of Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha.
- The exchange rate for the Saint Helenian pound is determined by supply and demand in the foreign exchange market.
- Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha has a small, open economy that is heavily reliant on exports, including fish and other seafood, and has a growing tourism industry.
- The Saint Helenian pound is pegged to the British pound sterling at a fixed exchange rate of 1 SHP = 1 GBP. This means that the value of the Saint Helenian pound is closely tied to the value of the British pound.
For more SHP information check out our selection of Saint Helena pound news and guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What currency should I use in Saint Helena?
The domestic currency in Saint Helena is the Saint Helena pound.
What is the Saint Helena pound currency code and symbol?
The three letter currency code for the Saint Helena pound is SHP — symbol is £.
Which countries use the Saint Helena pound?
It is the domestic currency in Saint Helena.
Is the Saint Helena pound a closed currency?
No, the Saint Helena pound is freely available and convertible. See guide: What is a closed currency?
What are equivalent amounts of USD and SHP?
Here are some popular conversion amounts for USD to SHP (US dollar to Saint Helena pound)*.
*Converted at the current USDSHP interbank exchange rate. Calculate actual payout amounts for Send Money and Travel Money exchange rates.
Travel money for Saint Helena
Using Wise for Saint Helena pound travel money is a smart choice for savvy travelers. With its competitive exchange rates and low fees, Wise allows you to convert and manage multiple currencies effortlessly.
Be careful when using your own bank's Debit/Credit Card, as your bank may also charge an extra 3% as an “Overseas Transaction Charge” plus “Overseas ATM” fees for withdrawing cash on top of the standard Visa/Mastercard 2.5% from market mid-rate.
For card purchases, if you are offered a choice of currencies always select to Pay in Saint Helena pound otherwise you will typically get much worst dynamic currency conversion (DCC) exchange rates.
If you really want Saint Helena pound cash before departure, you can save money by ordering online. You generally get better rates and can pick up the SHP cash locally or even on travel day at the airport.
Saint Helena: Travel Guide
Traveling to Saint Helena requires careful financial planning to ensure a smooth and cost-effective experience. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you navigate currency considerations and manage your money effectively during your visit.
St. Helena island, part of the British Overseas Territory also encompassing Ascension and Tristan da Cunha islands, is a remote volcanic outpost in the South Atlantic Ocean. It's famous as the place of Napoleon Bonaparte's exile and death, as commemorated by a now-empty tomb. Climbing destinations include the 699 steps of Jacob's Ladder and Diana's Peak, sheltering endemic plant and animal life.
The Saint Helena pound is fixed at parity with the pound sterling and as such both currencies are commonly accepted and circulated.
Everyday Costs in in Saint Helena
How much does it really cost to live, work, or travel in Saint Helena? Here's what to expect for daily expenses and expat living.
Currency Guide for Saint Helena (ISO Code: SH)
If you’re planning a one-week mid-range stay in Saint Helena, it's wise to budget around £700-£1,000 (approximately 1,000-1,400 USD) to cover your expenses comfortably. The typical daily costs can vary, but here’s a short list of what you might encounter in local currency (£):
- 🍽️ Meal at a local restaurant: £15
- ☕ Coffee: £3
- 🚌 Public transport fare: £2
- 📶 Prepaid SIM card: £20
- 🏨 Budget hotel or Airbnb: £50
Overall, you can expect to find Saint Helena to be moderately priced. In comparison to the United States, visiting Saint Helena may be less expensive for meals and accommodation, while slightly more expensive for public transport and local goods. Compared to Australia, many aspects of the trip align closely in terms of costs, but certain activities and dining experiences in Saint Helena may offer a unique charm and value.
Expat Living Costs and Financial Tips
For expats residing on Saint Helena, the typical monthly living costs can range from £1,200 to £1,800, depending on your lifestyle choices and housing arrangements. This includes essentials like rent, groceries, utilities, and transportation. To manage your finances smoothly, it’s advisable to open a local bank account, as this can help mitigate foreign transaction fees. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, but having cash on hand is useful for small transactions.
When it comes to exchanging currency, make sure to compare rates, as exchanging money locally might not always yield the best value. Online money transfer services like Wise or OFX offer competitive exchange rates and lower fees for sending and receiving money, making them a preferred option for expats. Ultimately, a blended approach, utilizing local banking for daily expenses and online services for larger sums, can be a smart way to save on costs while living in Saint Helena.
USD/SHP Market Data
The below interactive chart displays the USD/SHP change and UP📈 DOWN📉 trends over the past 1 Year.
Send Money to Saint Helena - Best Rates
To get a good (and fair) exchange rate when sending money to Saint Helena you need to find and compare exchange rates for International Money Transfers (IMTs).
The available FX rates for sending money abroad can be very different to the mid-market (wholesale) rate which you see reported online and in the News.
You should especially compare your own bank's exchange rates to those available from Money Transfer specialists to see how much you can save - we make that calculation easy in the below table.
Get a better deal for foreign transfers to Saint Helena
When sending money to Saint Helena it’s important to compare your bank’s rates & fees with those we have negotiated with our partner money transfer providers. To get a better deal you should follow these 4 simple steps :
- Open an account with a BER reviewed FX provider (id docs may be required)
- You specify the local or Saint Helena pound amount you want to transfer
- Make a local currency domestic transfer for the requested amount to the provider's bank account in your country
- Once your funds are received by the provider the converted SHP amount will be transfered to the recipient account you specify in Saint Helena.
Use the above calculator to compare the exchange rates of FX specialist providers rates versus your bank's standard rates you can hopefully save around 5% and maybe more - end result is more Saint Helena pound deposited into the recipient bank account and less margins and fees kept by the banks!