Key takeaways
Montserrat is a small British Overseas Territory in the Lesser Antilles, dramatically shaped by the ongoing eruption of the Soufriere Hills Volcano that has been active since 1995. The southern third of the island remains an exclusion zone, and the original capital Plymouth lies buried under volcanic ash. The de facto capital Brades in the north hosts most of the island's 5,000 residents. Flow (Cable and Wireless) is the primary carrier with 4G LTE covering the inhabited north. A Roamix Montserrat eSIM connects you on arrival at John A. Osborne Airport, and the island's compact size means data serves primarily for volcano updates, hiking trail maps and activity bookings.
- Flow (Cable and Wireless) is the primary operator with 4G LTE in the inhabited northern areas of Montserrat.
- The southern third of the island, including the buried capital Plymouth, is an exclusion zone due to ongoing volcanic activity.
- Montserrat uses the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD) and drives on the left as a British Overseas Territory.
- A Roamix eSIM connects you at John A. Osborne Airport (MNI) for navigation and volcano update access.
- Inter-island ferry connections from Antigua's V.C. Bird International Airport (ANU) are the main way many visitors arrive.
Best way to get data in Montserrat
For most visitors to Montserrat, a Roamix eSIM is the easiest way to stay connected from the moment you land, particularly for volcano monitoring, navigation and ferry scheduling without relying on accommodation wifi.
| Option | Best for | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Roamix eSIMRecommended | Best for: Most visitors | Connects to Flow's 4G network on arrival at MNI Airport or the Woodlands Bay Jetty. No card swap needed and no local registration queue. |
| Flow local physical SIM | Best for: Longer stays needing a local number | Available from the Flow agent in Brades. Provides local Montserrat number for calling island services directly. Requires ID. |
| Accommodation wifi | Best for: Light users staying put | All island guesthouses and villas provide wifi. For visitors who mainly stay at their accommodation, hotel wifi covers most needs. |
| Carrier roaming from home | Best for: Very short day trips from Antigua | Check your home carrier's Caribbean roaming rates. Many carriers treat Montserrat as a separate destination from other Caribbean islands and charge additional fees. |
Hotels and guesthouses in Montserrat provide wifi as standard. The island is small enough that you are always near accommodation wifi. Mobile data is primarily useful for navigation on the go and for real-time volcano monitoring.
How much data you need
Data needs in Montserrat are modest given the island's small size. The most important uses are checking MVO volcanic activity reports, navigating hiking trails and managing ferry or flight bookings. The island's compact geography means you are rarely far from a wifi source.
2 to 3 GB
One week island stay
Navigation, volcano observatory updates, social uploads from viewpoints and activity bookings on a compact island with good wifi at accommodation.
8 to 12 GB
Extended stay with remote work
Video calls, tethering and cloud uploads while working from island accommodation.
0.5 to 1 GB
Day trip from Antigua
Light navigation, volcano monitoring and social media sharing for a single-day excursion.
Data per hour, by activity
- Maps and navigation
- 5 MB
- Social media and browsing
- 100 to 150 MB
- Music streaming
- 70 MB
- Standard video streaming
- 700 MB to 1 GB
- Video calls
- 500 MB to 1.5 GB
Check the Montserrat Volcano Observatory website at mvo.ms over your Roamix data every morning for the current volcanic activity bulletin and any changes to the exclusion zone boundary before visiting viewpoints.
How to set up a Montserrat eSIM
A Roamix Montserrat eSIM is best installed over wifi before departure. It activates automatically when you land at John A. Osborne Airport or step off the ferry from Antigua, connecting you to the local Flow network.
- 1
Buy your Roamix Montserrat plan on the Montserrat eSIM page before departure.
- 2
Scan the QR code or install via the Roamix link over wifi at home.
- 3
Label it Roamix and keep your home SIM active for calls and texts.
- 4
Enable data roaming on the Roamix line only.
- 5
Land at John A. Osborne Airport or arrive by ferry and the eSIM connects automatically.
Works on eSIM-capable phones including iPhone XS and newer, Google Pixel 3 and newer, and recent Samsung Galaxy models. The device must be unlocked from its home carrier.
Roamix sets the correct APN automatically on most devices. If data does not start, apply the APN from your order and toggle airplane mode off and on.
If no data on arrival, confirm data roaming is enabled for the Roamix line in your phone settings, select the network manually and restart.
Visa and entry for Montserrat
As a British Overseas Territory, Montserrat allows visa-free entry to British and EU citizens, US and Canadian nationals, and most Commonwealth countries. Citizens of other countries may require entry permission, which can be obtained through the Montserrat immigration authorities.
- eVisa or ETA
- Most visitors from eligible countries do not require a visa or entry clearance. Entry permission is stamped on arrival at John A. Osborne Airport or at the Jetty for ferry arrivals. If your nationality requires advance permission, contact the Montserrat Immigration Department at immigration.gov.ms.
- Passport validity
- Your passport should be valid for the duration of your stay in Montserrat, plus at least 6 months beyond.
- Onward ticket
- Proof of onward travel and accommodation bookings are typically required at the immigration desk. Ensure your return flight from Antigua or onward connection is confirmed.
Keep your accommodation confirmation and onward travel documents accessible on your phone. Use your Roamix eSIM to pull up documents at immigration if needed.
Entry requirements can change. Check current rules with the Montserrat Tourism Division at visitmontserrat.com or the immigration authorities at immigration.gov.ms before travel.
When you land in Montserrat
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How people message here
WhatsApp is the dominant messaging platform in Montserrat, heavily used by residents and the large Montserratian diaspora communities in the UK and Antigua. Standard calls use Flow or Digicel numbers.
Do you need a local number?
Most visitors do not need a local Montserrat number. Accommodation, tour guides and activity operators are all reachable via WhatsApp. Your Roamix data line handles navigation and MVO updates throughout the trip.
Keep your home SIM active for SMS two-factor authentication. Use the Roamix line for data to monitor volcanic activity alerts and check trail conditions.
Airports in Montserrat
MNI
John A. Osborne Airport
Gerald's (Montserrat)
Basic wifi available in the small terminal. The airport has a short runway and handles light aircraft and small regional turboprops. Winair and Caribbean Helicopters provide regular connections to Antigua.
Activate your Roamix eSIM before landing and confirm Flow network connection at the terminal. This is the ideal moment to check the MVO volcanic activity report and plan your first day on the island.
ANU
V.C. Bird International Airport
Antigua
Free wifi available across the terminal. ANU is the main hub for all connections to Montserrat and handles international flights from North America, Europe and the Caribbean.
Most visitors to Montserrat transit through ANU. Activate your Roamix eSIM at Antigua using the terminal wifi, then confirm it connects on arrival in Montserrat. Check the Winair or Caribbean Helicopters flight schedule using your Roamix data at ANU.
SKB
Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport
Basseterre, St Kitts
Free wifi available in the main terminal. Visitors sometimes route via St Kitts to access the Leeward Islands network.
If connecting through St Kitts to Montserrat, use your Roamix data at SKB to confirm onward connections and the current ferry or charter flight schedule to Montserrat.
Apps and internet access in Montserrat
Montserrat has a fully open internet with no restrictions. All apps work normally on a Roamix eSIM across the inhabited northern part of the island.
There is no censorship of social media, messaging or any mainstream service in Montserrat. No VPN is required.
WhatsApp, works
Fully available. The main messaging app used on the island and by the Montserratian diaspora community.
Google Maps, works
No restrictions. Useful for navigating the northern roads and finding trail access points.
Social media, works
Instagram, Facebook and X all work normally. Good connectivity for sharing volcano viewpoint photos.
Montserrat Volcano Observatory website, works
MVO publishes real-time volcanic activity reports. Check before approaching any viewpoint near the exclusion zone boundary.
Getting around Montserrat
Montserrat is a small island where almost all inhabited locations are within 30 minutes of Brades by car. Driving is on the left. Car rental is the most practical way to explore independently, and local taxis are also available. The island has no public bus system in the traditional sense.
Car rental
The most practical way to explore Montserrat's northern areas and reach viewpoints. Local rental agencies are available in Brades. Download Google Maps offline for the island roads before collecting your car.
Taxi
Licensed taxis operate island-wide and can be arranged through accommodation. Taxis are the standard option for airport transfers. Agree the fare before departing.
Inter-island ferry from Antigua
Montserrat Ferry Services operates a ferry between the Woodlands Bay Jetty in Montserrat and Heritage Quay in St Johns, Antigua. The crossing takes around 80 minutes. Check the schedule using your Roamix data and book in advance, especially in peak season.
Light aircraft and helicopter
Winair and Caribbean Helicopters provide scheduled and charter connections between Montserrat and Antigua. Flights take around 15 minutes. Book through your accommodation or directly using your Roamix data.
Driving is on the left in Montserrat. Roads in the north are generally good, though narrow in places. The road into the exclusion zone boundary is clearly marked with no-entry signs. Do not enter the exclusion zone without MVO-approved guidance.
Money and payments in Montserrat
Montserrat uses the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD), pegged to the USD at 2.7 XCD to 1 USD. US dollars are widely accepted. Cards are accepted at hotels and some restaurants, but cash is preferred for smaller purchases.
- Cards and cash
- Cards are accepted at the main hotels and some restaurants. For local markets, smaller cafes and tipping, XCD or USD cash is needed. Withdraw cash at the main bank in Brades before any excursion.
- ATMs
- There is one Bank of Montserrat ATM in Brades. Withdraw sufficient cash on arrival and do not rely on finding an ATM elsewhere on the island.
- Payment apps
- Apple Pay and Google Pay are not widely supported in Montserrat. Standard Visa and Mastercard are accepted at hotels and larger businesses. Cash is more reliable for day-to-day spending.
- Tipping
- Tipping is appreciated at restaurants (10 to 15 percent) and for taxi drivers and tour guides. Some island restaurants include a service charge. Cash tips in XCD or USD are both welcomed.
Daily budget
Budget travellers can manage on around 60 to 90 USD per day. Accommodation options range from guesthouses at around 80 USD per night to villas. Dining is limited to a handful of island restaurants and is moderately priced.
Local tips for Montserrat
- Language
- English is the official and everyday language of Montserrat. The local accent carries a distinct Irish lilt, a legacy of the island's Irish settler history in the 17th century. St Patrick's Day is actually a national holiday in Montserrat.
- Food
- Montserratian cuisine reflects Caribbean and Irish heritage. Look for goat water (the national dish, a slow-cooked goat stew), mountain chicken (frog legs, now protected), fresh fish, conch and local hot pepper sauce. The Friday Fish Night in Little Bay is a weekly social institution.
- Plugs
- 230V, Type A and B plugs
Apps worth having
MVO (Montserrat Volcano Observatory)
safety
The official source for daily volcanic activity bulletins and exclusion zone boundaries at mvo.ms. Essential to check daily before any south-facing viewpoint visit.
Google Maps
navigation
Navigate to trailheads, viewpoints and island businesses. Download Montserrat offline before arrival as mobile data can be patchy on remote trails.
WhatsApp
communication
The primary contact method for tour guides, accommodation and local services in Montserrat. Have your guide's WhatsApp contact saved before arrival.
Safety and health in Montserrat
Montserrat is generally safe for tourists with very low crime. The primary safety concern is the active Soufriere Hills Volcano and its exclusion zone. The MVO publishes real-time activity reports and the exclusion zone boundary is clearly marked. Never enter the exclusion zone without MVO authorisation.
- Stay reachable
- Monitor the Montserrat Volcano Observatory at mvo.ms daily using your Roamix data. The exclusion zone can expand with increased volcanic activity, and MVO alerts are the official source for any boundary changes. Do not approach the zone boundary without checking the current alert level.
- Health
- Medical facilities on Montserrat are limited to the Glendon Hospital, which handles basic care. Serious medical cases are evacuated to Antigua or Barbados. Comprehensive travel health insurance including medical evacuation is strongly recommended.
- Tap water
- Tap water in Montserrat is generally safe but many visitors prefer bottled water. In rural areas, use bottled water to be safe.
Networks and coverage in Montserrat
Montserrat is served by two mobile operators, Flow and Digicel, with 4G LTE coverage across the inhabited north of the island. The exclusion zone in the south has no residents and no mobile infrastructure. A Roamix Montserrat eSIM connects you to the local network on arrival at John A. Osborne Airport, providing access to volcano monitoring updates, hiking trail information and activity bookings without needing to queue for a local SIM.
Flow (Cable and Wireless)
The dominant carrier in Montserrat, providing 4G LTE across Brades, Old Town, St Johns, Salem and all inhabited northern communities. Reliable coverage for the Jack Boy Hill viewpoint overlooking the exclusion zone.
Digicel
Digicel provides 4G coverage in the main northern settlements as an alternative carrier. Coverage footprint is similar to Flow in the inhabited areas, offering competition on data pricing.
- Typical speeds
- 5 to 30 Mbps on 4G LTE in Brades, Little Bay and the northern communities. Coverage is reliable throughout the inhabited areas.
- 5G
- Montserrat does not have 5G coverage. 4G LTE is the current standard in the north of the island.
Montserrat is very small and the inhabited area is compact. Coverage in the north is reliable for day-to-day use. The most important connectivity use is monitoring the Montserrat Volcano Observatory website for exclusion zone boundary updates and volcanic activity alerts before visiting viewpoints.
The southern exclusion zone has no coverage and no inhabitants. Remote hiking trails in the Centre Hills nature reserve and the higher reaches of Silver Hills can be patchy. The active volcano area and Montserrat Volcano Observatory surroundings have limited signal in some positions. Flow Montserrat operates on standard LTE bands compatible with most modern unlocked smartphones from iPhone XS onward.
Where to go in Montserrat
Montserrat rewards visitors who come to experience an extraordinary natural phenomenon alongside an intimate Caribbean community. The Soufriere Hills Volcano has transformed the island's geography and continues to shape daily life. The inhabited north offers hiking, black sand beaches, fantastic birdlife and one of the most surreal experiences in the Caribbean: viewing a buried city from a safe viewpoint.
Best time to visit
December to May for the dry season with calm seas and good visibility. July to November is hurricane season with higher risk of storms. January to April for best visibility of the volcano and buried Plymouth.
Brades and the Central Hills
The de facto capital and administrative centre of Montserrat, established after Plymouth was abandoned. Brades is the hub of government, banking and commerce, with a small commercial strip along the main road and the Government Headquarters building. The central hills immediately behind provide hiking access into the Centre Hills.
- Brades town centre
- Government Headquarters
- National Trust office
- Centre Hills trailheads
- Montserrat Cultural Centre
Full 4G coverage from Flow and Digicel throughout Brades and the main road corridor of the central hills.
Northern Montserrat
The quietest and most remote part of the island, stretching north from St Peters to Rendezvous Bay and the Silver Hills. The northern coast has the island's only white sand beach at Rendezvous Bay, accessible only by boat or a 30-minute hike. The Silver Hills are the oldest geological feature on the island.
- Rendezvous Bay (white sand beach)
- Silver Hills
- St Peters
- Carr Bay
- Drummonds
Flow 4G covers St Peters and the northern villages. Rendezvous Bay and the Silver Hills trail have intermittent signal. Download maps before the hike.
Salem and Old Town
A strip of communities in the central-western part of the island between Brades and the exclusion zone boundary, home to many of Montserrat's residents who relocated from the south after the 1995 eruption. Salem houses the National Museum of Montserrat and some of the island's restaurants.
- National Museum of Montserrat
- Salem area
- Old Town
- Vue Pointe Hotel vicinity
- Woodlands Beach
Good 4G coverage throughout Salem and Old Town from both Flow and Digicel.
Jack Boy Hill and the Exclusion Zone Viewpoints
A series of official viewpoints on the northern boundary of the exclusion zone that offer views of the abandoned capital Plymouth, the volcanic dome and the ashfields of the south. Jack Boy Hill viewpoint on the east coast is one of the most dramatic, with a clear view of the Soufriere Hills and the pyroclastic flow channels.
- Jack Boy Hill viewpoint
- Harris (eastern viewpoint)
- Davy Hill exclusion zone view
- MVO volcano observatory
- Garibaldi Hill view
Flow 4G typically reaches Jack Boy Hill. Coverage can be intermittent right at the exclusion zone boundary. Check MVO volcanic activity alerts before approaching viewpoints.
Centre Hills Nature Reserve
A protected rainforest nature reserve covering the central mountain range, rich in endemic and rare bird species including the critically endangered Montserrat Oriole, the national bird. The reserve has marked hiking trails and is the best birdwatching destination on the island.
- Centre Hills trails
- Montserrat Oriole nesting areas
- Bamboo Forest
- Lawyers Mountain
- Fox's Bay Bird Sanctuary
Flow 4G at trail access points around the base of Centre Hills. Trail interiors and ridge paths can lose signal. Download trail maps before entering.
Off the beaten path
An active stratovolcano that has been erupting continuously since 1995, transforming the southern half of Montserrat. The volcanic dome is visible from official viewpoints on the exclusion zone boundary, and the pyroclastic flow channels and ashfields create a landscape unlike anywhere else in the Caribbean.
Signal: Flow 4G at the official viewpoints on the exclusion zone boundary. Inside the exclusion zone (restricted access only) there is no infrastructure. Check MVO for current boundary positions before visiting any viewpoint.
Plymouth, the original capital of Montserrat, was abandoned in 1997 and is now buried under up to 12 metres of volcanic ash and pyroclastic material. Church steeples, the top floors of government buildings and the famous clock tower still protrude above the ash, making it one of the most haunting sights in the Caribbean.
Signal: Flow 4G typically available at the official Plymouth viewpoints on Garibaldi Hill and Harris. The buried city itself is inside the exclusion zone and inaccessible without MVO authorisation.
The best east-coast viewpoint over the Soufriere Hills volcanic dome and the pyroclastic flow channels. On clear days the full scale of the volcanic destruction of the southern island is visible, with the collapsed dome and the grey ashfields stretching to the coast.
Signal: Flow 4G generally available at Jack Boy Hill on the eastern coast. This is one of the best vantage points for photographing the volcanic dome and ash flows.
The only white sand beach on Montserrat, tucked into the far north of the island in a secluded bay surrounded by tall cliffs. Accessible only by a scenic coastal hike or short boat ride, making it feel genuinely remote despite its proximity to the main settlements.
Signal: Limited Flow coverage at Rendezvous Bay. The bay is reached by a 30-minute hike from Carr Bay or by boat, and signal is weak at the beach itself. Download the trail map before setting out.
A protected rainforest covering Montserrat's central mountain range, home to the critically endangered Montserrat Oriole, the national bird. Other endemic species include the forest thrush and the Antillean crested hummingbird. Guided bird walks are arranged through the Montserrat National Trust.
Signal: Flow 4G at the base of Centre Hills at trail access points. Inside the forest trails the signal weakens, especially on the ridge. Download the trail map and bird species guide before entering.
The Montserrat Volcano Observatory monitors the Soufriere Hills eruption and publishes all public information about volcanic activity. Visitor tours explain the seismology, gas monitoring and satellite systems used to track one of the most closely monitored volcanoes in the world.
Signal: Flow 4G at the MVO facility. The Observatory offers guided tours and public educational visits explaining the ongoing eruption and monitoring technology.
A small bird sanctuary and coastal mangrove area in the Salem region, home to herons, egrets and wading birds. One of several important birdwatching sites managed alongside Centre Hills for Montserrat's endemic and migratory species.
Signal: Flow 4G coverage at Fox's Bay in the Salem area. The sanctuary is a small coastal wetland and mangrove area important for wading birds and herons.
A quiet black and dark grey sand beach near Salem, typical of Montserrat's volcanic shoreline. Less dramatic than Rendezvous Bay but easily accessible by car and a good swimming beach in calm weather.
Signal: Flow 4G coverage at Woodlands Beach in the Salem area. The beach is one of the most accessible on the island with a dark sand shoreline.
A significant cultural facility in Brades celebrating Montserrat's Irish-Caribbean heritage and its extraordinary connection to the global music industry. Air Studios, founded by producer George Martin (The Beatles) on the island, hosted legendary recordings in the 1980s. The Cultural Centre has displays on the island's musical heritage.
Signal: Flow 4G throughout the Brades area including the Cultural Centre.
A freshwater spring and ravine in northern Montserrat with a local legend stating that anyone who drinks from the ghaut will be compelled to return to the island. A peaceful spot for a rest and a taste of cold mountain water on island walks.
Signal: Flow 4G coverage at Runaway Ghaut near St Peters. The ghaut (a local word for a narrow ravine through which water runs to the sea) is one of several on the island used historically as water courses.
Events and seasons in Montserrat
February
Round Montserrat Yacht Race
Coastal waters of Montserrat
An annual sailing race circumnavigating Montserrat, organised as part of the Leeward Islands racing calendar. The race offers spectacular views of the volcanic coastline and the pyroclastic fans built into the sea by eruption debris.
February
Montserrat Triathlon
Little Bay and northern roads
An annual triathlon event using Little Bay for the swim, the northern island roads for the cycling stage and a running course through the main northern communities. One of the more unusual triathlon settings in the Caribbean given the volcanic island backdrop.
March 17 and surrounding week
St Patrick's Festival
Islandwide, centred on Brades and St Patrick's village
Montserrat is the only country outside Ireland where St Patrick's Day is a national public holiday. The week-long festival celebrates the island's dual Irish and African heritage, with a Freedom Run, costumed historical re-enactments of the 1768 slave uprising, Afro-Caribbean cultural performances and local food. A uniquely Montserratian event with no equivalent in the Caribbean.
April to May
Calabash Festival
Brades and St Patrick's village
A heritage and culture festival celebrating Montserrat's pre-colonial and African cultural roots, with traditional food, dance, music and historical walks through the island's cultural sites. Part of the extended St Patrick's Festival season that continues through spring.
Easter Sunday
Easter Sunday Beach Picnics
Beaches islandwide
A Montserratian tradition where families gather on the island's beaches for communal Easter Sunday picnics with local food, music and socialising. Rendezvous Bay and the northern beaches come alive with residents and visitors for the day.
July 25 (Soufriere Hills eruption anniversary)
Volcanic Anniversary Reflections
Islandwide
An annual community reflection marking the catastrophic 1997 pyroclastic eruption anniversary that killed 19 people and destroyed southern Montserrat including Plymouth. Church services, community gatherings and MVO-led educational events reflect on the island's ongoing relationship with the volcano.
September
Montserrat Music Festival
Various venues, Brades
An annual celebration of Montserrat's rich musical heritage, linking the island's history as home to the legendary Air Studios where artists including The Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney and Sting recorded in the 1980s. Local and invited international artists perform across island venues.
September 2
Independence Day Celebrations (UK Overseas Territory Day)
Brades
Montserrat celebrates the anniversary of its local constitution and governance with official ceremonies, flag raising and community events in Brades. A quieter public celebration reflecting the island's status as a British Overseas Territory.
October to November
Jumbie Festival
Brades and surrounding communities
A Halloween-season cultural event exploring Caribbean folklore and Montserrat's own traditions around jumbies (spirits and supernatural beings from Caribbean folklore). Street performances, storytelling and local food mark the season.
December 26 to January 1
Festival (Christmas Carnival)
Brades and islandwide
Montserrat's main cultural celebration, held over Christmas and New Year with calypso and soca competitions, street parades, the King and Queen of the Festival pageant, masquerade dancing and the traditional steel pan music. The largest celebration in the island's annual calendar.
Through the year
- Spring
- March to May is dry season continuing into spring, with St Patrick's Festival in March being the island's biggest tourism event. April and May see the island at its most pleasant with cool trade winds, clear visibility and calm seas for sailing and boating.
- Summer
- June to August is technically the wetter part of the year in Montserrat, with higher humidity and afternoon showers. Hurricane season runs July to November, with peak risk August to October. The island is lush and green, and visitor numbers are lower than in the dry season. Check volcanic activity reports daily.
- Fall
- September to November is peak hurricane season and the quietest period for tourism. Weather can be unsettled, but the island remains operational for visitors willing to monitor storm tracking. The Montserrat Music Festival in September is the main draw.
- Winter
- December to February is the dry season with the most stable weather, calm seas and good volcanic visibility. Christmas Festival and St Patrick's Festival preparations make this the most vibrant community time on the island. The best time for snorkelling and hiking.
Working remotely from Montserrat
Montserrat is a genuinely unusual remote work destination, offering extraordinary tranquillity, low crime and a tight-knit community atmosphere. However, mobile data speeds are modest and the infrastructure for serious remote work is limited compared to mainland Caribbean hubs.
- Connection
- 4G LTE in Brades and the northern villages handles light remote work including messaging and video calls. For sustained video conferencing and large uploads, rely on accommodation wifi as the primary connection and use Roamix as backup.
Several island villas advertise wifi connectivity for remote workers. Confirm wifi speeds with your accommodation before committing to a work-focused stay.
