The official currency on Grenada is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (EC). This is pegged to the US dollar at a rate of 2.67. There are a little over 5 EC dollars to the £ sterling.
US dollars are also accepted just about everywhere, but except in banks the conversion is likely to be at a less generous rate of 2.5. If you offer US dollars in payment you will likely get change in EC dollars.
When negotiating with taxi drivers, dive shops, car hire companies and so on, be sure you are both talking about the same sort of dollars!
There are many ATM cash dispensers around the south of the island, including one at the airport. These dispense EC dollars and accept all major bank cards.
Travellers cheques can be a nuisance as you may find yourself in a long queue at the bank to cash them.
Credit and debit cards are accepted in most of the larger shops, supermarkets, hotels and restaurants. Smaller places will want cash.
Banking hours in Grenada are generally 8.00am to 2pm Monday to Thursday, 8.00am to 4pm or 5pm Friday.
Planning a trip to sunny Grenada, one of the loveliest islands in the West Indies?
Here are some tips to help you make the most of your visit.
You will be given an Arrival form on the plane for each person to complete. On the back of this form is a Customs Declaration which one member of your party must also complete on behalf of you all.
You are not allowed to bring fresh food such as fruit, meat or dairy produce into Grenada. Honey is also not allowed. Apart from that, if you wish to bring your favourite brand of coffee, tea, baby formula, Marmite or whatever, feel free!
Immigration will ask where you are staying.
Don’t be concerned if Customs want to check your luggage. Many travellers are resident on the island, and Customs conduct spot checks for dutiable items. As a holidaymaker you will have nothing to pay.
Taxis and porters for your luggage are available from the airport. They are well organised. For a minibus taxi to a destination in the South of the island, expect to pay around EC$80.00.
There are many car rental companies to choose from. Here are two of the most reliable:
• Azar’s Rentals, telephone
+1 (473) 414 2911, web site www.azarsrentals.com
• Y&R Rentals, telephone
+1 (473) 444 4448, web site www.carrentalgrenada.com
The hire company will provide your visitors’ drivers licence(s), price EC$30.00.
Be sure to bring your home drivers licences for each person who wants to drive.
When you take delivery of your car, it’s wise to check the operation of the air conditioning, seat adjustments, seat belts and windows while the agent is with you. Also ensure that any child seat you ordered has been supplied and is suitable. If there are any problems, insist on a replacement vehicle.
Most companies will deliver and collect vehicles at no extra charge.
When you leave, there is a departure tax of US$20/EC$50 payable for each passenger over 13. Children aged 5-12 pay half. Children under 5 leave free.
Drive on the left (same as in the UK). At roundabouts (traffic circles), give way to vehicles coming from the right and go round clockwise. Be cautious even if you think you have right of way.
Driving standards on Grenada are variable. Drive carefully and defensively and you should be fine. Keep a good look out for pedestrians, dogs and chickens. Goats and cattle are often tethered on the verges to graze and can wander into the road.
There are road humps or ‘sleeping policemen’ on either side of schools and in some other places. They can be hard to spot (as can the occasional potholes in the road). Also watch out for deep unprotected storm drains running along roadsides.
At junctions, vehicle priority is not always obvious. Slow down or stop and proceed with care.
Be aware that the maxi buses can make frequent and abrupt stops, and even back up unexpectedly.
Any vehicle is liable to stop suddenly if the driver sees a friend or relative on the roadside, or in an approaching vehicle. Be patient. They won’t hold you up long.
The horn is used frequently, but more as a general alert than to express dissatisfaction with the conduct of others. One or two ‘beeps’ could mean any of the following:
• I am about to overtake you
• Hello!
• Do you want to board this bus?
• Have you seen me?
• I am arriving outside your house
• I am leaving your house
Be especially careful driving after dark. Many drivers do not dip their headlights, and pedestrians can be very hard to see.
The power supply on the island is 230 volts at 50Hz with square-pin UK style 13-amp outlets.
Many hotels and villas also provide 110 volt USA-style outlets.
Otherwise, you can bring or buy a transformer to power US appliances.
The power supply is generally reliable.
There are plenty of good doctors and dentists on the island. There is one General Hospital and one private clinic.
Several pharmacies will supply your over-the-counter medicines and fill prescriptions. However it is a good idea to bring an ample supply of any prescription medications you need.
Make sure your relevant vaccinations are up to date before you travel.
There is no malaria on Grenada. There have been isolated incidents of dengue fever which is endemic to the entire Caribbean. As a tourist you are extremely unlikely to have a problem. Apply plenty of insect repellent if you go hiking in the mountains or rainforest.
Particularly on Grand Anse Beach, vendors will approach you offering clothing, drinks and handicrafts. They are mostly a friendly bunch and many of them have been on Government tourism awareness courses.
By all means check out their wares and don’t be afraid to haggle a little.
If you’re not interested, say so politely and they will leave you alone.
In St George’s Market, everyone will want to sell you something (that’s why they are there!). There are lots of good things to buy. Take your time and don’t be rushed. Ask the price before you commit, and don’t be afraid to say ‘No thanks this time’ and walk away.
In the fish market, don’t be afraid to ask what things are and the price per pound. Stand well back when they chop the fish or you will get spattered. If you want your fish filleted there are people there to do just that, for an extra charge of a few EC dollars.
The mains water in Grenada is of a good quality and fine to drink. Bottled water is available everywhere for those who prefer it.
Grenada enjoys a warm tropical climate. The average daytime temperature is 28°C/82°F. There is usually a pleasant trade wind breeze.
There are two seasons. The dry season runs from January to May and the wet season from June to December.
In the wet season you may get some heavy showers, often at dawn. These normally pass through quickly, and the sun comes out again. November is the wettest month.
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from 1 June to 30 November each year.
Grenada is considered to be outside the main hurricane belt, with a lower risk of storms than the rest of the West Indies.
For more detailed information on Grenada’s weather, try this link:
Grenada visitor shopping is improving, particularly since the opening of the new Esplanade Mall cruise terminal. However there is still nowhere near the range and choice of (say) Barbados. Don’t rely on buying your new swimsuit/sunglasses/ camera/evening frock here. You can get all of these things, but your choice will be limited and prices may not be competitive.
Bring anything technical you need such as batteries, chargers, film and memory cards.
Bring summer clothing. In the winter months (December – February) you might need a light cardigan, shawl or sweatshirt for some evenings.
Grenada is very casual. You can dress up in the evening as much or as little as you choose. No restaurant requires jackets or ties.
The local people dress modestly and are upset when tourists wander around the shops or the town in swimsuits. Away from the beach, ladies should cover up with a wrap or sundress and wear shoes. Men should wear a shirt and shoes and not walk around bare-chested in the street or in shops.
Camouflage or military style clothing is forbidden, even for children.
Nudity and topless sunbathing are not encouraged on Grenada’s beaches.
There are no dangerous animals, snakes, insects or marine life in Grenada. Jellyfish are very rare. No one has ever been attacked by a shark.
We do however have some bugs for you:
• No-see-ums – well named, you won’t see them but you will feel them. They are tiny sand flies which come out morning and evening, particularly on the beaches. They bite your ankles if you let them.
• Mosquitoes – not usually a big problem, but it only takes one to spoil your night’s rest. The best plan is to spray your bedroom an hour before you retire, then shut the doors.
• Fire ants – tread in a nest and you will know all about it. Watch out around the edges of beaches.
Any good brand of insect repellent will keep you free of bites. Deet-based preparations such as Autan are very effective.
If you prefer a Deet-free solution, try Mosi-Guard, available from Boots in the UK or online.
Also check out the new Avon Bug-Guard range. These are all Deet-free, effective and economical, and some combine a sunscreen. They are available on-line from Amazon or E-Bay both in the UK and USA.
Grenada is currently a safe destination with a low level of crime. As a visitor you are unlikely to experience any problems, particularly if you follow these common sense precautions:
• Keep your passports, jewellery and spare money in the safe at your hotel
• Lock your hire car when parked, and do not leave articles visible inside
• Keep your handbag closed and under your arm in busy public places
• Do not put your handbag on the ground by your chair in busy bars or restaurants
• After dark, stay in well-lit areas with plenty of other people around and be wary on the beaches
You can buy most things in Grenada, but not necessarily all in one place. There may not be a great choice and you may not see your favourite brands. Shop around and experiment a little and you will be rewarded.
If you are staying in the South of the island, five locations will supply all your food and beverage needs:
• Real Value Supermarket – the biggest on the island, with brands from the USA, Trinidad, France and the UK. The only place for fresh milk.
• Food Fair Supermarket – in the Grand Anse Shopping Centre - good for fresh local produce.
• Marketing Board – in the Excel Plaza – a farmers’ cooperative for fresh fruit and vegetables.
• CK’s – near Excel Plaza – Cash and Carry with the best prices on beer, spirits and many other items.
• St George’s Market – in the centre of St George’s every day except Sunday. Fresh produce, spices, fruit and vegetables. Separate Fish Market and Meat Market (the latter not for the squeamish) nearby.
Yes, there is plenty, and of the strongest variety.
It’s easy to get sunburned, particularly on or in the water, even if you are used to the sun and think you are being careful, and even on an overcast day.
Bring high-factor sunscreen – SPF 15-30 for adults and SPF 30-50 for children, who will also need protective hats and swim clothing.
The international dialling code for Grenada is 1 473.
Most mobiles (cell phones) will roam happily in Grenada provided you can live with the cost.
A pre-paid SIM card, available from Digicel or Cable & Wireless, may prove to be more economical if you plan to make a lot of international calls.
To dial back to the UK from Grenada, dial 01144 plus the number, omitting the initial zero.
To call the US, Canada or the rest of the Caribbean, dial 1 plus the country/area code and number.