Destination:
Grenada

Overview

Born from the seafloor in a sequence of violent volcanic eruptions, Grenada is a tropical, three-island state, 90 miles (145km) north of Venezuela. Part of the Lesser Antilles chain, the country consists of the main island of Grenada and its neighbouring constituencies, Carriacou and Petite Martinique.

Boasting lush soils and a rolling mountainous interior, breathtaking waterfalls gush down from the centre to meet the sea and hikes through verdant jungle make for a truly memorable Grenada nature experience. Couple that with unblemished beaches reminiscent of those found in glossy travel magazines, billowing sails criss-crossing an azure coastline, a low-key lifestyle and unrivalled diving sites such as 'Bianca C' and you've got one of the most overlooked tropical havens in the Caribbean.

Heady fragrances of nutmeg and clove and a warm-hearted reception greet visitors to the friendly capital of the 'Spice Island', St. George's. The red tiled roofs, Georgian architecture and central spice market make it one of the Caribbean's most charming centres, complimented by a picturesque natural harbour. Sun-worshippers can choose from 45 beautiful beaches, the most popular being the two-mile (3km) long Grand Anse Beach, or seek out one of the many secluded beaches a little further afield.

Initially inhabited by Kalinago settlers from the Amazonian basin in South America, Grenada became an unwilling station of European expansion, its effects evident in the people, architecture and cuisine of today. First invaded by the Spanish in violent slave raids, the resident Kalinago were then largely wiped out by French colonialists who exploited the land for large-scale sugar cane plantations and brought slaves in from West Africa to work them. Britain succeeded France and only in 1974 did Grenada gain independence from the English.

Grenada was crippled by Hurricane Ivan in 2004, but has recovered at an astonishing rate, jointly hosting the 2007 Cricket World Cup. Although an impoverished nation, the Grenadian's friendly disposition along with a vibrant culture of afro-carib and calypso music, dancing and food as well as its picturesque tropical location more than make up for the lack of infrastructure. Grenada has long been a favourite port of call for yachties, divers and holidaymakers alike, offering some of the best scuba diving in the Caribbean, with coral gardens, an underwater volcano and the largest underwater shipwreck in the region, not to mention the alluring homemade Caribbean cuisine and lip smacking seafood.

Basics

Time
Local time is GMT -4.

Electricity
Electrical current is 230 volts, 50 Hz. British three-prong plugs are in use.

Language
English is the official language and is widely spoken, but Grenadian Creole is considered the language of the island.

Health
Dengue fever is common in Latin America and the Caribbean and cases have been reported in Grenada. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers over 1 year of age coming from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission. Good medical care is available in Grenada and Carriacou but most doctors and hospitals expect payment in cash, regardless of travel health insurance. Grenada doesn't have a decompression chamber for divers; the nearest decompression chambers are in Tobago and Barbados, 30 minutes away by air ambulance. The water in Grenada is clean and safe to drink.

Tipping
Tipping is common in Grenada and hospitality industry professionals rely on tips for a living. Crew of sailing charters should be tipped 10 to 15 percent of the total cost. If a service charge is not included on a restaurant bill a 10 percent tip is customary. Bellhops usually receive US$1 per bag and taxi drivers usually receive 10 to 15 percent of the fare.

Safety
Most visits to Grenada are trouble-free. Petty crime is prevalent so travellers should be vigilant and not carry their travel documents or large amounts of cash or jewellery on them and avoid isolated areas after dark.

Customs
Homosexuality is discreet in Grenada and generally it is a good idea to avoid displays of public affection. It is also an offence to wear camouflage clothing and there are severe penalties for all drug offences.

Business
When conducting business in Grenada, dress should be formal and meetings should be arranged in advance. Business cards are usually exchanged at meetings and English is widely spoken in business circles. Business hours are 8am to 4pm Monday to Friday. Many offices are closed between 12pm and 1pm for lunch.

Communications
The international dialling code for Grenada is +1 473. The outgoing code is 011 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 01144 for the UK). No area codes are in use. Roaming services are available to all AMPS compatible cellular phones. Coin operated public phones and card phones for international calls are widely available. Prepaid cards can be bought at Cable & Wireless offices and agents or at the Board of Tourism office in St. George's. Internet cafés are common, especially in the main centres.

Duty Free
Travellers are allowed to import 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 225g of tobacco, 1 litre of wine or spirits and perfume for personal use without paying customs duty. Illegal drugs, arms and ammunition are prohibited.

Currency

The official currency of Grenada is the Eastern Caribbean dollar (XCD), which is divided into 100 cents. The Eastern Caribbean dollar is tied to the US dollar at US$1 = EC$2.7. ATM machines are available at most banks and major credit cards are accepted at most hotels, car rental companies and shops. Many establishments will accept payment in US dollars, giving change in the local currency. Travellers cheques are widely accepted and travellers cheques in US dollars are recommended. Banking hours are Monday to Friday from 8am to 3pm.

XCD 1 =

US$ 0.37

£ 0.24

C$ 0.38

A$ 0.36

R 3.11

EUR 0.29

NZ$ 0.46

Note: These currency exchange rates are not updated daily and should be used as a guideline only.

Health

Health Overview
Dengue fever is common in Latin America and the Caribbean and cases have been reported in Grenada. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers over 1 year of age coming from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission. Good medical care is available in Grenada and Carriacou but most doctors and hospitals expect payment in cash, regardless of travel health insurance. Grenada doesn't have a decompression chamber for divers; the nearest decompression chambers are in Tobago and Barbados, 30 minutes away by air ambulance. The water in Grenada is clean and safe to drink.

Visa

Americans


UK nationals


Canadians


Australians


South Africans


Irish nationals


New Zealanders

Passport/Visa Note
All foreign passengers to Grenada must hold onward or return tickets, and all necessary travel documentation for their next destination. Visa extensions are possible, and can be obtained at the Immigration Authorities Office in Grenada. As part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), all travellers going between the United States, and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, or the Caribbean region, are required to present a passport or other valid travel documents to enter or re-enter the United States. Note that if departing from the USA, a valid passport will be required by immigration authorities. Also note that a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required to enter Grenada, if arriving in the country within six days of leaving or transiting through an infected area. NOTE: It is highly recommended that your passport has at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Note: Passport and visa requirements are liable to change at short notice. Travellers are advised to check their entry requirements with their embassy or consulate.

Contacts

Grenada Tourism
Grenada Tourist Office, St. George's: +1 473 440 2279 or www.grenadagrenadines.com

Foreign Embassies in Grenada

Grenada Embassies

Regions and Cities