Grenada

Passport & Visas:

Full passports are required by all British visitors and should be valid for 6 months from departure.  Visas are not required by British or European Passport Holders, other nationalities consult your embassy for details.

Health:

Recommended immunisation against Hepatitis A, polio, tetanus and typhoid.  Please consult your G.P. for further information.

Please be wary of the sun and its detrimental effects.  It can cause the skin to burn which can increase the risk of skin cancer and premature ageing, it can cause sunstroke and exposure to the sun can result in sickness and stomach upset.  Avoid such problems by staying out of the sun, wearing protective clothing or sun block when in the sun.  To guard against sunstroke avoid becoming overheated and replace lost body fluid by drinking plenty of water or soft drinks.  The cost of medical treatment resulting from sunstroke is unlikely to be met by your insurers as it is deemed as self inflicted.

Currency:

The currency in Grenada is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar which is divided into 100 cents.  The US Dollar is widely accepted and the Eastern Caribbean Dollar is tied to the US Dollar.  We recommend that you take US Dollar travellers cheques with you and you may find that a few dollars in small denominations notes may also prove useful.

Weather:

The climate is pleasant all year round.  The average temperature is in the eighties and there is generally a calm trade wind blowing over the island.  Rain on the island tends to fall between June and December although the rain only lasts a few minutes.  Any shower lasting over an hour is exceptional and a run of bright sunny days is not uncommon during this period.  The rest of the year tends to be dry, bright and sunny.

General information on Grenada:

Location:  Caribbean
Local Time:  GMT - 4hours
Capital:  St. George’s
Language:  Official language is English but a French based patois is widely spoken
Electricity:  220 volts 50 cycles. An adaptor will be needed for any electrical items
Airport:   Grenada Point Salines International
Flight time:  Approx 9 hours from UK  
International dialling: 001 473
Taxis:   Widely available and fares are set.  You should confirm the cost to your destination before setting off.
Driving:  Left hand side of road.  A local driving permit is required and can be obtained from car hire companies or the local traffic department on production of a valid driving license and payment of approximately EC$60.
Credit Cards:  Widely accepted
Departure tax:  EC$50 for over 13 years old EC$25 for 2-12 years old 0-2 years old are exempt.  Payable locally on departure.

Food:

Generally Grenada’s West Indian cooking is very good and makes use of the local seafood.  Otherwise local specialities are callaloo soup, pepperpot and pumpkin pie.  All the hotels serve a varied selection of international dishes many of which contain a French influence as a result of the country’s history.

Clothing:

Lightweights and informal summer clothing can be worn all year round.  Swimwear should be confined to the pool and the beach and is not suitable in other public areas.  Nude and topless sunbathing is not permitted.  You will need to take protection against the sun and so sun block, sunglasses, a sun hat and lip salve should be considered essential. Please ensure that upon entry into the country that all sports/walking shoes are clean and free of mud as they may be confiscated to be disinfected which may take several days and will incur a charge to the owner.

Baggage:

Ensure all your bags including your hand luggage have your name and home address on the inside as well as your name and destination on the outside.  In this age of security do not pack any electrical/battery items or camera into your suitcase; put them into your hand luggage in order that they may be inspected easily.  You will be asked at check in if all electrical items are in your hand luggage.

Banks and Shopping:

The shops are generally open Monday to Friday from 0800 - 1600 and from 0800 -1200 on Saturdays. The island’s markets open around 0600 and close about 1600.  The banks are generally open Monday to Friday from 0800 -1330 as well 1430 -1700.

• Grenada Tourist Board