St Vincent & The Grenadines

Passports & Visas
Full Passport required by all and must be valid for duration of stay. Visas are not required by British Subjects for tourist or business visits. Duration of stay determined by immigration authority on arrival if necessary. A return or onward ticket is required by all travellers as well as proof of accommodation and adequate funds.

Health
Vaccinations are not officially required. However the following immunisations are recommended as a precaution: Hepatitis A, tetanus and Typhoid. We also recommend the use of mosquito repellent. In all cases you should contact your local GP for up to date information.

Currency
The local currency used is Eastern Caribbean dollars: EC$. US$ (cash and T-cheques) are also widely accepted, although change will be in EC$. One Pound Sterling is roughly equivalent to four EC$ (currently EC$3.8 = £1 – Feb 09).  The rate fluctuates constantly, but the EC$ is fixed to the U$, and normally exchanges at US$1 = EC$2.60.  US$ and Sterling £ may be changed at all banks, or exchanged at some hotels and larger stores.

Economy
Agriculture, dominated by banana production, is the most important sector of this economy. The services sector, based mostly on a growing tourist industry, is also important. Recent growth has been stimulated by strong activity in the construction sector and an improvement in tourism. The GDP is growing at an annual rate of approximately 4%.

Location / Size / Climate
Part of the Windward Islands. Their closest neighbours are Grenada, 120 km (75 miles) to the south, St. Lucia 40 km (24 miles) to the north and Barbados 160 km (100 miles) to the east. St. Vincent is the largest of the more than 30 islands that comprise the nation, covering roughly 390 sq. km (150 sq. miles). The Grenadines extend 72 km (45 miles) to the southwest, like a kite's tail. The major islands, north to south, are Young Island, Bequia, Mustique, Canouan, Mayreau, Union Island, Palm Island, and Petit St. Vincent.

St. Vincent has a mountainous interior, having La Soufriere, an active volcano in the north rising to 1,220 m (4,000 ft.) as its highest point, and a sheltered and indented coastline on the Leeward coast. St. Vincent is roughly 29 km (18 miles) long and 17.7 km (11 miles) wide and has an area of 344 sq. km (133 sq. miles), while the Grenadines comprise an additional 44 sq. km (17 square miles). Bequia covers 18 sq. km (7 sq. miles) and its highest peak is 268 m (881 ft.).

The average yearly temperature is 27° C (81° F). The coolest months are between November and February. During the rainy season, May through October, rain is frequent in the mountains of St. Vincent with the annual average rainfall being 380 cm (150 inches) inland and 200 cm (80 inches) on the coast.

Banking and Shopping
While hours of business vary from store to store, they generally open from 8 am until noon, and 1 pm to 4 pm on weekdays and half day on Saturdays. Banks normally open Monday to Thursday from 8 am to noon, and 1 pm to 3 pm and on Fridays 8 am to noon and 3 pm to 5 pm.

Clothing
Light summer attire is suitable at all times, although light rain jackets may be beneficial during their rainy season. Casual resort wear is the general rule for both men and women during the day. Out of respect for local customs, swimwear should not be worn on the street, or in shops and restaurants.

Food and Drink
Wide range of dining options from beachside grills and take-away pizzas to simple, casual fare and more elaborate fine gourmet cuisine. Hotel restaurants are generally open to non-resident guests and along the Villa and Indian Bay strip is an extensive selection of local and international restaurants. A 10% service charge will be added to your bills.

General Information
Population: 109,200
Local time: GMT – 4 hours
Capital: Kingstown
Language: English
Head of State: Queen Elizabeth II as part of Commonwealth
Electricity: 220/110 volts AC; 50 cycles. Standard electrical plug has 3 rectangular pins.
International Direct Dial Code: 001 – 784 (+ local 7 digit number).
Airport: E.T Joshua Airport in Kingstown
Flight times: London to St Lucia: 9 hours – then 20 minute inter-island flight to St Vincent
Tap water: Good supply of rainwater, making tap water drinkable.
Departure Tax: EC$40