Travel
Tips
A
collection of important information that can make your trip
more enjoyable.
Animals
Importation of animals is prohibited without an Import
Permit. Proper health documents must be produced and the Government
Veterinary Officer must be notified of the port of entry and the
expected time of arrival.
Business Hours
Banks: 8am-3pm,
Monday to Thursday, and 8am-5pm on Friday.
Shops: 8am-4pm, Monday to Friday, and 8am-1pm on Saturday.
(Some shops close between 12 noon and 1pm.)
Government offices: 8am-4pm, Monday to Friday.
Camping
Camping is allowed in Grand Etang National Park in Grenada, and on school and
church grounds in Carriacou.
Churches
There is a good representation of all the major religious denominations in
most towns and villages: Roman Catholic, Christian Scientist, Presbyterian,
Methodist, Islam, Scots Kirk, Seventh Day Adventists, Jehovah's Witnesses,
Salvation Army, Church of Christ, and Mennonite.
Clothing
Casual, light cottons are ideal during the day; in the evenings, semi-formal
attire is appropriate. Bathing suits or mini shorts should not be
worn in the streets or stores. Long pants and hiking shoes are recommended
for hiking.
Credit
Cards & Currency
Major credit cards are
accepted by some hotels, car rental companies, and shops. Travellers
cheques are accepted everywhere. The Eastern Caribbean Dollar,
linked to the US Dollar, is the local currency. Banks will exchange
EC$2.67 for US$1.00 cash, and EC$2.68 for US$1.00 in travellers
cheques. It is advisable to exchange currency at the banks, as
the most favourable exchange rates may not be obtained elsewhere.
Driving
To obtain a local driving permit, a bona fide driver's licence must be presented
at the traffic department at the Central Police Station on the Carenage.
The cost is EC$30.00. Most car rental firms also issue local permits.
There is a network of approximately 650 miles of paved roads and most of
the main roads are in good condition. Please note that driving is on
the LEFT.
Electricity
Voltage is 220 volts - 50 cycles. Appliances rated at 110 volts (US standard)
normally work satisfactorily with a transformer. Most hotels provide dual
voltage shaver units, but an adaptor plug is necessary for small appliances.
Entry
Requirements
A valid passport and return or onward ticket is required for all visitors.
However, proof of citizenship bearing a photograph is acceptable from British,
Canadian, and US citizens. A visa is not required from citizens of the US,
Canada, UK, British Commonwealth, Caribbean countries (except Cuba), most European
countries, South Korea, and Japan.
Medical
Facilities
There is a General Hospital
in St. George's, a smaller hospital in Mirabeau on the east coast,
and one in Carriacou. Clinics and doctors can be found throughout
the islands.
Postal
Information
Efficient local and regional
mailing is enhanced by couriers. The General Post Office is on
the Lagoon Road by the Port in St. George's. There are sub-post
offices in all towns and villages. Post Offices are open 8am-3:30pm,
Monday to Friday.
Preservation
The barking of trees and taking of wildlife from the forest and rivers, and
corals from the sea are strictly forbidden.
Radio & Television
There are currently four radio stations (AM 535 kHz; AM 1400 kHz / FM90 kHz
/ FM96.3 kHz; FM 101.7 kHz; FM105.5 kHz) and three television stations.
Many hotels have satellite/cable television.
Tax & Tipping
There is an 8% Government Tax
at hotels and restaurants. Most also add a 10% service charge. Additional
gratuities are at your discretion.
Telecommunications
International Direct Dialing is available from most hotel rooms; calls are
on a per minute minimum basis, plus a 10% government tax. The area code
for Grenada is 473. Boatphone, a mobile cellular phone service (USA
AMPS), is available for land and marine use. Many charter yachts have Boatphone
on board. Coin and Card phone services are available for both local and
overseas calls. Prepaid cards can be purchased at Grentel offices and agents,
and the cruise department of the Grenada Board of Tourism.
Time
Zone
Grenada is in the Atlantic Standard Time Zone, one hour ahead of Eastern Standard
Time and four hours behind GMT.
Water
Tap water is safe to drink; bottled water is available.
Work
Permits
Work permits are issued by the Ministry of Labour, Young Street, St. George's.
For information, call (473) 440-3080.