General Information

Grenada, Carriacou and Petit Martinique are located in the Eastern Caribbean and are the most southerly of the Windward Islands. Grenada itself is 12 miles and 21 miles long. The capital is St. George's, which is sited alongside the superb harbour. The official language is English.

Physical Features

Apart from limestone in the north, the island is volcanic. It is mountaineous and thickly wooded, with streams and rivers. The cnetral mountain mass consists of a number of ridges, some of which contain crater basins. Mount St. Catherine (2,756 ft.) is the highest peak. There are also numerous outstanding beaches.

Brief History

Christopher Columbus was the first European to sight Grenada on his third voyage in 1498. During the dynastic wars of the 18th century, Grenada changed hands several times between the British and the French, until it was finally ceded to the British in 1783. The Government is of the Westminster model and consists of a Prime Minister supported by a cabinet of Ministers. The Governor General, who is head of state is appointed by Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II on the advice of the Prime Minister.

Communications

The Carenage office of Cable & Wireless offers you a wide range of state-of-the-art telcommunications services including international telephone, cellular phones, fax and internet facilities. Sales and Marketing staff will be pleased to discuss and provide you any other telecommunications requirements that you may have while in the Spice Island. C&W can be contacted at 473-440-1000. The country code for Grenada is 473.

Temperature

The average year round temperature is 80° F or 27° C. Lightweight summer clothing can be worn year round and dress is generally casual, although swimwear or very short shorts are not welcome in the streets, in stores or in hotel restaurants or bars.

Customs and Immigration

There is no restriction on the amount of foreign currency which can be brought into Grenada. Clothing and other belongings are also admitted freely as long as they are for personal use. British, American and Canadian citizens do not need passports for visits not exceeding three months. An identity document (birth certificate) and a return air ticket are sufficient. For all other nationalities, a valid passport is required. However, any traveler in transit from Grenada requires a valid passport for their transit stop.

Airport Tax

Departure tax for stays longer than 24 hours is E.C.$25.00 for adults, E.C$12.50 for children aged 10 to 16. Children under 10 are exempt.

Currency

The local currency is the East Caribbean Dollar (EC$). It is advisable to change your currency or travelers cheques at the banks. Shops and restaurants will accept your own currency but cannot give the most favorable exchange rates.

Credit Cards

Major credit cards are accepted by some hotels but not generally by car rental companies and shops. Travelers cheques are accepted everywhere.

Banking

Bank Opening Hours

Monday - Thursday : 8.00 am to 12.00/2.00 pm.
Friday : 8.00 am to 12.00/1.00 pm and 2.30 pm to 5.00 pm .

Banks

Barclays Bank plc : Telephone 440-3232
Grenada Bank of Commerce : Telephone 440-3521
Grenada Co-operative Bank : Telephone 440-2111
Grenada Development Bank : Telephone 440-2382
National Commercial Bank : Telephone 440-3566
Scotiabank : Telephone 440-3274

Tipping

A 10% service charge is added by most hotels and restaurants. If no service charge is added 10% of the bill is suggested as a gratuity.

Electricity

220/240 Volts 50 cycles A.C. A travel plug is advisable for small appliances.

Shop Opening Hours

Monday to Friday : 8.00 am - 12 noon and 1.00 pm 4.00 pm .
Saturday : 8.00 am - 12 noon.

Post Office

The General Post Office in St. George's is open Monday to Thursday from 8.00 am to 3.30 pm and on Fridays until 4.30 pm. Sub post offices are found in most villages.

Public Transport

Buses, mini-buses and taxis.
Taxi Fares (subject to change) :
The Airport to Grand Anse and Lance aux Epines : EC$25
The Airport to St. George's : EC$30
Journeys within one mile radius of the airport : EC#7
Trips outside St. George's : first 10 miles EC$4 per mile, thereafter EC$3.00 per mile
After 6.00 pm an additional charge of EC$10 per journey.

Sightseeing

On land
There are several tour operators offering round-the-island trips and visits to specific places of interest.

By sea
There are twice weekly ferry boats between Grenada and Carriacou. From Carriacou you can take a boat to Petit Martinique. There are also boat chartering companies and day excursions on sailing boats and larger boats such as the Rhum Runner and the Loafer. Fishing trips can be also be arranged.

By air
LIAT will take you on day trips to the surrounding islands.

Driving

To obtain a local permit, a bona fide driving licence must be presented at the local traffic department. located next to the Fire Station on The Carenage, St. George's, cost E$30. many car rental firms also issue local permits. Traffic drives on the left. Be sure to use your horn when approaching blind corners.

Yachting

Grenada is one of the world's foremost sailing areas. The Spice Island Marina at Prickly Bay, and Grenada Yacht Services in St. George's harbour have complete marina facilities and charters for week-long or shorter excursions.
Grenada Yacht Services
Grenada Yacht Services Ltd : Telephone 440-2508/2883
Spice Island Marine Services Ltd : Telephone 444-4257/4342
The Moorings Ltd : Telephone 444-4548/9
Go vacations : Telephone 444-4924

Watersports

Grenada and Carriacou have many wartersport operations including diving, sunfish sialing, waterskiing, jet skiing and windsurfing. These can be arranged through your hotel or more information can be obtained from the Department of Tourism.

Tennis

Many hotels offer tennis facilities which are available free to residents and at a small charge to non-residents.

Golf

The Grenada Golf Club offers visitors a beautiful course. Equipment and caddies can be hired. Ask your hotel for details.

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