Location

The three islands of Grenada, Carriacou & Petite Martinique are located in the eastern Caribbean at the southern extremity of the Windward Islands, only 100 miles north of Venezuela. To the north lie St. Vincent and the Grenadines and to the south lie Trinidad and Tobago.

Climate

Average temperatures range from 75°F to 85°F (24°C to 30°C), tempered by the steady and cooling trade winds. The lowest temperatures occur between November and February. Due to Grenada's remarkable topography, the island also experiences climate changes according to altitude. The driest season is between January and May. Even during the rainy season, from June to December, it rarely rains for more than an hour at a time and generally not every day.

People

Approximately 108,132 (est 2008) people inhabit Grenada, including the 6,521 inhabitants of Carriacou and Petite Martinique. The nation's citizens are primarily of African, East-Indian and European descent, with the largest proportion of the population, approximately 75%, of African descent. Grenada is an English-speaking nation.

Music

With its African origins, Calypso is the music of the native Grenadian. Though the mini-buses now play reggae and pop, it is still the music of choice at Carnival time. Ex-tempore is an art form where the musician sings to a standard tune but has impromptu lyrics.

Ports of Entry

Visitors travel to Grenada by Sea and Air. There are a variety of Cruise lines which stop in St. George's, in Grenada. International flights stop at Maurice Bishop International Airport, and visitors who continue have only a short hop by inter-island charter to Lauriston Airport in Carriacou. Visitors who make their way down by yacht have a variety of marinas at which they can clear immigration and customs as well as dock and purchase supplies. Anchorage in the islands is available in most inlets and bays, please check with immigration for an updated list

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

Banking hours in Grenada are usually Monday to Thursday from 8:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m., and Fridays from 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Shops are generally open from 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., Monday to Friday, and 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. on Saturdays. Supermarkets and shopping centers are usually open from 9:00 am. - 7 pm. And there are one or two that are open on Sundays. Craft and souvenir shops will open on a Sunday or Bank Holiday, especially if cruise ships are in port. Government offices are generally open from 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., Monday to Friday, but may be closed from 12:00 to 1:00 pm for lunch.

Churches

There is a good representation of many of the major religious denominations in most towns and villages including Roman Catholic, Anglican, Presbyterian and Methodists.

Credit Cards & Currency

Major credit cards are accepted by most 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.

Dress

Casual, light cottons are ideal during the day; in the evenings, elegantly casual 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.

Driving

Visitors wishing to drive while in Grenada must obtain a local driving permit from the traffic department at the Central Police Station on the Carenage. A bona fide driver's license must be presented and a fee of EC $30 paid. 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. Please note however that as mandated by the United States Department of Homeland Security, all US travellers must provide a passport to enter or re-enter the US from both vacation and business travel. A visa is not required from citizens of the US, Canada, UK, British Commonwealth, most Caribbean countries, most European countries, South Korea, and Japan. Please see the complete lists of persons requiring visas and persons exempt from visas.

Government

The state of Grenada, which includes Carriacou and Petite Martinique, is an independent nation within the British Commonwealth. A governor general represents her majesty the Queen. The country is governed by a 13-member senate and a House of Representatives, with a Speaker and 15 members, each representing a constituency.

Language

English is the official language but it is not uncommon to hear a French-African patois spoken.

Medical Facilities

There is a General Hospital in St. George's, a smaller hospital in Mirabeau in the northern parish of St. Andrew, and one in Carriacou. Clinics and doctors can be found throughout the islands.

Postal Information

The General Post Office is on Lagoon Road by the Port in St. George's. There are sub-post offices in all towns and villages. Post Offices are open 8:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m., Monday to Thursday; Fridays until 4:30 p.m. Efficient local, regional and international mailing is enhanced by international couriers, Federal Express, DHL and UPS; and the General Post Office has an Express Mail service.

Preservation

The barking of trees and taking of wildlife from the forest and rivers, and corals from the sea is strictly forbidden.

Radio & Television

There are currently ten radio stations (AM 535 kHz; AM 1400 kHz / FM90 kHz / FM96.3 kHz; FM 101.7 kHz; FM105.5 kHz) and four 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

The area code for Grenada is 473. International Direct Dialing is available from most hotel rooms, please check with your hotel front desk for their current rates. Mobile service is available from Lime and Digicel. Both companies provide reliable GSM and GPRS services. Phone services are available at various points throughout the island, Coin phones for local calls and Card Phones for both local and overseas calls.

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 required for all non-nationals working in Grenada. These are issued by the Ministry of Labour, Ministerial Complex, Botanical Gardens, St. George's. For information, call (473) 440-2532 or email: ministry.labour.gd@gmail.com

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