Visitors traveling to Grenada from the UK and Europe should be aware of the following general information about the nation to enhance their enjoyment of Grenada.

Business Hours
Banking hours in Grenada are usually Monday to Thursday from 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., and Fridays from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. See our list of Banks in the Facilities section for more detailed information.

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 who are even open on Sundays.

Craft and souvenir shops will open on a Sunday or Bank Holiday when demand is high.

Government offices are generally open from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Monday to Friday, but 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. The value of the EC dollar is constantly changing against that of the pound sterling, ranging from $4 to $5 EC dollars to the pound. It is advisable to check with one of the local banks for the current rate, as the most favourable exchange rates are generally obtained from the banks.

Departure and Entry Taxes
Seaport Entry Fees. Visitors entering Grenada by sea are required to pay the following fees :-

CRUISE PERMIT (YACHTS)
Less than 40ft EC$ 50.00
40 & 60ft 75.00
60-80ft 100.00
Over 80ft 150.00

CRUISE(VISITORS) LEVY
Per person US$3.00

Seaport Departure Fees
Visitors arriving by air and leaving by sea, are required to pay an Embarkation Tax of EC $1.00 per person, to the Immigration office at the time of departure.

Airport Departure Fees
Visitors leaving Grenada by air are required to pay the following –

13 years and older EC $50
5 to 12 years EC $25
Under 5 years Exempted

Visitors remaining on island for less than 24 hours are not exempt from paying the departure taxes, only in-transit passengers are exempt.

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
Driving in Grenada is similar to the English system, where driving is on the LEFT. To obtain a local driving permit, a bona fide driver's license must be presented at the traffic department at the Central Police Station on the Carenage. The cost is EC$30.00 or roughly £7. 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.

Electricity
Again similar to the UK, the voltage in Grenada is 220 volts - 50 cycles, so your personal appliances (shavers, hairdryers, etc) rated at 220 volts (UK standard) will work just fine.

Entry Requirements
A valid passport and return or onward ticket is generally all that is required for citizens from the United Kingdom, although proof of citizenship bearing a photograph is also acceptable from British citizens. Visas are not required from UK citizens. Please see the complete lists of persons requiring visas and persons exempt from visas.

Non UK citizens can contact (UK) 44 (0) 207 771 7016 to confirm requirements for other passport holders.

Government
The tri-island state 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 on the east coast, and one in Carriacou. Clinics and doctors can be found throughout the islands.

Postal Information
The Grenada Postal Corporation (GPC) has its Head Office on Port Highway, St. George's, but also maintains a network of sub-post offices in all towns and villages. Post Offices are generally open from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday to Thursday, and 8:00 am to 4:30 pm on Friday. The GPC also hosts Internet Cafes at many of its post offices at very good rates.

Efficient local, regional and international mailing is enhanced by international courier services from Federal Express, DHL, UPS as well as the Express Mail service from the the Grenada Postal Corporation.

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 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
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.

Cable & Wireless Caribbean Cellular Service (USA AMPS Systems), is available to 60% of Grenada, parts of Carriacou, Petit Martinique and much of the surrounding waters. Roaming service is available to all AMPS compatible cellular phone owners. Please contact Cable & Wireless at 440-1000 for more details.

Phone services are available at various points throughout the island, Coin phones for local calls and Card Phones for both local and overseas calls. Prepaid cards can be purchased at Cable & Wireless offices and agents, and at the Grenada Board of Tourism's office in St. George’s.

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, Young Street, St. George's. For information, call (473) 440-3080.