Set north of Trinidad and Tobago, Grenada is a beautiful island country dubbed the ‘Spice Island’ due to its fertile spice plantations. This independent Caribbean nation is comprised of one main eponymous island as well as numerous smaller surrounding islands perfect for day trips, fishing adventures, sailing trips, or diving and snorkeling excursions. The picturesque 18th-century harbor capital, St. George's, boasts brightly coloured homes, impressive Georgian buildings, a lively market, and Grand Anse - a famous two-mile stretch of exquisite beachfront offering an array of watersports, craft vendors, and lively restaurants and bars. With all of this and more on offer, St George’s makes a great base for exploring Grenada’s spectacular beaches, breathtaking waterfalls, and stunning flower-filled rainforests.
Banking and Currency
Currency
East Caribbean Dollar (XCD; symbol EC$) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of EC$100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of EC$1, and 50, 25, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents. The East Caribbean Dollar is tied to the US Dollar. The US Dollar is accepted everywhere, but change might be given in East Caribbean Dollar.
Banking
Banking hours: Monday - Thursday 08h00 -15h00, Fri 08h00 -17h00.
American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa and other major cards are accepted by most shops, car hire companies and hotels. ATMs are available, mostly in St George's.
Travellers cheques are widely accepted. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller's cheques in US Dollars.
Travel, Transport and Getting Around
SVG Air offers flights between Grenada and Carriacou.
Grenada has a good road network. Most main roads are in good condition but they are narrow and winding. Drive on the left hand side in Grenada. There's a choice of several car hire companies in Grenada. In July and August (high season), you have to book cars for a minimum of three days. You usually need to be at least 25 years old to hire a car.
Food, Drink and Cuisine Advice
Most hotels and restaurants offer international cuisine, serving a large variety of tropical fish, English, Continental, American and exotic West Indian food. Bars are stocked with the most popular wines and spirits, local beers and various brands of whisky, rum and brandy.
Mains water is normally chlorinated and relatively safe, but there is still some risk of diarrhoea, particularly in rural areas. Bottled water is available. Milk is pasteurised and dairy products are safe for consumption. Local meat, poultry, seafood, fruit and vegetables are generally considered safe to eat.
A 10% service charge is added by most hotels and restaurants. If no charge is added, it is customary to leave a 10% tip. There is also an 8% government tax to pay at hotels and restaurants.
Climate and Weather
Grenada is located in the Caribbean and has a tropical climate. The dry season runs from January to May, and the rainy season runs from June to December. The average temperature is 28°C (82°F).
Clothing and Dress Recommendations
Grenada’s tropical climate mean casual lightweight cottons are recommended for most of the year and waterproofs, especially in the rainy season.
Internet Availability
Internet is widely available throughout Grenada; there are internet cafes in St George's.
Electricity and Plug Standards
Electrical sockets in Grenada are the "Type G " British BS-1363 type. If your appliance's plug doesn't match the shape of these sockets, you will need a travel plug adapter in order to plug in.
Electrical sockets in Grenada usually supply electricity at between 220 and 240 volts AC. If you're plugging in an appliance that was built for 220-240 volt electrical input, or an appliance that is compatible with multiple voltages, then an adapter is all you need. If your appliance isn’t compatible with 220-240 volts, a voltage converter will be necessary.
