Tourism Board:

http://www.grenadagrenadines.com/ 

Grenada is often referred to as 'Spice Island', and with more spices per square mile than anywhere else on the planet, it is indeed true that the sweet scents of nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger and vanilla often linger in this clement climate. This adds an 'air' of exoticism to the Caribbean country, which actually consists of three islands: Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique.

Grenada is by far the largest, with a width of 12 miles (18km) and a length of21 miles (34km), comprising mountainous, volcanic terrain. This topography provides Grenada with one of the loveliest and most varied environments in the Caribbean, including crater lakes, as well as a variety of plant and animal life. Dwarf forests high atop Mount St Catherine descend to the rainforests of middle altitudes, which give way in turn to the dry forests of the lowlands. Those forests shift to mangrove at the coast, giving way to stunning white sand beaches, brilliant blue water and exquisite coral reefs.

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 travelers 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.

Travel Tips

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. – 3:00 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 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 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. Travelers checks 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 travelers checks. It is advisable to exchange currency at the banks, as the most favorable exchange rates may not be obtained elsewhere.

Departure Tax
Persons 13 years of age and older are required to pay EC $50 (US $20 or £14). Departure tax for persons from 5 to 12 years of age is EC $25 (US $10 or £7). Children under 5 years are exempt.

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
Visitors wishing to drive while in Grenada must obtain a local driving permit from either 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.

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.

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 Cable & Wireless and Digicel.

Cable & Wireless Caribbean Cellular Service (USA AMPS Systems), is available to 60% of Grenada, parts of Carriacou, Petite 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.

Getting There

Airlines
Grenada's Point Salines International Airport (PSIA) is open daily from 5:00 am to 11:00 pm.