Time: Local time is GMT -4.
Electricity: Electrical current is 230 volts, 50 Hz. British three-prong plugs are in use.
Money: The official currency of Grenada is the Eastern Caribbean dollar (XCD), which is divided into 100 cents. The Eastern Caribbean dollar is tied to the US dollar at US$1 = EC$2.7. ATM machines are available at most banks and major credit cards are accepted at most hotels, car rental companies and shops. Many establishments will accept payment in US dollars, giving change in the local currency. Travellers cheques are widely accepted and travellers cheques in US dollars are recommended. Banking hours are Monday to Friday from 8am to 3pm.
Language: English is the official language and is widely spoken, but Grenadian Creole is considered the language of the island.
Entry requirements for UK nationals: UK nationals require a passport, but no visa is needed for a stay of up to six months.
Passport/Visa Note: All nationalities must hold confirmed onward or return tickets and all documents required for the next destination. Extensions on visas for three months are possible and can be obtained at the Immigration Authorities Office in Grenada. As part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), all travellers travelling between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean region are required to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter or re-enter the United States. If departing from the USA a valid passport will be required by immigration authorities.
Travel Health: Dengue fever is common in Latin America and the Caribbean and cases have been reported in Grenada. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers over 1 year of age coming from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission. Good medical care is available in Grenada and Carriacou but most doctors and hospitals expect payment in cash, regardless of travel health insurance. Grenada doesn't have a decompression chamber for divers; the nearest decompression chambers are in Tobago and Barbados, 30 minutes away by air ambulance. The water in Grenada is clean and safe to drink.
Tipping: Tipping is common in Grenada and hospitality industry professionals rely on tips for a living. Crew of sailing charters should be tipped 10 to 15 percent of the total cost. If a service charge is not included on a restaurant bill a 10 percent tip is customary. Bellhops usually receive US$1 per bag and taxi drivers usually receive 10 to 15 percent of the fare.
Safety Information: Most visits to Grenada are trouble-free. Petty crime is prevalent so travellers should be vigilant and not carry their travel documents or large amounts of cash or jewellery on them and avoid isolated areas after dark.
Local Customs: Homosexuality is discreet in Grenada and generally it is a good idea to avoid displays of public affection. It is also an offence to wear camouflage clothing and there are severe penalties for all drug offences.
Business: When conducting business in Grenada, dress should be formal and meetings should be arranged in advance. Business cards are usually exchanged at meetings and English is widely spoken in business circles. Business hours are 8am to 4pm Monday to Friday. Many offices are closed between 12pm and 1pm for lunch.
Communications: The international dialling code for Grenada is +1 473. The outgoing code is 011 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 01144 for the UK). No area codes are in use. Roaming services are available to all AMPS compatible cellular phones. Coin operated public phones and card phones for international calls are widely available. Prepaid cards can be bought at Cable & Wireless offices and agents or at the Board of Tourism office in St. George's. Internet cafés are common, especially in the main centres.
Duty Free: Travellers are allowed to import 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 225g of tobacco, 1 litre of wine or spirits and perfume for personal use without paying customs duty. Illegal drugs, arms and ammunition are prohibited.
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