Electricity

The electrical current is 220 to 240 volts, 50Hz. British three-prong plugs (Type G) are in use.

Language

English is the official language and is widely spoken, but Grenadian Creole is considered the main language of the island.

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 USD 1 to XCD 2.70. 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. Banking hours are generally Monday to Friday from 8am to 2pm.

Tipping

Tipping is common in Grenada and many hospitality industry professionals largely 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. Hotel staff usually receive about US$1 per bag, and taxi drivers usually receive 10 to 15 percent of the fare.

Health

The Zika virus has been linked to Grenada, so travellers should take precautions against mosquito bites and unprotected sexual contact. Pregnant woman are especially at risk, and are advised not to travel to Grenada. 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 one year of age coming from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission. Travellers should also consider vaccinations for hepatitis A and hepatitis B, and those planning to eat outside of hotels and restaurants may want to get a typhoid vaccination. Good medical care is available in the urban areas of Grenada but most doctors and hospitals expect payment in cash, regardless of travel health insurance. The water in Grenada is clean and safe to drink.

Safety

Most visits to Grenada are trouble free but petty crime is prevalent. Travellers shouldn't carry their travel documents or large amounts of cash or jewellery on them; isolated areas, including beaches, should be avoided after dark. Swimmers should be careful as currents can be deceptively strong and not all beaches have lifeguards or warning flags.

Local customs

Common courtesy goes a long way with locals, and visitors should not overlook saying 'good morning' or 'good evening', or greeting someone before asking a question or making a transaction. Some homosexual acts are illegal in Grenada and it's perhaps best that gay couples avoid displays of public affection. It is also an offence to wear camouflage clothing and there are severe penalties for all drug offences.

Doing 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.

Duty free

Travellers are allowed to import 200 cigarettes, 25 cigars or 250g of tobacco, 1 litre of wine or spirits, and goods up to a maximum value of XCD 300 without having to pay customs. Illegal drugs, arms and ammunition are prohibited.

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). Roaming services are available but expensive; visitors can purchase local prepaid SIM cards for unlocked phones as an alternative, or use eSIMs if their cellular providers support it on their networks. Almost all hotels and many restaurants provide WiFi, and most yacht marinas have WiFi setups for those who dock there.

Passport & Visa

All foreign passengers to Grenada must hold onward or return tickets, and all necessary travel documentation for their next destination. Visa extensions are possible, and can be obtained at the Immigration Authorities Office in Grenada. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for anyone older than one year of age who has come from a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission, or has transited for more than 12 hours through an air airport in a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission.

It is highly recommended that travellers' passports have at least six months' validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Entry requirements

US passports must be valid for six months beyond the date of entry. No visa is required for a stay of up to three months.

British passports must be valid for six months beyond the date of arrival. No visa is required; British passport holders will be granted a specific period of stay on entry.

Canadian passports must be valid for the expected duration of stay. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days.

Australian citizens must have a passport that is valid upon arrival in Grenada. No visa is required for a stay of up to three months.

South African citizens must have a passport that is valid upon arrival in Grenada. No visa is required for a stay of up to three months.

Irish citizens must have a passport that is valid upon arrival in Grenada. No visa is required for a stay of up to three months.

New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is valid upon arrival in Grenada. No visa is required for a stay of up to three months.

Useful contacts

Grenada Tourism Authority, St. George's: +1 473 440 2279 or www.puregrenada.com

Emergencies: 911 (Police and Fire)

Embassies / consulates in other countries

Grenada Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 265 2561

Grenada High Commission, London, United Kingdom: +44 20 7385 4415

Consulate General of Grenada, Toronto, Canada: +1 416 595 1343

Honorary Consulate of Grenada, Johannesburg, South Africa: +27 83 461 6559

Embassies / consulates in Grenada

United States Embassy, St. George's: +1 473 444 1173

British High Commission, Bridgetown, Barbados (also responsible for Grenada): +1 246 430 7800

High Commission of Canada, Bridgetown, Barbados (also responsible for Grenada): +1 246 429 3550

Australian High Commission, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago (also responsible for Grenada): +1 868 822 5450

South African High Commission, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago (also responsible for Grenada): +1 868 622 9869