Holidays in Grenada - useful information

Business hours

As a general guide you can expect the following, however our local agents will, of course, be able to provide you with precise information.

Banks: 8am - 3pm, Monday to Thursday, and 8am - 5pm on Friday.
Shops: 8am - 4pm, Monday to Friday, and 8am - 1pm on Saturday, although in some areas many retailers stay open for much longer. (Some shops close between 12 noon and 1pm).
Supermarkets: 9am – 7pm Monday – Saturday
Spiceland Mall supermarket also opens on Sunday mornings.
Government offices: 8am - 4pm, Monday to Friday

Clothing

Casual, light comfortable clothing is appropriate during the day as well as in the evening. No restaurants expect gentlemen to wear jackets in the evenings. Beachwear should not be worn in the streets or stores. Long trousers and hiking shoes are recommended for hiking.

Credit cards and currency

Major credit cards are accepted by most hotels, car rental companies, and shops. The Eastern Caribbean Dollar (EC$) is the local currency in Grenada. It is advisable to exchange currency at the banks, as the most favourable exchange rates may not be obtained elsewhere. Many establishments will accept payments in US Dollars with change being given in local currency.

We suggest you take US$ or £GB and exchange them for local currency. Obviously, travellers cheques are safer than cash.

There are ATM machines at most banks and you will also find one available at the airport.

Driving

We recommend that you pre-book your car or Jeep at the time of booking your holiday. Not only will this guarantee your vehicle but we can often pass on special offers that are not available in resort. Our car hire partners will arrange all the necessary permits and licences as well as insurance, and your vehicle will normally be delivered to, and collected from, your accommodation. While most of the main roads are in good condition, the quality can vary in country locations and potholes are commonplace. Please note that driving is on the left.

Remember to take your driving licence with you!

Electricity

Please consult your accommodation fact sheet (which we will send out with your tickets), for details about plugs and sockets etc at your particular hotel or villa.

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 island and doctors can generally make hotel visits – your hotel/accommodation will offer any necessary assistance, as will our local agents. Pharmacies are generally well stocked with all the usual medications, but we advise you to take sufficient supplies of any medication that you normally take.

Mosquitoes and other pests

While Grenada has very few creepy crawlies and the like, tropical places do produce tropical insects, and mosquitoes can be a nuisance. We suggest you take precautions by using repellent creams and sprays. These are very effective and should be used from dusk to dawn.

Postal information

All hotels will arrange posting of cards and personal mail. You will also find the main post office on Lagoon Road by the port in St George’s. There are sub post offices in most towns and villages. Post offices are generally open Monday to Friday. Hours can vary between, however most open from 8am until mid afternoon.

Telephones

Local calls are inexpensive and telephones are readily available. Many European mobile phones will work in Grenada however it is advisable to check with your service provider before travelling to confirm roaming facilities. Nearly all hotels have direct dial telephones in the bedrooms. Calling cards are also available and can be purchased at many shops.

Tax and tipping

There is an 8% Government tax at hotels and restaurants. Most add a 10% service charge. Additional gratuities are at your own discretion.

Valuables

Lock up as you would at home. Most hotels have safety deposit boxes and we advise you to use them. It is sensible to only carry a minimum amount of cash with you when you are out and we would suggest that you do not take valuables to the beach or leave possessions on view in your hire car. The police emergency number is 911 in Grenada.

Safety and security

Virtually all the thousands of visitors to Grenada each year have happy and trouble-free holidays. This is a friendly island and visitors are very much welcomed. However, even in these idyllic surroundings you should not become complacent about safety and security. Isolated incidents, although very rare, can occur here as they can in any part of the world and visitors should exercise common sense wherever they travel. We would advise visitors to use taxis after dark whenever possible. Many restaurants will offer help with taxis to and from their premises – some offer a free pick-up and collection service. We also advise particular caution when visiting isolated beaches and deserted areas at all times of day.

We advise all our clients travelling anywhere in the world to consult the Foreign Office website for detailed up-to-date travel advice. Visit www.fco.gov.uk for information and feel free to talk to our staff for clarification of any information the web page contains.