Fast Facts

Banks -- Banks in St. George's, the capital, include First Caribbean International Bank, at Church and Halifax streets (tel. 473/440-3232); Scotiabank, on Halifax Street (tel. 473/440-3274); the Public Bank of Grenada, at Halifax and Hillsborough streets (tel. 473/440-3566); the Royal Bank of Trinidad & Tobago (RBTT), at Halifax and Cross streets (tel. 473/440-3521); and the Grenada Cooperative Bank, on Church Street (tel. 473/440-2111). Most have ATMs. Hours are usually Monday through Thursday from 8am to 3pm and Friday from 8am to 5pm.

Currency -- The official currency is the Eastern Caribbean dollar (EC$), approximately EC$2.70 to US$1 (EC$1 = US37¢/20p). Always determine which dollars, EC or U.S., you're talking about when someone on Grenada quotes you a price. Unless otherwise specified, prices in this chapter are quoted in U.S. dollars and British pounds.

Documents -- A valid passport is required of U.S., British, and Canadian citizens entering Grenada, plus a return or ongoing ticket.

Electricity -- Electricity is 220-240-volt AC (50 cycles), so transformers and adapters will be needed for U.S.-made appliances.

Embassies & High Commissions -- The U.S. Embassy is located at L'Anse aux Epines Salines, St. George's (tel. 473/444-1173). The British High Commission is on Church Street, St. George's (tel. 473/440-3536).

Emergencies -- Dial tel. 911 for police, fire, or an ambulance.

Hospital -- St. George's General Hospital located on Grandetang Road, St. George's (tel. 473/440-2051), has an X-ray department and operating room. Private doctors and nurses are available on call.

Language -- English is commonly spoken. Creole English, a mixture of several African dialects, English, and French, is spoken informally by most.

Pharmacies -- Try Gittens Pharmacy, Halifax Street, St. George's (tel. 473/440-2165), open weekdays from 8am to 6pm (Thurs until 5pm), and Saturday from 8am to 3pm.

Post Office -- The general post office, at the Pier, St. George's, is open Monday to Friday from 8am to 4pm.

Safety -- Street crime occurs here, tourists have been victims of armed robbery in isolated areas, and thieves frequently steal U.S. passports and alien registration cards in addition to money. Muggings, purse snatchings, and other robberies occur in areas near hotels, beaches, and restaurants, particularly after dark. Don't leave valuables unattended at the beach. Be cautious when walking after dark, or take a taxi. Report a stolen or lost passport immediately to the local police and the embassy.

Taxes -- A 10% VAT (value-added tax) is imposed on food and beverages, and there's an 8% room tax. You'll pay a departure tax of US$20 (£10) when you leave.

Telephone -- The area code for all of Grenada is 473. You can call to or from Grenada as you would to or from any other area code in North America. Public phone and fax services are available at the Carenage offices of Grenada Cable & Wireless in St. George's (tel. 473/440-1000 for all offices). The office is open Monday to Thursday from 8am to 5pm, and Friday from 8am to 4pm.

Time -- Grenada is on Atlantic Standard Time year-round, which means it's usually 1 hour ahead of the U.S. East Coast -- except during daylight saving time, when the clocks are the same.

Tipping -- A 10% service charge is added to most restaurant and hotel bills. No additional tip is expected.

Water -- Stick to bottled water.

Weather -- Grenada has two distinct seasons: dry and rainy. The dry season is from January to May; the rest of the year is the rainy season, although the rainfall doesn't last long. The average temperature is 80°F (27°C). Because of constant trade winds, there's little humidity.