Grenada: Basic Information
Note: These requirements are subject to change. Check with the embassy or consulate in your home country before you depart.
Australian and New Zealand citizens: A valid passport and a return or onward ticket are required for entry.
Canadian citizens: Two documents (one with a photo) that prove citizenship and a return or onward ticket are required for entry.
EU citizens: A valid passport and a return or onward ticket are required for entry. British nationals, however, need only two documents (one with photo) that prove their citizenship.
Japanese citizens: A valid passport and a return or onward ticket are required for entry.
U.S. citizens: Two documents (one with a photo) that prove citizenship and a return or onward ticket are required for entry.
Others: Citizens of countries not listed above may or may not require a visa. Check with the nearest Grenadan embassy or consulate for details about entry requirements.
Money
The basic unit of currency is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (EC$), which is divided into 100 cents. Notes are available in denominations of EC$1, 5, 20, 50, and 100, coins in 1 cent, 2, 5, 10, 25, and 50 cents, and EC$1. For current international exchange rates, see the Currency Converter.
Currency can be exchanged at either banks or hotels, though the former tend to have better rates.
Credit cards are accepted by most hotels and restaurants and businesses that cater largely to tourists but are not accepted by most car-rental companies. Traveler's checks, on the other hand, are a widely accepted form of payment, as is U.S. currency.
Tipping
Most hotels and restaurants add a service charge to the bill, but in establishments where this is not the case, a 10 percent tip is customary. Any tip over the service charge is discretionary.
Customs
The following goods may be imported into Grenada duty-free: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 225 grams of tobacco; 1 liter of alcohol, and perfume for personal use.
Taxes
Hotels and restaurants charge an 8 percent government tax.
The departure tax is EC$25 for adults, EC$12.50 for children ages 10 through 16, and no charge for children under the age of 10.
Phone Code
The international telephone access code is 809. No city codes are used. For directory assistance, dial GRENTEL at 440-1000.
Time Zone
Grenada operates on Atlantic standard time, which is 4 hours behind Greenwich mean time, or 5 hours behind Rome and Berlin, 13 hours behind Tokyo, and 1 hour behind São Paulo.
Business Hours
Banks are open from 8 AM to 2 or 3 PM Monday-Thursday and 8 AM-5 PM on Friday. Some banks are also open on Saturday from 8 AM to noon.
Store are generally open 8 AM-4 PM Monday-Friday (closed for an hour at midday), and 8 AM-1 PM on Saturday. Most stores are closed on Sunday.
Holidays
Banks and most businesses close on New Year's Day (1 January), Independence Day (7 February), Good Friday and Easter Monday (March or April; dates vary), Labor Day (1 May), Whit Monday (June; date varies), Corpus Christi (June; date varies), Emancipation Holiday (first Tuesday in August), Thanksgiving Day (25 October), and Christmas Day (25 December).
Weather
The climate of Grenada is tropical, with an average annual temperature of 28° C (82° F) along the coast. Annual rainfall is 152 centimeters (60 inches). The rainy season lasts from June to December.
Measurements
The metric system is standard throughout the country.
Electricity
Current is 220/240 volts AC, 50 Hz. Visitors from abroad who wish to operate personal small electronic items should bring a plug adapter and a transformer.
Driving
There are 1,046 kilometers (650 miles) of paved roads in Grenada. Traffic proceeds on the left. Foreign visitors who wish to drive need to obtain a temporary driver's license from the local police station or from a car-rental agency and should bring along a valid license from their home country.
Emergencies
Throughout the country the number to dial for all police, fire, and medical emergencies is 911. You can also summon an ambulance by dialing 434.
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