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Checklist of things to bring
Prescription medication
Sunglasses
Sunhat
High SPF sunscreen
Swimsuit
Light rain jacket
Umbrella
Hiking boots
Long pants
Mosquito repellent
Money and Banking The Eastern Caribbean dollar (E.C. dollar) is tied to the US dollar at a rate of 2.67 to 1. You may find the rate fluctuates between 2.6 and 2.7 depending on where you change or use your US dollars. Personal
bank cheques in another currency take 6 weeks to clear. Banks are open from 8AM-3PM Mon-Thurs, 8AM-5PM. There are ATM’s open 24 hrs, outside most banks and at the airport. US bills are sometimes accepted, especially in the major shopping centres in St.George’s and Grand Anse, but your change will be in EC dollars. There are various Western Union outlets dotted around the island. You will need photo ID to send and receive moneyResponsibility
bank cheques in another currency take 6 weeks to clear. Banks are open from 8AM-3PM Mon-Thurs, 8AM-5PM. There are ATM’s open 24 hrs, outside most banks and at the airport. US bills are sometimes accepted, especially in the major shopping centres in St.George’s and Grand Anse, but your change will be in EC dollars. There are various Western Union outlets dotted around the island. You will need photo ID to send and receive moneyResponsibility
Bargaining – Haggling is not the norm in Grenada.
Normally you are expected to pay the price that is asked. Always check that the price is in Eastern Caribbean (E.C.) dollars. If you feel like you are being charged too high a price, you can say so, or politely walk away. The response depends on the personality of the vendor! It is very likely you will be charged a bit more than a local person, as the vendor perceives you as being better off that the average Grenadian. Tipping is not necessarily expected, but is always appreciated.
Buying Illegal goods – Drugs, including marijuana, are illegal, and carry stiff sentences. Do not buy products made from turtles or black coral. Do not buy objects discovered in an archeological dig – you are depriving the young people of the island of their heritage.
Buying local products – During your stay, it makes sense to eat as many locally produced foods as you can. Not only will it be cheaper, you gain a real understanding of Grenadian cuisine, lessening your carbon footprint and contributing to the local economy. Begging-It is best not to give children money as gifts, as they will grow to expect handouts from visitors. Homelessness is very rare in Grenada, but they are a few people with drug and alcohol problems who may ask you for money. Giving them your small change will help to fuel this habit. If they say they want to buy food with it, you are better off buying the food and giving them this directly.
Recycling and garbage – There are very limited recycling facilities in Grenada at the moment. However, try to set a good example to our young people by being creative about reusing your ‘waste’ in some way. Littering is unfortunately still fairly commonplace, so education in this area is welcome.
Resources and the household- Please be careful with resources, especially if you are staying in someone’s home. Please turn off the shower while soaping, to conserve water, esp. in Carriacou and Petite Martinique which currently rely solely on rain water. During a heavy rain shower the rain flies into windows very easily, so it’s a good idea to remember to close windows in case of rain before you go out.
Promises- Don’t make promises that you can’t keep, whether it’s keeping in touch, sending photographs or other goods. It is better to surprise someone after you have left, than create expectations that cannot be fulfilled. If you do intend to keep in contact, figure out an easy way doing so.
Shopping
Shopping hours in St.George’s are 8PM to 4PM Monday to Friday, and 8AM to 1PM on Saturday. Grenville has extended hours on a Saturday, and the streets and shops are lively until the early evening. The shops in the malls in Grand Anse are open later, from 9 or 10AM to 5 to 7 PM, or sometimes even later. On Sundays almost all shops are closed, except for Real Value Supermarket in the Spiceland Mall, Grand Anse that opens from 10AM to 6PM. There are also a few small community shops that open until 9PM, selling basic goods and liquor. The fruit and vegetable markets are open very early, from about 5AM.
The postal service in Grenada is fairly efficient. The Grenada Postal Corporation in Burns Point, St.George’s, is open from 8AM to 4PM Monday through Thursday and 8AM to 4:30PM Friday. There are also courier services like Fedex and DHL.
Importation of goods –
Allowances and Restrictions
50 cigars/200 cigarettes/1/2 lb tobacco
One quart of liquor or wine
No fruit, vegetables, meat or soil
No recreational drugs
No firearms or ammunition
If you are planning on bringing a pet with you, you would need health documents, an import permit, and contact with the Government Veterinary Officer before arrival.
Exportation of goods –
Restrictions
No exportation of bark, wildlife or coral
Further information can be obtained from the following:
Grenada Customs and Excise Department
· Carenage, St.George’s 440 2239
· Maurice Bishop International Airport 444 4137
· Grenville and Carriacou 417 6093
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