Grenada - Location Guide & Travel Tips 
Location
Grenada is a three island state consisting of Grenada, Carriacou, (pronounced carry-a koo), and Petite Martinique (pronounced pitty mar-ti-neek), located in the Eastern Caribbean at the southern extremity of the Windward Islands, only 100 miles North of Venezuela. To the North lie St. Vincent and the Grenadines; to the South Trinidad and Tobago.
Geography
The islands are of volcanic origin with extremely rich soil. Grenada is the largest of the three, with a width of twelve miles (18 km) and a length of twenty-one miles (34 km). The total area is 133 square miles. Grenada's interior is very mountainous with Mount St. Catherine being the highest at 2,756 feet. Several small rivers with beautiful waterfalls flow into the sea from these mountains. Carriacou is more hilly than mountainous, with an area of 13 square miles. It has excellent sandy beaches and great views of the northern Grenadine islands. Petite Martinique, the third and by far the smallest island in the state, consists of little more than the tip of a volcanic cone rising above the water 2.5 miles off the northeast coast of Carriacou. It is only recently being developed for visitors.
People
The population of Grenada numbers approximately 101,400 people including the 8,000 inhabitants of Carriacou and the 600 residents of Petite Martinique. The nation’s citizens are primarily of African, East-Indian, and European descent. The largest proportion of the population, about 75%, is of African descent.
Climate
Average temperatures range from 75F (24C) to 87F (30C), and are moderated by steady trade winds. Because of Grenada's remarkable topography, the island also experiences climate changes according to altitude. The lowest temperatures occur between November and February. The rainy season is June to December, but it rarely rains for more than an hour at a time, and generally not every day.
Dress
Casual, light cottons are ideal during the day; in the evenings, elegantly casual attire is appropriate. Bathing suits or mini shorts should not be worn in the streets or stores. Long pants and hiking shoes are recommended for hiking.
Language
English is the official language but it is not uncommon to hear a French-African patois spoken.
Time Zone
Atlantic Standard Time, one hour ahead of Eastern Standard Time and the same as Eastern Daylight Time. GMT -4.
Currency
The Eastern Caribbean Dollar, linked to the US Dollar, is the local currency. Banks will exchange EC$2.67 for US$1.00 cash, and EC$2.68 for US$1.00 in travellers cheques. It is advisable to exchange currency at the banks, as the most favorable exchange rates may not be obtained elsewhere. The Euro and British Pound can also be changed at the local banks, however the exchange rate varies since the EC$ is not fixed to it.
Major credit cards are accepted by most hotels, car rental companies, and shops. Travellers cheques are accepted everywhere.
Telecommunications
International Direct Dialing is available from most hotel rooms, please check with your hotel front desk for their current rates.
Mobile service is available from Cable & Wireless, Digicel and Cingular Wireless.
Cable & Wireless Caribbean Cellular Service (USA AMPS Systems), is available to 60% of Grenada, parts of Carriacou, Petite Martinique and much of the surrounding waters. Roaming service is available to all AMPS compatible cellular phone owners. Please contact Cable & Wireless at 440-1000 for more details.
Phone services are available at various points throughout the island, Coin phones for local calls and Card Phones for both local and overseas calls. Prepaid cards can be purchased at Cable & Wireless offices and agents, and at the Grenada Board of Tourism office in St. George’s.
Electricity
Voltage is 220 volts / 50 cycles. Appliances rated at 110 volts (US standard) normally work satisfactorily with a transformer. Most hotels provide dual voltage shaver units, but an adaptor is necessary for small appliances.
Health Facilities
There are three public hospitals in Grenada: The General Hospital in St. George's; Princess Alice Hospital in Mirabeau, St. Andrew; and Princess Royal in Carriacou. There are also private hospitals and clinics: St. Augustine Medical Services (SAMS), St. Paul's; and Old Trafford Medical Centre, Tanteen, St. George. There are also public clinics and health centers located throughout the islands.Government
The island state of Grenada, which includes Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique, is an independent nation within the British Commonwealth. A governor general represents her majesty the Queen. The country is governed by a Parliament which consists of a 13-member Senate and a House of Representatives, with a Speaker and 15 members, each representing a constituency. The senators are appointed by the government and the opposition, while the representatives are elected by the population.
Passports & Immigration
A valid passport and return or onward ticket is required for all visitors. However, proof of citizenship bearing a photograph is acceptable from British, Canadian, and US citizens. A visa is not required from citizens of the US, Canada, UK, British Commonwealth, Caribbean countries (except Cuba), most European countries, South Korea, and Japan.
Entry Requirements for the United States change effective December 31, 2006 -- All air & sea travelers, including U.S. citizens, to and from the Americas, the Caribbean, and Bermuda must have a valid passport or other accepted document that establishes the bearer’s identity and nationality, to enter the United States.
Departure Tax
Persons 13 years of age and older are required to pay EC$50 (approx US$20 or £14) Departure tax for persons from 5 to 12 years of age is EC$25 (approx US$10 or £7). Children under 5 are exempt.
Service Charges & Tax
There is an 8% Government Tax at hotels and restaurants. Also, most will add a 10% service charge.
Tipping & Gratuities
Gratuities for persons providing service are at your discretion.
Disclaimer
We attempt to ensure the accuracy of all information provided, however we are not responsible for the content provided herein. For the most current information, please visit the Grenada Board of Tourism website: www.grenadagrenadines.com or contact them at:
Grenada Board of Tourism
Burns Point, PO Box 293, St. George’s, Grenada, West Indies
Tel: 473 440 2279/2001/3377 Fax: 473 440 6637Carriacou, contact:
Grenada Board of Tourism
Main Street, Hillsborough, Carriacou, Grenada, W.I.
Tel: 473 443 7948 Fax: 473 443-6127USA, contact:
Grenada Board of Tourism
PO Box 1668, Lake Worth, FL 33460 USA
Tel: 561 588 8176 Toll Free: 800-927 9554 Fax: 561 588 7267UK, contact:
Grenada Board of Tourism
11 Blades Court, 121 Deodar Raod, London SW15 2NU England
Tel: 020 8877 4516 Fax: 020 8874 4219Canada, contact:
Grenada Board of Tourism
439 University Ave. Suite 920, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1Y8 Canada
Tel: 416 595 1339 Fax: 416 595 8278Germany, contact:
Grenada Board of Tourism
Schenkendorfstrasse 1, 65187 Wiesbaden, Germany
Tel: 49 611 267 67 20 Fax: 49 611 267 67 60
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