Social ConventionsLocal culture reflects the island’s history of British and French colonial rule and, of course, the African cultures imported with the slaves – African influence is especially noticeable on the island of Carriacou in the Big Drum and in Grenada with the Shango dance. The Roman Catholic Church also exerts a strong influence on the way of life. Local people are generally friendly and courteous. Dress is casual and informal but beachwear is not welcome in town.
International Travel:Getting There by AirThe main airlines serving
Grenada are
British Airways (BA), which offers a direct flight from London;
and
American Airlines (website:
www.aa.com).
Departure TaxEC$50 per adult, payable in cash (local currency only). EC$25 for children 5 to 12 years of age. Children under 5 are exempt.
Main AirportsGrenada International Airport (Point Salines) (GND) is 11km (8 miles) south of St George’s.
To/from the airport: Taxis are available.
Facilities: Duty-free shops, bureaux de change, car hire, book shop, bar, cafe, restaurants, tourist information and VIP lounge.
Getting There by WaterMain ports: St George’s, considered the most picturesque port in the Caribbean, is a port of call for many
cruise lines. Around 70% of tourist arrivals are cruise-ship passengers. There is a daily shuttle boat service to Carriacou and Petite Martinique;
boats can be hired for access to
Isle de Ronde. Check at a local tourist office for times and fares.
OverviewThe following goods may be imported into Grenada without incurring customs duty:
200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco;
1l of wine or spirits.
Narcotics; arms and ammunition; fruit, vegetables, meat and soil.
Licensed firearms must be declared. A local license can be obtained from the police.
Internal Travel:Getting Around By AirLauriston Airport (CRU) in Carriacou is serviced daily by the main regional carrier
SVG Air (website:
www.svgairlines.com). Flights are from Grenada and St Vincent. The airport accommodates light aircraft only.
To/from the airport: There are no buses available, taxis can be called.
Facilities: Washroom and waiting room only.
Getting Around by WaterMain ports: Water-taxis are available from
St George’s across the Carenage to the Esplanade or Grand Anse Beach. There is a ferry service from the
Carenage, Grenada to
Carriacou, which runs there every day except Monday and back every day except Tuesday. There is also a daily ferry service from Grenada to Carriacou,
Petite Martinique and back. A large number of yachts and boats are available to charter. Arrangements can be made via the Grenada Board of Tourism (see
Top Things To Do).
Getting Around by RoadThere is a network of approximately 1046km (650 miles) of paved roads. Most main roads are in good condition but they are narrow and winding. Traffic drives on the left.
Bus: These are cheap but slow. The main bus terminal is located at the west end of Granby Street. Buses run on Grenada to Annadale, Concorde, Grand Anse, Grand Etang, Grenville, Gouyave, La Sagesse, Sauters, Victoria and Westernhall. On Carriacou, buses run from Hillsborough to Harvey Vale and Windward. Minibuses run between Hillsborough, Windward and Tyrell Bay.
Taxi: Taxis are the most efficient means of transport. They are available from the airport, the Carenage and most hotels.
Mandoo's Taxi Service is a fully insured sightseeing and taxi service, recommended by the Board of Tourism (website:
www.grenadatours.com).
Car hire: A large range of vehicles are available in St George’s, Grand Anse or St Andrew’s. Credit cards are not always accepted by car hire companies. To hire a vehicle, drivers must be over the age of 25. Some rental firms have a minimum rental period of three days during peak periods.
Documentation: A temporary license to drive is available from the traffic department at the central police station on Carenage or from most car hire companies, on presentation of a valid driving license. The cost is approximately EC$30. An International Driving Permit is recommended, although it is not legally required.
Journey TimesThe following chart gives approximate travel times (in hours and minutes) from
St George’s to other towns/islands in Grenada.
| Air | Road | Sea |
| Grenville | - | 0.35 | - |
| Carriacou | 0.20 | - | 1.30 |
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