Grenada is generally a safe place to spend your holidays and a Caribbean region that can guarantee hypnotic and memorable moments with your significant other, family, or group of friends. Below are some key details to bear in mind, though, before or after reaching the island, so you maximise the gains of the overall experience.
Public Transportation
Grenada provides taxi services with standard taxi fares. The same applies to the islands of Petite Martinique and Carriacou. Kindly only use licensed taxis. Please ensure the taxi licence plates start with the letter “H”. and that the fare has been confirmed before you depart.
All three Caribbean islands also operate a network of safe minibusses at fixed rates, with the majority of routes starting and ending at the St. George’s bus terminal (at the capital of the island).
Finally, you may also use the ferry services to get from one island to another, while your water explorations can also be served via water taxis, which operate between visitors’ hotels on the popular Grand Anse beach and St. George’s city.
Driving
Ensure you have a local driver's licence before you rent a vehicle. You can get one by heading to either the central police station at the capital of Grenada (St. George’s) or a car rental agency with your valid driver’s licence, and purchasing the required local driver’s licence. Please remember that traffic drives on the LEFT in Grenada.
Road Safety
The road network is rather poor throughout Grenada. This is due to poor road conditions and infrastructure. Expect winding and narrow roads in their majority, as well as blind corners on mountain roads.
The surface of the roads often deteriorates during the hurricane season or periods of intense heat, so caution is advised when driving in Grenada’s outskirts. Speedbumps, potholes, and poor lightning may also be the case in some areas.
Lastly, you will notice that local drivers often drive at a high speed and that many pedestrians tend to walk on the road. Also, kindly keep an extra eye on the road while driving, and never stop if a pedestrian flags you down – (although slim) chances are they want to rob you.
Hiking
If you plan on going hiking, we strongly suggest you join a group or hire an experienced guide from a respected company. Of course, your physical condition should meet the challenges of the selected activity. And, although a professional guide will be informed about things like the weather conditions and any other condition that could pose a hazard, it’s also recommended to do your own research as well before starting your venture. If going solo, please do not stray from the marked trails and always let someone not hiking with you know of your precise itinerary. As for travel insurance, we suggest one that includes medical evacuation and helicopter rescue to be covered at all times.
Natural Disasters
During the hurricane season (from mid-May to November), beware of even the smallest tropical storms and refrain from travelling to a coastal area until all has subsided. Such storms could quickly escalate into major hurricanes, which can hamper or put at risk the provision of the essential services. Always follow the instructions and advice of the local authorities and carry all emergency contact details for your tour operator with you.
Regarding earthquakes and tsunamis, they are possible, though not quite likely in Grenada, which sits on an active seismic zone but rarely experiences a strong earthquake. Familiarise yourself with the existing evacuation plans of the area you are staying, especially if it is a coastal region, in case of a tsunami warning, as a tsunami could occur within a few minutes (and up to several hours) after an earthquake and the first tremor. You may also visit the National Disaster Management Agency in Grenada for more information.
Money
The official Grenada currency is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar or XCD. Nevertheless, other currencies, such as the U.S. dollar can also be used for your transactions. If you need an ATM, you will find one at a bank. Although there are plenty available throughout the island, they are only located outside a bank’s premises.
Swimming & Water Activities
Although most Grenada beaches have lifeguards, kindly be careful when diving into the coastal waters, as riptides are quite common in the region. Look for any warning flags on the beach you are visiting or consult your tour operator (or the locals) for details on safe swimming areas and/or potential hazards.
Please remember that the local rescue services may not be on par with international standards. Finally, when swimming, kindly follow the warnings and instructions of the local authorities and wear the appropriate safety equipment (i.e., a life jacket)., especially if you are going on a sailing tour.
Petty Crime & Personal Safety
As with every city and place in the world, purse snatching, pickpocketing, and other petty crimes can occur, particularly during or before major annual festivals, such as the Spicemas (the local carnival festivities in August). Please exercise common sense to keep your valuables safe by never leaving them unattended in vehicles, on beaches, and in other locations where you may be at. It is best to keep your travel documents and passport secure in your hotel room safe and only carry a photocopy of your passport’s ID page with you.
Kindly note that a small increase in yacht thefts (navigation equipment and cash mainly) has been reported, so if you will be docking or anchoring your vessel along the south Grenada shore, please remain vigilant. Also, refrain from sailing around and between the eastern Caribbean islands after sunset, as they might be unsafe for the reason mentioned above.
What is NOT Allowed/Permitted in Grenada
- It is considered illegal to wear or import camouflage clothing and/or material.
- Sexual acts between individuals of the same sex (and any type of same-sex relationship) are criminalised in Grenada. Gay visitors may face imprisonment sentences of up to 10 years, according to the Grenada Criminal Code (Section 431), if caught while engaging in sexual activities. The law does NOT apply to homosexual relationships between women.
- Same-sex marriages are not allowed in Grenada. Foreign same-sex marriages are recognised there, though.
- Passports with an X gender may not be accepted in Grenada.
Grenada is generally a safe place to spend your holidays and a Caribbean region that can guarantee hypnotic and memorable moments with your significant other, family, or group of friends. Below are some key details to bear in mind, though, before or after reaching the island, so you maximise the gains of the overall experience.
Public Transportation
Grenada provides taxi services with standard taxi fares. The same applies to the islands of Petite Martinique and Carriacou. Kindly only use licensed taxis. Please ensure the taxi licence plates start with the letter “H”. and that the fare has been confirmed before you depart.
All three Caribbean islands also operate a network of safe minibusses at fixed rates, with the majority of routes starting and ending at the St. George’s bus terminal (at the capital of the island).
Finally, you may also use the ferry services to get from one island to another, while your water explorations can also be served via water taxis, which operate between visitors’ hotels on the popular Grand Anse beach and St. George’s city.
Driving
Ensure you have a local driver's licence before you rent a vehicle. You can get one by heading to either the central police station at the capital of Grenada (St. George’s) or a car rental agency with your valid driver’s licence, and purchasing the required local driver’s licence. Please remember that traffic drives on the LEFT in Grenada.
Road Safety
The road network is rather poor throughout Grenada. This is due to poor road conditions and infrastructure. Expect winding and narrow roads in their majority, as well as blind corners on mountain roads.
The surface of the roads often deteriorates during the hurricane season or periods of intense heat, so caution is advised when driving in Grenada’s outskirts. Speedbumps, potholes, and poor lightning may also be the case in some areas.
Lastly, you will notice that local drivers often drive at a high speed and that many pedestrians tend to walk on the road. Also, kindly keep an extra eye on the road while driving, and never stop if a pedestrian flags you down – (although slim) chances are they want to rob you.
Hiking
If you plan on going hiking, we strongly suggest you join a group or hire an experienced guide from a respected company. Of course, your physical condition should meet the challenges of the selected activity. And, although a professional guide will be informed about things like the weather conditions and any other condition that could pose a hazard, it’s also recommended to do your own research as well before starting your venture. If going solo, please do not stray from the marked trails and always let someone not hiking with you know of your precise itinerary. As for travel insurance, we suggest one that includes medical evacuation and helicopter rescue to be covered at all times.
Natural Disasters
During the hurricane season (from mid-May to November), beware of even the smallest tropical storms and refrain from travelling to a coastal area until all has subsided. Such storms could quickly escalate into major hurricanes, which can hamper or put at risk the provision of the essential services. Always follow the instructions and advice of the local authorities and carry all emergency contact details for your tour operator with you.
Regarding earthquakes and tsunamis, they are possible, though not quite likely in Grenada, which sits on an active seismic zone but rarely experiences a strong earthquake. Familiarise yourself with the existing evacuation plans of the area you are staying, especially if it is a coastal region, in case of a tsunami warning, as a tsunami could occur within a few minutes (and up to several hours) after an earthquake and the first tremor. You may also visit the National Disaster Management Agency in Grenada for more information.
Money
The official Grenada currency is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar or XCD. Nevertheless, other currencies, such as the U.S. dollar can also be used for your transactions. If you need an ATM, you will find one at a bank. Although there are plenty available throughout the island, they are only located outside a bank’s premises.
Swimming & Water Activities
Although most Grenada beaches have lifeguards, kindly be careful when diving into the coastal waters, as riptides are quite common in the region. Look for any warning flags on the beach you are visiting or consult your tour operator (or the locals) for details on safe swimming areas and/or potential hazards.
Please remember that the local rescue services may not be on par with international standards. Finally, when swimming, kindly follow the warnings and instructions of the local authorities and wear the appropriate safety equipment (i.e., a life jacket)., especially if you are going on a sailing tour.
Petty Crime & Personal Safety
As with every city and place in the world, purse snatching, pickpocketing, and other petty crimes can occur, particularly during or before major annual festivals, such as the Spicemas (the local carnival festivities in August). Please exercise common sense to keep your valuables safe by never leaving them unattended in vehicles, on beaches, and in other locations where you may be at. It is best to keep your travel documents and passport secure in your hotel room safe and only carry a photocopy of your passport’s ID page with you.
Kindly note that a small increase in yacht thefts (navigation equipment and cash mainly) has been reported, so if you will be docking or anchoring your vessel along the south Grenada shore, please remain vigilant. Also, refrain from sailing around and between the eastern Caribbean islands after sunset, as they might be unsafe for the reason mentioned above.
What is NOT Allowed/Permitted in Grenada
- It is considered illegal to wear or import camouflage clothing and/or material.
- Sexual acts between individuals of the same sex (and any type of same-sex relationship) are criminalised in Grenada. Gay visitors may face imprisonment sentences of up to 10 years, according to the Grenada Criminal Code (Section 431), if caught while engaging in sexual activities. The law does NOT apply to homosexual relationships between women.
- Same-sex marriages are not allowed in Grenada. Foreign same-sex marriages are recognised there, though.
- Passports with an X gender may not be accepted in Grenada.