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Travel Insurance Grenada


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Grenada Country Guide

 

  1. Country Facts
  2. Health
  3. Media
  1. Intro
  2. Geography
  3. People
  4. Travel
  5. Embassies & Visas
  6. Finance
  7. Cities/Regions

Quick Facts

Region: North & Central America & the Caribbean
Full Name: Grenada
Capital City: Saint George's
Language Spoken: English (official), French patois

Grenada Travel Insurance

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Geographic data

12 07 N, 61 40 W

Elevation Extremes

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m highest point: Mount Saint Catherine 840 m

Land boundaries

0 km

Natural hazards

lies on edge of hurricane belt; hurricane season lasts from June to November

Natural resources

timber, tropical fruit, deepwater harbors

Land use

arable land: 5.88% permanent crops: 29.41% other: 64.71% (2005)

Environmental current issues

NA

Climate

Tropical. The dry season runs from January to May. The rainy season runs from June to December. The average temperature is 28°C (82°F). Required clothing Tropical lightweights and cool summer clothing.

Time difference

time difference: UTC-4

Population

89,703 (July 2006 est.)

Age structure

0-14 years: 33.4% (male 15,097/female 14,820) 15-64 years: 63.4% (male 30,106/female 26,764) 65 years and over: 3.3% (male 1,394/female 1,522) (2006 est.)

Median age

total: 21.7 years male: 22.1 years female: 21.2 years (2006 est.)

Population growth rate

0.26% (2006 est.)

Birth rate

22.08 births/1,000 population (2006 est.)

Death rate

6.88 deaths/1,000 population (2006 est.)

Net migration rate

-12.59 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2006 est.)

Sex ratio

at birth: 1 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.13 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.92 male(s)/female total population: 1.08 male(s)/female (2006 est.)

Life expectancy at birth

total population: 64.87 years male: 63.06 years female: 66.68 years (2006 est.)

Total fertility rate

2.34 children born/woman (2006 est.)

Business Practices

Business meetings are usually somewhat informal, as is the dress for meetings. All correspondence and trade literature is in English. Office hours are generally 0800-1330 Monday to Thursday and 0800-1600 on Fridays and 0800-1145 and 1300-1600 Monday to Thursday and until 1700 on Fridays (Government offices).

Crime

Street crime occurs on a fairly frequent basis. Tourists have been victims of armed robbery in isolated areas, and thieves frequently steal passports and money. Muggings, purse-snatching and other robberies often occur in areas near hotels, beaches and restaurants, particularly after dark. Avoid unpatrolled beaches and unpopulated areas, especially after dark. Check with local authorities to determine which beaches are safe. Exercise appropriate caution when walking after dark, or rely on taxis. Valuables left unattended on beaches and other public areas are subject to theft. Crime increases with the approach of annual festivities, such as the Carnival in August. In case of emergency, contact local police at 911 or ambulance at 444.

Hotels

Grenada offers a variety of modern, luxurious hotels.

Communications

Full IDD Telephone service. Country code is 1 809. No area codes are in use. Cable and Wireless provide a Fax service in St George's. International Cable & Wireless (West Indies) Grentel (Grenada Telecommunications Ltd.) offers telegraphic and telex services 0700-1900 Monday to Friday, and 0700-1000 and 1600-1800 public holidays and Sunday. The post office in St. George's (on Lagoon Road) is open 0800-1530 Monday to Thursday and 0800-1630 Friday (closed weekends).

Electricity

is at 220/240 volts AC, 50Hz. Electricity 220 volts AC, 50Hz.

Plug Types

G

Food And Dining

Most hotels and restaurants offer international cuisine, serving a large variety of tropical fish and English, Continental, American and exotic West Indian food. Bars are stocked with the most popular wines and spirits, including various brands of whisky, rum and brandy.
National specialties:
? Seafood, such as crabs and lambi (conches).
? Calaloo (a leafy vegetable similar to spinach) soup.
? Oildown is the national dish consisting of stew made with salted meat, breadfruit, onion, celery, carrot, daheen (a root vegetable grown locally) and dumplings all slowly steamed in coconut milk until the liquid is absorbed.
? Nutmeg ice cream. National drinks:
? Rum is made locally using traditional methods.
? The local beer, Carib, is excellent.
? A local company supplies a wide variety of local fruit juices and nectars.

Tipping:
A 10 per cent service charge is added by most hotels and restaurants. If no charge is added, it is customary to leave a 10 per cent tip. There is also an eight per cent Government tax to pay at hotels and restaurants.

Nightlife
Home to the vibrant calypso and reggae music, Grenada offers a good mix of local and international restaurants and bars. Many resorts provide night-time entertainment, such as discos, organized shows and cabarets. The Reno Cinema has recently been refurbished and hosts many multi-cultural events as well as showing films. The Grenadian Jazz Society holds concerts several times a year in a number of hotels.

Entry departure requirements

Visa immigration information

Passports

Passport valid for six months from date of departure from Grenada required by all.

Visas

Required by all except the following:
(a) nationals of countries shown in the chart above including Australian External Territories, French Overseas Dependencies and Netherlands Associated Territories;
(b) nationals of Commonwealth countries, British Dependent Territories and New Zealand Associated and Dependent Territories;
(c) nationals of Argentina, Bulgaria, Chile, China (PR), CIS countries, Korea (Rep), Iceland, Israel, Liechtenstein, Norway, Romania, Taiwan (China) and Venezuela.

Note

Visitors may be required to deposit an amount equal to the fare of their return passage.

Types of visa and cost

Visitor: US$60 , in local currency only.

Validity

Up to three months.

Application to

Consulate (or Consular section at Embassy or High Commission) well in advance of intended day of departure; see Passport/Visa Information for details.

Application requirements

(a) Valid passport. (b) Completed application form. (c) Two passport-size photos. (d) Return or onward ticket. (e) Fee payable by cash or postal order (to include additional ?4 fee to cover postage if required, no foreign currency is accepted). (f) For postal applications, a recorded delivery envelope. (g) Confirmation of hotel reservation. (h) For Business visits, letter from contact in Grenada.

Working days required

Three to four working days.

HIV entry requirements

No Test Required

Departure tax

EC$50 per adult, payable in cash (local currency only). EC$25 for children five to 12 years of age. Children under five are exempt.

Embassies

Grenada High Commission in the UK

High Commission for Grenada, The Chapel, Archel Road, West Kensington, London W14 9QH
(Previously 5 Chandos Street, London W1G 9DG, UK)
Tel: (020) 7631 4277.
Website: http://grenada-highcommission.co.uk.websitebuilder.prositehosting.co.uk/our-office
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0900-1700; 1000-1400 (consular).

Embassy of Grenada in the USA

1701 New Hampshire Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20009, USA
Tel: (202) 265 2561.
Website: www.grenadaembassyusa.org

Travel Advice

Most visits to Grenada are trouble-free but you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate international terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners.
Hurricane Emily caused some damage on 14 July 2005, particularly in the northern half of Grenada and more extensive damage on the islands of Carriacou and Petite Martinique. Despite the damage in the north and the islands, the situation in Grenada has returned to normal and tourist facilities are functioning. The airport on Grenada is operating normally.
This advice is based on information provided by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office in the UK. It is correct at time of publishing. As the situation can change rapidly, visitors are advised to contact the following organizations for the latest travel advice:

British Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office

Tel: (0845) 850 2829.
Website: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice

US Department of State

Website: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel.html

Currency

(XCD) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of EC$100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of EC$1, and 50, 25, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents. Note: The East Caribbean Dollar is tied to the US Dollar.

Currency exchange

Barclays Bank, Grenada Bank of Commerce, Grenada Co-operative Bank, National Commercial Bank and Scotia Bank are all found on the island. It is advised to exchange currency at banks to obtain the most favourable exchange rates.

Currency restrictions

There are no restrictions on the import or export of reasonable quantities of local or foreign currency.

Banking hours

Mon-Thurs 0800-1500, Fri 0800-1700. Currency exchange

Credit cards

American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa and other major cards are accepted by most shops, car hire companies and hotels. Check with your credit or debit Card Company for details of merchant acceptability and other services which may be available. ATMs are available.

Travellers cheques

Widely accepted. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller's cheques in US Dollars.

City/RegionCity/Area codeFollowed by
Grenada and Carriacou(1+)473+ 7 digit subscriber nr
  1. Health information
  2. Recent disease outbreaks
  3. Hospital database

Dental care

 

Medication Availability

 

Blood supplies

 

Medical facilities

Medical care is limited. Expatriates requiring medical treatment may call the U.S. Embassy in St. George's for a list of local doctors, dentists, pharmacies and hospitals. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. Pharmacies are well stocked, and prescription medicine is available, but travelers are advised to bring with them sufficient prescription medicine for their length of stay.

General caution

Recent medical and dental exams should ensure that the traveler is in good health. Carry appropriate health and accident insurance documents and copies of any important medical records. Bring an adequate supply of all prescription and other medications as well as any necessary personal hygiene items, including a spare pair of eyeglasses or contact lenses if necessary. Take personal protective measures against insects. Drink only bottled beverages (including water) or beverages made with boiled water. Do not use ice cubes or eat raw seafood or rare meat. Eat well-cooked foods while they are still hot and fruits that can be peeled without contamination. Avoid roadside stands and street vendors. Only pasteurized dairy products should be consumed.

Specific concerns

AIDS occurs. Blood supply may not be adequately screened and/or single-use, disposable needles and syringes may be unavailable. When possible, travelers should defer medical treatment until reaching a facility where safety can be assured. Coral and jellyfish may present problems. The tropical weather and high humidity are conducive to skin and fungal infections. Frozen food are often suspect because the frequent power outages result in food spoilage. The U.S. Transportation Department reports that insecticides are routinely sprayed inside airplanes before arriving passengers disembark.

Immunization

Hepatitis A: Consider active immunization with hepatitis A vaccine or passive immunization with immune globulin (IG) for all susceptible travelers. Especially consider choosing active immunization for persons planning to reside for a long period or for persons who take frequent short-term trips to risk areas. The importance of protection against hepatitis A increases as length of stay increases. It is particularly important for persons who will be living in or visiting rural areas, eating or drinking in settings of poor or uncertain sanitation, or who will have close contact with local persons (especially young children) in settings with poor sanitary conditions. Hepatitis B: Vaccination is advised for health care workers, persons anticipating direct contact with blood from or sexual contact with inhabitants, and persons planning extended stays of 6 months or greater (especially those who anticipate using local health care facilities, staying in rural areas, or having intimate contact with the local population). Typhoid: Vaccination should be considered for persons staying longer than 3 weeks, adventurous eaters, and those who will venture off the usual tourist routes into small cities, villages and rural areas. Importance of vaccination increases as access to reasonable medical care becomes limited. Contraindications depend on vaccine type. Note: All routine vaccines (such as DTP or Td, Hib, MMR, polio, varicella, influenza and pneumococcal) should be kept up-to-date as a matter of good health practice unrelated to travel.

Disease risk summary

Insect-borne illness: outbreaks of dengue fever occur, and dengue hemorrhagic fever has also occurred. Food-borne and water-borne illness: these diseases, including bacillary and amoebic dysenteries, are common. Hepatitis - occurs Other hazards: High levels of immunization coverage have reduced the incidence of diseases such as measles and diphtheria. Influenza risk extends throughout the year. Animal rabies, particularly in the mongoose, is prevalent.

Entry requirements

Yellow fever: A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travelers over 1 year of age coming from infected areas.

Recent disease outbreaks

No recent disease outbreaks

NameAddress
Grenada General HospitalSt. George's
Grenada University School of MedicineGrand Anse Beach
Old Trafford Medical CenterTanteen Terrace St. George's
St. Augustine's Medical ServicesSt. Paul's Syt. George's

Media

Grenada's media is free, as is stipulated in law. No daily newspapers exist, and weeklies are privately owned and freely criticize the Government. The Grenada Broadcasting Network, jointly owned by the Caribbean Communications Network and the Government, runs the main radio and television stations.
Press: All newspapers are in English, and are printed weekly or monthly. They include Grenada Times, Grenada Today and The Grenadian Voice.
TV: There are currently three TV stations; these include MTV (a private station) and GBN TV (operated by the Grenada Broadcasting Network).
Radio: There are currently five radio stations: Klassic Radio (speech and music, operated by GBN), Sun FM (music, targeted at younger listeners, operated by GBN), Spice Capital Radio (private FM station), Harbour Light of the Windwards (Christian station) and Voice of Grenada (private FM station, with music and news).