Grenada faq

Where is Grenada located?
Grenada, including the islands of Carriacou and Petite Martinique (about 20 miles away) is the most southerly of the nations scattered among the Leeward and Windward Islands of the Eastern Caribbean. Grenada is the closest to Venezuela, about 90 miles north of its coast.

What is the population?
The population of Grenada is approximately 101,400 which includes 8,000 people on Carriacou and 600 on Petite Martinique.

What is the official language?
The official language of Grenada is English. French-African Patois, Grenada Patois and Grenada Creole are also spoken.

How big is the country/island?
Grenada is 12 miles wide and 21 miles long - a total of 133 sq miles.

Can I drink the tap water?
Tap water is safe to drink.

What are the best things to buy here?
Duty-free items include perfume, fine crystal, cosmetics, jewellery, leather accessories, rum and other spirits. For souvenirs with local flavour look for batik and screen-printed textiles, woodcarvings, leather items, jewellery, soaps, candles, spices (such as nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla and ginger) and local jams, jellies and syrups. Are there nude beaches? Grenada has no nude beaches.

What are the main industries?
The main industries are tourism, textiles, food and beverages, light assembly operations, construction and offshore financial services.

What native dishes should I try?
The national dish, oildown, is made by stewing salted meat, breadfruit, onion, carrot, celery, dasheen (a local root vegetable) and dumplings in coconut milk. You can also try callaloo soup (made from dasheen leaves), pepperpot stew (made with whatever meat is available), lambi (conch, pronounced conk), lobster, flying fish fingers and Grenadian caviar (roe of white sea urchin). Side dishes include rice and peas, plantains and yams.

Can I use my calling card from here?
Local directory enquiries - 411 Operator assistance - 0

How should I dress to go out?
Dress in Grenada is casual, although smart casual is more appropriate for evening outings. Light cotton clothing is ideal. It is unacceptable to wear bathing suits, short shorts and short tank tops in public. You may want to bring a light sweater/jacket for evenings.

Can I use my hair dryer and electric shaver?
Electricity is 220 volts, 50 cycles. Appliances from North America require a voltage converter or transformer. Most hotels provide dual voltage shaver units.

How much should I tip?
Tip about 15%. Most hotels and restaurants automatically add a 10% service charge to your bill, so check first, as it is not necessary to leave more unless you feel it is warranted.