The currency of the country is the East Caribbean dollar, denoted by the symbol: “$” or “EC$” (ISO currency code: XCD), which is also used by seven other island nations in the Caribbean. The EC dollar is subdivided into 100 cents. It is pegged to the United States dollar at an exchange rate of US$1 = EC$2.70.

Coins circulate in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10 and 25 cents and 1 dollar. Banknotes circulate in denominations of 10, 20, 50, and 100 dollars.

The town centre has several hilly, narrow streets. Drivers are very careful but personal care must be taken as some streets have very narrow or no sidewalks.

The town also has the most picturesque horse-shoe harbour in the Caribbean with restaurants, shops and supermarkets. During the winter Cruise Ship season (between November and May) a cute little tourist train, Grenada Discovery Train , runs a hop-on/hop-off service through the town that also includes entrance to the major tourist sites in town, look under the “DO” section here for more information on this service.

Travel in and around the city St. George’s is by taxis, minibuses or hired cars. Hailing a taxi is similar to other parts of the world – hold out a hand and beckon to the driver. Taxis carry an ‘H’ on their licence plates. The independently owned, but government licensed, cars and vans will stop and ask if one wants a ride. Some standard fares include EC$30 from the airport to St. George’s and EC$25-$40 for trips from most hotels to the various dining spots around the city.

Buses in Grenada are the standardized form of transportation. They are mini-vans that hold between 15-19 people, and they have route numbers and signs on them. In the centre of town (Melville Street), there is a bus terminal and in and around the town there are designated bus stops, however, once you leave town, you can signal a stop by either knocking on the side of the bus or pressing the stop button. Conductors and drivers are always very friendly, so do not hesitate to ask them where you should stop. Bus fares vary between EC$2.50-10.00 depending on the distance. They are lively trips, with great music and a nice breeze.

Car rentals are available, with rates of US$50-75 per day. With a valid license from your home country you will qualify for a temporary Grenada license which can be obtained from the car rental company at the time of rental or from any police station for a fee of EC$30. Drive on the left and make frequent use of the car’s horn when coming around the numerous blind corners in the mountains.

Water taxis are another means of getting around – between the Cruise Terminal, Grand Anse Beach and the Carenage.

EAT:

• Aquarium Restaurant & Bar. Located at Point Salines on the beach, famous for its Sunday BBQ.
  
• Bananas Restaurant is in True Blue and caters to every budget and taste. Whether you are looking for a cheeseburger in paradise or steak and lobster you are sure to find it at this restaurant and bar; economically priced and packed with fun. For the more adventuresome, stay and dance the night away in the state of the art club.
  
• Coconut Beach Restaurant & Bar is located at the Grand Anse Beach
  
• Beach House Restaurant & Bar is located at Point Salines.
  
• The Red Crab in Lance Aux Epines on the main road and has a fabulous menu.
  
• The Spiceland Mall in Grand Anse has a food court that includes a local fruit smoothie stand, a Chinese restaurant and a Mediterranean/Middle Eastern restaurant
  
• Le Marquis Complex in Grand Anse with Carib Sushi and Le Boulangerie (a pizza restaurant)
  
• Le Papillion Cafe in Grand Anse at the Siesta Hotel. Breakfast all day, lunch, great fresh food and service. Start your day off here.
  
• De La Grenade. Manufacturer of nutmeg products including liqueur, syrup, pepper sauce, jams and jellies.
  
• Grenada Chocolate Factory. Produces organic dark chocolate with vintage machinery run by solar power. You should be able to find the colourfully packaged bars in stores throughout the island and at the duty-free shop at the airport. Tours of the factory itself are also very interesting.
  
• Dodgy Dock Restaurant & Lounge Bar, True Blue Bay Resort (True Blue near SGU), +1 473 443 8783. 7AM to 11PM. Waterfront dining, popular lunch spot and a celebrated sunset and night-time hot spot. Caribbean and Mexican food, daily happy hour 5PM Seasonal live Caribbean music Tues, Fri, Sat. Exotic tropical cocktails $.
  
• Umbrellas Beach Bar on Grand Anse Beach. A famous ‘liming spot’ on the island, known for burgers, fresh food and cold drinks. Upper and lower deck casual, you can walk up from the beach with your sandy feet.

DRINK:

Grenada is known for its rum distilleries. The three largest companies are Clarke’s Court, Westerhall Estate and River Antoine. All three offer educational tours that demonstrate the sugar production for rum. They are all located on different parts of the island.

• Westerhall Estate make a family of award winning rums including a 3, 8 and 10 Year Old Rum. Their special rum (with the wax casing) Westerhall Plantation and Westerhall Vintage, are probably the best rum on the island. In addition to their overproof Jack Iron and White Jack Rum. Their new 12 Degrees Premium Rum is delish!
  
• Clarke’s Court makes both light and special dark rums which are also quite delicious.
  
• Be forewarned about River Antoine. It’s 75% alcohol content makes it illegal to take home to many countries, at least on flights. They make a version with 69% intended for “exporting” that may be legal.
  
• At all the distilleries you can buy at least small bottles, and you’ll find normal sizes in most grocery stores and rum shops.

In many bars, take care with drinks made with “under the counter” ingredients, e.g., highly-overproof rums for “locals” often used in “Pain Killers”. They can overwhelm the most experienced drinkers. Fruit juices they use are made from locally grown fruits such as mango, papaya, carambola (five fingers fruit). A few “watering holes” (often with food service) include…

• Pirate’s Cove Restaurant and Jolly Roger Sports Bar”
  
• Grand View Inn, Grand Anse, +1 473 444 2342, +1 473 444 4984. B- 7-10, L- 11-2, D- 7-9. Local fare, banquets, catering and parties. Excellent view of the island.
  
• La Boulangerie. Italian restaurant across the street from Spiceland Mall. Serves pizza and pasta dishes, sandwiches and salads.

Grenada (island) offers a variety of accommodations, from small guesthouses to five star, all-inclusive resorts.

Carriacou though smaller, has many options.

Petit Martinique although much less developed has a few options.

Grenada produces many amazing products. Rum, chocolate, honey, jams and jellies, spices, clothing and art. Support the local economy when on the island and buy local goodies to bring back home.

Nutmeg is Grenada’s cash crop, so be sure to bring some home in some form – whole, jam, jelly, syrup, Nutmed (medicinal ointment). In addition, you can purchase nutmeg flavored ice cream, which has an unusual flavor that is difficult to find elsewhere. Due to Hurricane Ivan in September of 2004, over 90% of Grenada’s nutmeg crop was destroyed, but thankfully, you’ll now see an abundance around the market, town, and tourist shops. Other fine spices include mace, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, vanilla and turmeric.

To bring herbs/spices back to the U.S. (and several other countries), they need to be within properly sealed containers. Most responsible sellers offer them packaged – check to be sure.

Real vanilla is a steal in the markets, sometimes it can be found for as little as $1US for a 1/2 litre bottle. The concentration of the fluid does vary, but in its pure form there is a noticeable (and very pleasant) difference from the vanilla extract that most North Americans are used to. You might also look for dried vanilla beans (in pod)…an essential to a full range of kitchen herbs/spices.

Locally grown and produced chocolate is gaining a good reputation. You can find excellent bars of varying cocoa percentage at the cooperative store, nearby Belmont Plantation, grocers, and the cruise terminal.

Rum Grenada makes some of the best Rum. You will understand what ‘good’ rum is when you try Rum made in Grenada, and may even become a convert when you ‘sip a good rum’!

Grenada Chocolate one of the best in the world. Dark, organic chocolate. Look for it’s beautiful, brightly colored packaging.