Three-pronged UK-style plugs are the norm; although many places also have the 2-pin US-style plugs as well.

Availability of business equipment (laptop, phone, cables etc.)?

Electronic goods are available to purchase from the computer store at Le Marquis Complex, near Grand Anse beach but the prices are higher than you’d usually pay on the mainland. The store has most PC accessories you might need, including printers, although Mac users might struggle.

What is the crime situation like?

Aside from minor petty crime, Grenada is a pretty safe island – the kind of place where you can leave your car unlocked and feel safe walking round in most places, even at night as long as you take the usual precautions. It’s still a relatively poor country – so flaunting your valuables is not advisable. It’s also not advisable to walk along Grand Anse beach at night, purely for the fact that it’s pretty quiet and there’s usually not many people around.

Cost of Living

What can I expect to pay monthly for a furnished 1 bedroom apartment?

The dry season is high season; apartment prices tend to rise sharply during this time so expect to pay anything between £600-1,500 ($1,200-2,400) even with a long term discount. At other times, you may be able to negotiate a more favourable long term rate but will still be likely to pay between £400-800 ($800-1,600) for a fully furnished apartment.

How much does a basket of groceries cost for 2 people for 2 days?
- Assume this would include 2 packets of meat, some vegetables, a bottle of water or other soft drink, some eggs, some cheese, some fruit, pasta/rice/potatoes.

The largest supermarket is at Spice Island Mall where you can buy UK & US brands. Expect to pay a premium for imported goods and around £20/$40 for a basket of groceries. If you purchase local fruit & vegetables from street side stalls or the grocery stall at the Excel Mall, it will be cheaper.

Fresh fish is best purchased from the Fish Market in St. George’s (near the bus terminal) – but get there early (before 10am) to get any – and don’t be surprised if sometimes it’s closed!

What would I pay for an expensive meal out?

There are a couple of higher end restaurants on the island – including Gary Rhodes at The Calabash Hotel. Expect to pay around £25-35 ($50-70) per person at these sort of places.

What can I expect to pay for an average meal out?

There aren’t many middle end restaurants which provide good value, good quality food. Average prices for a meal for two work out around £10-15/$20-30 per person .

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Where To Stay

There are a couple of main places you’ll be likely to stay on the island; the first is around Grand Anse beach which is closer to the hotels, restaurants, malls and of course the main beach. The second is Lanse Aux Epines, a quieter, upscale and more residential area not too far from Grand Anse (approximately 10 minute drive).

Areas like Westerhall and St. David’s and even the capital St. George’s are further away from the main action around Grand Anse.

Where to Find Furnished Accommodation

Suggestion 1: www.GrenadaExplorer.com

Comment: The best and most comprehensive website which includes pretty much all the accommodation options you’ll need. Pick a few, make contact and strike a deal for a longer term rental.

Communications

What’s the availability of high speed internet really like?

High speed internet is readily available on the island – although is subject of course to unstable weather conditions and power cuts. While these may not happen frequently, it is the Caribbean – so when they do happen, they can be down for a while longer than you might otherwise expect!

Wireless internet is not widely available on the island, so take your own wireless router if you want to connect wirelessly.
Where’s the best place to get pre-paid SIM card?

Cable & Wireless is the main provider on the island and you will need to go to a C&W shop (in St. George’s) to purchase a local SIM card.

Is free wireless available?

Not generally - although you can use it at Prickly Bay Marina.

Is is safe to carry your laptops around?

Whilst it is generally safe in and around Grenada, it would be unwise to flaunt your laptop whilst carrying it round the island; not least of all because of the sand, humidity and risk of dropping it.

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What To Take

What kind of clothes will I need?

Very light, cool clothes. People are relatively modest and it is frowned upon to wear bathing clothes in shops and restaurants. You will probably be asked to put some clothes on. Many of the upper scale restaurants are smarter in the evenings so long trousers are more acceptable than shorts and t-shirts.

Any specific items that aren’t available?

It is an island – so take most of the things you think you’ll need from a business perspective, unless you want to pay a premium for them.

Health

Can I drink tap water?

It is advisable to drink bottled water.

What are mosquitoes like for foreigners?

It is a tropical country, so mosquitoes can be voracious, especially at dusk. Take repellant and use it!

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Getting Around

What transport options are there?

Taxis are relatively expensive and hang around at the malls – but you don’t typically see them driving around the island. The public buses are privately run and cover most of the island. They work on their own schedule and are cheap to use but often full and can be hot and sweaty.

If you want to do any extensive travelling round the island, either hire a car or negotiate a daily rate with a taxi driver.

What’s the driving like?

Driving is relatively civilised but don’t be confused by the flapping hand signals – which can mean something or nothing at all. Roads outside of the main areas are windy and narrow – not that the buses notice as they come screaming past you on corners.

If you’re a nervous driver, you probably won’t like many of the roads on the island.

Shopping

Do you have to hand in your other bags (handbags, rucksack, shopping bags) at the entrance to the shop?

No.

Do you have to weigh & price fruit & vegetables yourself prior to check out?

No

Do you pack your own bags?

Yes, most of the time. Although they may offer you help to pack.

Things To See & Do

Best ‘Hidden Gems’ & Must Do’s

These are not all hidden gems but they are must do’s.

# 1: North of the island
Comments: Wilder, less touristy but worth a visit, a drive to the North of the island is a good day trip.

# 2: Fish Friday at Gouyave
Comments: A little disappointing but a fun Friday evening if you’re with a group of friends. Get there early, otherwise the best fish dishes will be gone and you won’t get any seats/space on the thin streets. It’s also worth trying the home-made ice cream from inside the little “house” near the rum stall.

# 3: Grenada’s Waterfalls
Comments: A visit to any of the waterfalls on the island is a good afternoon trip if you want to cool down. Either hire a car or get a taxi to take you for some cool water and beautiful, lush countryside.

# 4: Grenada Chocolate Factory at the Belmont Plantation
Comments: A MUST for chocolate lovers, Grenada chocolate is organic and award-winning. Visit the plantation estate for lunch, to try the chocolate and for a small tour of how the chocolate goes from bean to bar.

# 5: St. George’s Market
Comments: A little ramshackle and not much of a tourist attraction unless you want to buy fruit and veg but worth a visit if you’re staying on the island. Find the fish sandwich man and get yourself a young coconut for a delicious breakfast that costs less than $2.

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Where To Go:

…for good food:
For good steaks (there aren’t many cows on the island), head to The Calabash. The pizza and grill bar at Prickly Bay Marina has excellent, Italian-style, thin crust pizzas for approximately £6/$12 per pizza and the university canteen at Grand Anse beach provides filling, local plates of food for around £3/$6 per plate. You can also get sushi at Le Marquis complex. A local “famous” haunt – Boots Cuisine – serves up good local food (only slightly more refined than the university canteen if the truth be told), but take plenty of mosquito repellant otherwise you’ll be eaten alive.

…to chill:
Where else but the beach? Grand Anse is lively at the weekends but quieter during the week. For a really secluded spot, head to La Sagesse – although the water is less crystal clear here due to the blacker, volcanic sand.

…to see wildlife:
Head inland on a hike with a local guide or out to sea for some diving. The snorkelling and diving isn’t great directly off the island but improves further out to sea. During the right season, you can also go whale watching.

…to be refreshed & invigorated:
A trip to the waterfalls is a great way to cool off – head to Concord Falls (the easiest of all of them to get to) and jump off the 2m high “platform” into the plunge pool below.

Any other secrets a LIP should know?

Check out the travel forum at www.grenadatravelforum.com for an insight into island life from visitors and locals. Run by a local expat couple, it’s a great resource for most things you’ll need to know.

If you like your Starbucks coffee, there is a local replica in Spice Island Mall in the food court (check out the sign – Starbucks rip-off or what?!?). It’s one of the better places for coffee (and especially if you like your doughnuts); or try La Boulangerie at Le Marquis complex.

Guide Credits:

This guide was written by Lea Woodward.

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