St Vincent and the Grenadines / Island Essentials

All travellers to St Vincent will need to know the essential island facts.  The information on St Vincent shown below is current (2011).

Currency/Credit Cards

The currency of St Vincent and the Grenadines is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (EC$) which is fixed to the US dollar at a rate of US$1 = EC$2.65 

The US dollar is accepted (notes, not coins) island wide. However in restaurants, supermarkets and large stores you will find that the rate of exchange will not be as favourable as against exchanging money at the bank.

Credit cards are accepted by anywhere that deals regularly with tourists, in restaurants, duty free shops, large stores and supermarkets. Do not expect local bars or small restaurants to accept them.

Check-in/Check out

As a general rule check out times are at 12 noon and check-in is some time after 2pm. This may not be inconvenient because the majority of international arrivals into St Vincent arrive in the late afternoon or early evening. If you know you will be arriving earlier than that, then let your hotel know. They may be flexible on check in by prior arrangement or they may be happy to provide a day room/shower facilities subject to availability.

Departure Tax/Taxes

A departure tax of EC$40 per person is payable at the check-in desk at the airport. 

On May 1st 2007 VAT was introduced to St Vincent and Grenadines, replacing consumption tax and other taxes. VAT stands at 15% and applies to most services and goods. It will be included in the published price. Hotels usually add a 10% service charge too.

Embassies/Consulates

US 
There is no resident US government office in St Vincent and the Grenadines. You can obtain consular assistance and information at the US Embassy in Barbados. For Embassies and High Commissions, please see theDefinitive Guide to Barbados. 

Canada 
There is no resident Canadian government office in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. You can obtain consular assistance and information at the High Commission in Barbados. For Embassies and High Commissions, please see the Definitive Guide to Barbados. 

UK 
British High Commission, Box 132, Granby St, Kingstown, t 457 1701,bhcsvg@vincysurf.com

Emergencies

Police - 999 
Fire - 999 
Coast guard - 999

Medical

The major medical centre is the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital, Kingstown, t 456 1185. 

There are five other hospitals, Kingstown Maryfield Hospital in Lowmans,Bequia Casualty Hospital in Port Elizabeth and three privately owned hospitals. Health centres are well staffed and provide a wide range of services, including emergency care. There is no hyperbaric chamber, so divers requiring treatment for decompression illness must be evacuated from the island. The closest decompressin chamber is in Barbados. 

Yellow fever and cholera vaccinations are required if coming from an infected area. St Vincent and the Grenadines is free from malaria and other major tropical diseases.

Nudity

Besides being against the law, nudity is not appreciated on public beaches while in view. It is not advised in St Vincent itself (where you are also asked not to wear swim wear in town, for instance), however things are a little easier going in the Grenadines. People have been known to go topless on some islands and occasionally swim nude at Hope Bay, Bequia.

Service Charge/Tipping

Tipping for good service is the norm and many places add a 10% charge. In restaurants, check the bill, but around 10% should be added if service is not included. In private villas and apartments, service is not included so all members of staff, including the ground staff, should be tipped on your departure. Check with the local property manager for guidance. 

On May 1st 2007 VAT was introduced to St Vincent and Grenadines, replacing consumption tax and other taxes. VAT stands at 15% and applies to most services and goods. It will be included in the published price.

Time Zone

St Vincent and the Grenadines are in the Atlantic Standard Time Zone, which is four hours behind GMT, ie Britain in winter, and five hours behind Europe. During the winter they are an hour ahead of the eastern seaboard of the USA. 

St Vincent and the Grenadines have no daylight saving time, so when the clocks change in summer the island is five hours behind Britain, six behind Europe and on the same time as the eastern seaboard

Water

The water in these islands is drinkable. On St Vincent itself it is sourced in the extremely well-watered interior, where rivers run from the rainforested heights. 

On the Grenadines rain is collected on the roofs and pumped back into the houses on demand. The Grenadines do rely on conservation as water can get scarce. 

If you prefer to drink bottled water by force of habit then numerous brands of bottled water are easily available in shops, including the Scottish sounding but locally sourced Glen Elg.