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Travel Tips Some general information to make your trip more enjoyable Click on the photos to see an enlargement. |
| Location | Picturesque St. Vincent and the Grenadines
lie at 60 degrees 56' west longitude and 13 degrees 15' north latitude,
 approximately
1,600 miles southeast from Miami. St. Vincent is the largest of the more
than 30 islands that comprise the nation, covering roughly 150 square miles.
The Grenadines extend 45 miles to the southwest, like a kite's tail. The
major islands, north to south, are Young Island, Bequia (beck-way), Mustique
(mus-teek), Mayreau (my-row), Union Island, Palm Island and Petit St. Vincent.
As part of the Windward Islands, which are in turn part of the Lesser Antilles,
St. Vincent's closest neighbors include the islands of Grenada, 75 miles
to the south; St. Lucia, 24 miles to the north; and Barbados, 100 miles
to the east. See Maps. |
| Time Zone |  St.
Vincent and the Grenadines are located in the Atlantic Standard Time Zone.
During daylight savings time, from April through October, local time is
the same as U.S. Eastern Daylight Time, and four hours behind GMT. During
the remainder of the year, the islands are five hours behind GMT and one
hour ahead of U.S. Eastern Standard Time. |
| Climate |  Being
close to the equator, St. Vincent and the Grenadines do not experience a
wide fluctuation in temperature, ranging between 64 degrees F/18 degrees
C and 90 degrees F/32 degrees C. The coolest months, with temperatures in
the mid-70's, occur between November and February. The "dry season"
generally runs from December through June. During the July to November "rainy
season," rain showers can be expected most days. |
| International Airport |
 BWIA
operates daily non-stop jet service from Canada, England and several cities
in the US; Miami, New York, Washington DC to Barbados where you can connect
on small planes to St. Vincent. LIAT, Mustique Air and St. Vincent Air also
come in daily from Barbados. |
| Entry Requirements |
 Most
visitors are required to carry a passport. Visitors from North America and
Canada may enter without a passport if they have a birth certificate and
one piece of identification bearing a photograph. A valid onward or return
ticket is also required. Check with your airline for luggage restrictions. |
| Customs Formalities |
Visitors may bring in duty-free for their
own use one quart of wine or spirits, 50 cigars and 200 cigarettes. |
| Departure Tax |
The departure tax is $30 E.C. |
| Electricity | The electricity is generally 220/240 volt,
50 cycle, except for Petit St. Vincent which has 110 volt, 60 cycle. Most
hotels have 110 volt shaver outlets and/or voltage converters for guests,
but it's best to bring long your own personal adapter. |
| Telecom | Telecommunications is provided under a franchise
agreement with Cable & Wireless. Worldwide direct dialing, telex, and
facsimile services are available. Prepaid Caribbean phone cards are r available.
Cable and Wireless (the telephone co.) has arranged for local internet connections
that can be arranged through the hotels. |
| Recreation |  Sporting
activities are centered around the water. Visitors can choose from deep-sea
fishing, sailing excursions, windsurfing, water-skiing, snorkeling, scuba
diving and beachcombing. Pristine reefs, abundant marine life, and excellent
visibility make St. Vincent a world-class diving destination. The islands
are an ecotourist's paradise. Visitors can enjoy unspoiled wilderness and
native flora and fauna in areas set aside as historical interest.
Stargazing is extraordinary! Nightlife includes local bands
playing traditional island music at bars and restaurants, some nightclubs.
Souvenir shoppers will find Caribbean paintings, T-shirts, shells, locally-made
handicrafts, and videotapes about the Islands. Boutiques carry a selection
of resort wear, postcards, and sundries. Duty-free outlets sell liquor,
jewelry, and perfume. |
| Language | The language of St. Vincent and the Grenadines
is English. |
| Currency | The official currency is the Eastern Caribbean
(EC) dollar, which is linked to the U.S. dollar. The exchange rate will
vary slightly depending on whether cash or traveller's cheques are involved,
and whether you convert them at a bank or business establishment, such as
a hotel or restaurant. The normal range is between $2.60 and $2.68 EC to
$1 US. |
| Transportation | Car Rentals: You must purchase a local driver's licence to rent a vehicle. A local licence may be purchased at the airport, the Police Station on Bay Street, or the Licencing  Authority
on Halifax Street upon presentation of a valid driver's licence from your
place of residence and $50 EC. Please note that driving is on the left.Taxis: While taxis are not metered, fares are set by the government. As rates are subject to change, it is best to obtain an up-to-date price list from the Tourist Bureau Office in the Government Administration Building on Bay Street in Kingstown. It is always advisable to settle on the fare before entering the taxi. Ferry Boats between islands: There is ferry boat service between St. Vincent and the islands and prices range from $13 EC to $20 EC. Check the schedules. |
| What To Wear |
 Casual
resort wear is the general rule for both men and women during the day. While
most restaurants do not require a jacket or tie for dinner, if there is
a doubt, it's best to inquire ahead of time. During the cooler months, a
light wrap or pullover may be needed. Out of respect for the local customs,
swim wear should not be worn on the street or in shops and restaurants. |
| Water | The water throughout St. Vincent and the Grenadines is completely safe to drink, but for those who prefer, bottled water is readily available. |
| Medical Facilities |
 There
are a number of fine physicians, dentists and surgeons on St. Vincent, Bequia,
Mustique and Union Island. Your hotel can provide their names and phone
numbers. Kingstown General Hospital serves the island's medical need, offering
emergency care, as well as general medical and surgical services. While
there are a number of pharmacies on the islands, it is wise to bring any
prescription medicines you require, plus a copy of any prescriptions. |
| Getting Married |
 Visitors
may be married in St. Vincent and the Grenadines once they have been residents
for at least three days, and have obtained the proper licence. A special
licence can be obtained from the Ministry of Justice or an ordinary licence
from the Registrar. Both require payment of a modest fee, and the ordinary
licence requires publication of notice of the ceremony in the registry for
a minimum of seven days. The Registry is located on Halifax Street(also
known as back street) and is open from 8 am to noon and 1 pm to 3 pm, Monday
through Friday and Saturday 9 am to 11 am. If you have previously been married,
you should bring a copy of your divorce decree with you. |
 Bill Tewes |
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