Essential travel information for Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. From the local currency and electrical plug types to time zones and tipping etiquette, get all the key details to make your trip smooth and enjoyable.
Bargaining
Bargaining is not a widespread practice in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, especially in formal establishments like hotels, restaurants, or branded stores, where prices are usually fixed. However, in more informal settings like local markets, roadside stalls, or with individual vendors offering services like boat tours, some degree of negotiation might be acceptable.
Communication
Wi-Fi:
Hotels and Resorts: Most hotels, resorts, and guesthouses offer Wi-Fi, although the speed and reliability can vary. In high-end resorts, the service is usually good and often included in the room rate.
Cafés and Restaurants: Some cafés and restaurants also provide free Wi-Fi for customers, but again, the quality may vary.
Public Wi-Fi: There are limited public Wi-Fi hotspots available, mainly in urban areas like Kingstown.
Phone Services:
Local Providers: The main telecommunication providers are Digicel and Flow. Both offer prepaid and postpaid mobile services including data plans.
SIM Cards: Tourists can easily purchase a local prepaid SIM card to make calls and use data. These are available at the airport, stores, and often even at hotels.
Coverage: Generally, mobile coverage is good in populated areas and less reliable in more remote locations. Some smaller islands in the Grenadines may have limited service.
International Roaming: Check with your home carrier about international roaming charges if you plan to use your existing mobile phone service. This can be very costly.
Emergency Numbers: The general emergency number for police, fire, and medical services is 999 or 911.
Currency
The currency used in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (EC$ or XCD). This currency is shared among several other nations in the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union, which is part of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS). The Eastern Caribbean Dollar is pegged to the United States Dollar, making it a stable currency.
While the Eastern Caribbean Dollar is the official currency, some businesses, especially those in tourist areas, may also accept U.S. Dollars. However, the exchange rate offered may not be as favorable as at a bank or currency exchange service.
Credit cards are accepted at many hotels, restaurants, and shops, but it's advisable to carry some cash, especially when venturing to less touristy areas or smaller islands where card facilities may be limited.
ATMs are available in main towns and at the airport, offering withdrawal in local currency.
Electric Plugs
In Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, the power plugs and sockets used are of type G. The standard voltage is 230 V, and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. Type G plugs have three rectangular prongs that form an isosceles triangle. This is the same type of plug commonly used in the United Kingdom, among other countries.
Time Zone
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is in the Atlantic Time Zone (AT). The standard time is 4 hours behind Coordinated Universal Time (UTC-4). The country does not observe Daylight Saving Time, so the time remains consistent throughout the year.
Tipping Etiquette
In Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, tipping is generally appreciated but not as rigorously expected as it might be in some other countries like the United States. Service charges of around 10% to 12% are commonly added to hotel and restaurant bills, and this usually serves as the tip. If service charge is not included, or if you experience exceptional service, it's polite to leave a tip of around 10% to 15%.
