The Basics

Electricity

Grenadines 220 volts and St Vincent 230 volts, 50Hz. Three square-pin plugs are standard.

Language

English is the official language, but many of the locals speak Vincentian Creole.

Travel Health

While there are few health risks associated with travel to St Vincent and the Grenadines, recommended vaccinations include Hepatitis B, yellow fever, measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) and tetanus-diphtheria. Dengue fever occurs rarely and there have been cases of Leptospirosis. HIV/AIDS is present and travellers should take the usual precautions. Ensure food is properly prepared and cooked, avoid un-pasteurised milk and drink only boiled or bottled water. There are pharmacies, hospitals and evacuation facilities available if needed; ensure health insurance is comprehensive.

Tipping

A 10 percent service charge is added onto most restaurant bills, in which case no further tipping is necessary.

Safety Information

Most visits to St Vincent and the Grenadines are trouble-free, but visitors should take general precautions against robbery and theft. Isolated areas, such as beaches, should be avoided after dark. Hurricane season is normally from about June to November.

Local Customs

It is an offence for anyone to dress in camouflage clothing. Homosexuality is illegal.

Communications

The international access code for St Vincent and the Grenadines is +1 784. The outgoing code is 011 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 01144 for the United Kingdom). North American mobile phones work on all the islands and network coverage is good. Email and Internet access is available at Internet cafés.

Duty Free

Visitors may import 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 225g of tobacco, and 1.136 litres of alcoholic beverage.