Tips and facts about St. Vincent -- Bill Tewes - Dive St. Vincent, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, West Indies

Travel Tips

Some general information to make your trip more enjoyable

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, American, USAir and other major airlines offer flights to Barbados where you can make arrangements with smaller planes like LIAT, Mustique Air, SVG Air, and Caribbean Star for the 35 minute flight to St.Vincent. Dive St.Vincent can assist with these connections if asked.
More Flight Information	SVG Air now operates between St.Lucia and St.Vincent. Effective 1 June, 2010 SVG AIR HEWANORRA SHARED CHARTER SERVICE SCHEDULE & FARES From: SVD to UVF - Flt: SVG 002 DEP: 11:30 From: UVF to SVD - Flt: SVG 005 DEP: 16:15 ADULT FARES round trip US$260.00 per person. www.svgair.com
Entry Requirements	Visitors are required to carry a passport. 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 $40 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. Click here to see a 220 adaptor.
Telecom	Telecommunication services are provided by Digicel and Cable and 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. Internet connections are available in most hotels and most cell phones can be activated here. 800 numbers cannot be used locally as a toll free call.
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.