St. Vincent
| Frequently Asked Questions
General Info, Travel Info, & FAQs are provided to assist with your vacation.
FAQs What is the population? The population of St Vincent & The Grenadines was estimated at 117,193 in July 2004.
How big is the country/island? Of the more than 30 islands that comprise the nation, St Vincent is the largest at approximately 133 sq miles (18 miles long and 11 miles wide). The Grenadines Islands cover approximately 17 sq miles and include Bequia at seven sq miles, Canouan at three sq miles, Mayreau at 1.5 sq miles, Mustique at 1.9 sq miles and the 3.5-mile-long Union Island.
Can I drink the tap water? You can drink the water, but most people buy bottled water, which is readily available around the island.
What are the best things to buy here? There are only a few duty-free stores in town where you can buy wines, spirits, liqueurs, cigars and accessories.
For souvenirs with local flavour look for watercolour and oil paintings by local artists, indigenous jewellery, coconut and bamboo candles, locally designed clothing, stained-glass items, driftwood sculptures, coconut bracelets and hair ornaments, miniature boats made from local woods, crocheted and batik clothing, pottery and handmade straw baskets, place mats, handbags, hats and toys.
At the Kingstown Market vendors sell fresh vegetables, fruits, meats and fish, and often local arts and crafts.
What are the main industries? The main industries are agriculture (mainly bananas) and tourism, with a small manufacturing sector (food processing, cement, furniture, clothing, starch) and a small offshore financial sector.
What native dishes should I try? The national dish is roasted breadfruit and jackfish. Seafood is abundant, including lobster, crab, conch (pronounced conk), shrimp, whelk and mahi mahi. A favourite delicacy is tri tri, a tiny fish seasoned with spices and curry powder and fried into cakes. Other popular dishes include callaloo stew, souse (a soupy stew made with pigs feet), pumpkin soup, roti and buljol (salted fish, tomatoes, sweet peppers and onions served with roasted breadfruit).
Can I use my calling card from here? Directory assistance: International enquiries, 119 Local enquiries, 118
AT&T: Service is available from pay phones and/or select hotels for calls to the US only using AT&T Calling Cards, AT&T Corporate Cards, American Express, Diner's Club, Discover/NOVUS, MasterCard and Visa. Dial 1-800-872-2881 + area code + local number and follow the voice prompts. Pay phones may require a coin payment for the duration of the call.
You can also dial 1-800 CALL USA or 1-800-225-5872 to use US calling cards and major credit cards.
BT: Dial 1-800-744-1144, input your account number and PIN, then dial the number you require.
Canada Direct: Service is available on public pay phones only and can be used with calling cards from Bell, MTS, Aliant, SaskTel and Telus. Dial 1-800-744-2580 for direct access to a Canadian operator.
MCI MinutePass: no service available
Sprint: Dial 1-800-366-4663 and follow the voice prompts.
For more information see the section in General Info: Telecommunications.
How should I dress to go out? Dress is resort casual. Still, it is unacceptable to wear bathing suits, short shorts and short tank tops in public. Men should wear shirts in public. Casually elegant is appropriate for evening outings. You may want to bring a light sweater/jacket for evenings.
Can I use my hair dryer and electric shaver? Electricity is 220/240 volts, 50 cycles, which is the European standard. North American appliances require a transformer and adaptor. Most hotels have 110-volt shaver outlets. On Petit St Vincent electricity is 110 volts, 60 cycles.
How much should I tip? Tip wait staff and taxi drivers about 10-15%. Some hotels and restaurants automatically add a 10-15% service charge to the bill, so check first as it is not necessary to leave more unless you feel the service was above average.
Disclaimer:
Information is provided as a service to visitors and is updated regularly. All information should be verified prior to travel.
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