Relocating
Relocating to Grenada or anywhere in the world can be quite an emotional experience. You are family can become excited about the move, but also apprehensive about the challenges you might face when settling into a new country and leaving close friends and family behind. Finding the right property is probably the single most important component of the relocation process.
Important steps to consider
- Understanding what properties are available and suitable
- Choosing the right location
- Shipping personal items
- Factoring security and other amenities
- General Facts
Understanding what properties are available and suitable
Grenada offers a variety of property options; however, most options are stand-alone houses. Apartments, condominiums and townhouses are not widely available. At this time there is only one condominium development on offer. The Spiceisle offers many planned residential neighbourhoods, however gated communities are rare.
Choosing the right location
Before deciding on which location to live in, it is important to factor in where your office is located and which school/s your children are likely to attend. Your commute to and from work will be a big factor when deciding on a location to live in. Although Grenada is a small island, our winding, narrow roads can make driving short distances long and stressful, especially if you are not accustomed to similar roads.
Shipping personal items
The Government of Grenada offers an incentive package to Grenadian nationals who are returning from living overseas, to reside in Grenada permanently. All Grenadian nationals who have been living overseas for 7 years or more are eligible. Under this incentive package, personal and household items can be imported duty free. This package also allows each family to import one vehicle 50% duty free.
More information can be found on: - http://grenadacustoms.com/index.php/en/procedures/otherprocedures/returning-nationals
Import duties on shipping personal and household items for non-nationals are approximately 45%, however this can vary.
We recommend that a customs broker be retained to thoroughly advise you and to receive your shipment.
Factoring security and other amenities
Grenada is considered one of the safest islands in the Caribbean, however this should never be taken for granted and we always advise that necessary precautions be taken. The security of a house and the neighborhood must be considered.
If one of your requirements is to have a home with a tropical garden and a pool, maintenance costs should also be considered. The costs associated with maintaining these must be decided on prior to signing a lease agreement. These services are usually fixed monthly costs under a service contract. The amount of weekly service times should be agreed on beforehand.
It is also recommended to ask for an estimate of what utility bills are likely to cost, but keep in mind that almost all utility bills are heavily dependent on your personal usage and therefore cannot be predicted.
General facts
- Lifestyle – very laid back and relaxing, always time for the beach and a rum punch.
- Safety – Grenada is considered one of the safest Caribbean Islands, however there is minor theft and on the rare occasion, violence acts, therefore always take precautions and avoid being in lonely areas.
- Schools – There are a number of nurseries, kindergartens, primary and secondary schools in each parish. Most reputable secondary schools are located in St. George’s. Grenada is also home to the St. George’s University that offers medical and veterinary degree’s as well as Arts & Science undergraduate and graduate degrees.
- Banks – The currency used on the island is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (ECD), this dollar is pegged to the USD at an exchange rate of EC$2.7169 to US$1.00.
We have several regional and international banks on the island. Banking hours are from 8am – 2pm Monday to Thursday and from 8am – 4pm on Fridays. All banks are closed on Saturday and Sundays, however ATM’s are open 24/7.
- Public Transportation - is available in all parishes from approximately 6am to 9pm.
- Shopping – Normal business hours in Grenada are from 8am – 4pm. Shops and groceries in the town of St. George’s follow these hours, however shops in Grand Anse usually stay open until later, up to 6 pm. We also enjoy the convenience of a supermarket with an international brand “Real Value IGA” which is open 7 days a week. The island is scattered with small village shops that stay open late depending on the season.
- Restaurants – an array of Creole and International Restaurants can be found on the island.
- Nightlife – is minimal when compared to neighbouring islands, however there are a variety of bars and nightclubs scattered throughout the parishes. Most bars and nightclubs are only open on the weekends with a few exceptions. Live outdoor concerts are popular on the island.
- Activities – activities such as sailing, swimming, snorkeling, diving, sport fishing, turtle watching, hiking, hashing and sight-seeing, are very common. Football and cricket are the main sports played on the island. Throughout the year many tournaments, regattas and festivals are held.
A list of daily events can be found on The Grenada Board of Tourism Website http://www.grenadagrenadines.com/dfgsdfg/
