Money, Budget, and Shopping in Grenada

Money

Currency

Devise: East Caribbean dollar (100 cents)

Billets: 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 EC$

Pièces: 1, 2, 5, 10 and 25 cents + 1 and 2 EC$

Change:

The East Caribbean dollar, known in English as East Caribbean dollar or EC dollar, is also the currency of seven other islands in the region, members of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States, which are Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Montserrat, St Kitts-Nevis, St. Vincent, and Saint Lucia. Since 1976, the East Caribbean dollar has had a fixed exchange rate with the US dollar: 1 US$ = 2.7 EC$.

Exchange

You can exchange money upon arrival or use the few ATMs available on the island.

Which currency to bring

Although the official currency is the East Caribbean dollar, it is still possible to pay almost everywhere in US dollars (with change given in the local currency). In fact, prices are sometimes listed directly in US dollars rather than East Caribbean dollars. Be careful and make sure of the currency, as the result is not the same since 1 US$ = 2.7 EC$.

As for which currency to bring, keep it simple. Even if euros are accepted (not always at a good rate) or can be exchanged for East Caribbean dollars, it’s better to come with US dollars. The advantage is that if you have any left at the end of your trip, you can always use or exchange them easily elsewhere.

Payment methods

Card payments, just like US dollars, are widely accepted on the island. Still, bring some East Caribbean dollars for small expenses if you stay for a while, and watch out for bank fees if you make too many small purchases or withdrawals.

Upon return

The simplest option is to end your trip with mostly US dollars, which you can always use or exchange easily on another trip if you have any left.

Budget

Thanks to a "diverse" range of accommodation that isn’t limited to luxury options, Grenada is a more affordable destination than other, particularly English-speaking, islands (Bahamas, Cayman Islands, etc.). That said, as is often the case, prices rise by about a third between low and high season (roughly Christmas-Easter plus Carnival). Budget around 45 € to 65 € per person, or a bit more in peak season or for greater flexibility.

What can be expensive

High season and Carnival period.

Flights from Europe.

What can be inexpensive

Small family-run hotels.

Eating local food.

Public minibus rides.

Price range

Budget double room: around $30–40 for the cheapest options.

Mid-range double room: between $50 and $100 for a decent selection.

Snacks or local meals: well under $5 at markets or for quick bites.

Restaurant meals: around $10 to $12.

Budget car rental: around $45 to $50 per day for a small model.

Bus fare: between $0.50 and $3 depending on the route.

Urban taxi: