General Country Information #
Office Hours
Most commercial houses open Monday – Friday 8:00a.m. to 4:00p.m.; some do extended hours 4:30 p.m. – 5:00p.m. Others open on Saturdays as well from 8:00/9:00a.m. to 12 noon.
Language #
The official language of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is English, and it is the language for doing business. However, French and Spanish are widely taught on the Island and there are many bi-lingual inhabitants.
Currency #
The official currency of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is the EC dollar – Eastern Caribbean currency. It is tied to the USD at EC $2.70 = US $1.00. Banks will change notes at US $2.67 to EC $ 1.00 and cheques at EC $2.68 to US $1.00.
The rate for other currencies fluctuates daily, but in addition to the US dollar, the British pound sterling and the Canadian dollar are widely accepted. All major credit cards are accepted at restaurants and Hotels, and American Express, Visa, and MasterCard have representative agents in the State.
The monetary matters are regulated by the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank with headquarters in St. Kitts.
Couriers #
DHL and Federal Express maintain fully staffed offices. They are open on weekdays for business.
Post Office #
The main post office is situated in the capital, Kingstown (not to be confused with Kingston which is in Jamaica).
To Enter #
Valid passport must be carried by all persons entering the multi – island State. However, UK, and USA and Canadian citizens who possess valid picture identification and valid return ticket may use them for entry.
Airport #
Persons may enter the island through its main airport, the Argyle International Airport (AIA) which was officially opened on February 14th, 2017.
Airlines #
The multi – island state is serviced by LIAT, Mustique Airways, Air Martinique; St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) Air; Air Canada; Inter-Caribbean Airlines; Caribbean Airlines; American Airlines and Virgin Atlantic. The main gateways are the United States of America, United Kingdom, Canada, Barbados, Grenada, St. Lucia and Trinidad and Tobago.
Banks #
| Bank Type | Bank Name | Address | Contact Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central Bank | Eastern Caribbean Central Bank | Kingstown, St.Vincent | Tel: 1-784-456-1413 Fax: 1-784-457-2575 |
| Commercial Bank | Republic Bank | Halifax Street P. O. Box 237 Kingstown, St. Vincent | Tel: 1-784-457-1601 |
| Commercial Bank | RBTT | 81 South River Rd., Box 118 Kingstown, St. Vincent | Tel: 1-784-456-1501 Fax: 1-784-456-2141 |
| Commercial Bank | First St. Vincent Bank Ltd. | Granby St., Box 154 Kingstown, St. Vincent | Tel: 1-784-456-1873 Fax: 1-784-457-2675 |
| Commercial Bank | CIBC First Caribbean International Bank | Halifax Street, Box 604 Kingstown, St. Vincent | Tel: 1-784-456-1706 Fax: 1-784-457-2985 |
| Commercial Bank | Bank of St. Vincent and the Grenadines | Reigate Building Granby Street Kingstown, St. Vincent | Tel: 1-784-457-1844 Fax: 1-784-457-2612 |
| Commercial Bank | St. Vincent Cooperative Bank | Upper and South River Rd. Kingstown, St. Vincent | Tel: 1-784-456-1894 Fax: 1-784-457-2183 |
Exchange Bureau #
Argyle International Airport, Tel: 1-784-458-4943.
Bank of St. Vincent and the Grenadines Limited issues the Caribbean Credit Card Corporation’s VISA card and MASTERCARD, and provides merchant services.
CIBC First Caribbean International Bank Limited issues VISA and MASTERCARD card services.
Bank of Nova Scotia – Scotia Bank also issues SCOTIA BACK MASTERCARD.
Telecoms #
| FLOW (SVG) LTD. Halifax Street Kingstown, St. Vincent and the Grenadines Tel: 1-784-457-1901 Fax: 1-784-456-1648 | Digicel (SVG) Ltd. Halifax Street, Box 810 Kingstown, St. Vincent and the Grenadines Tel: 1-784-453-3000 Fax: 1-784-453-3010 |
| SVG Television (Broadcasting Corporation) Dorsetshire Hill, P.O. Box 617 Kingstown, St. Vincent and the Grenadines Tel: 1-784-456-1078 Fax: 1-784-456-1015 | National Broadcasting Corporation Radio 705 Richmond Hill, P.O. Box 705 Kingstown, St. Vincent and the Grenadines Tel: 1-784-457-1111/1-784-457-2113 Fax: 1-784-456-2749/1-784-457-2992 |
Chamber Industry & Commerce #
CHAMBER OF INDUSTRY & COMMERCE
P.O. Box 134
Hallam Daize Building
Arnos Vale
St. Vincent & The Grenadines
Tel: 1-784-457-1464
Fax: 1-784-456-2944
Email: svgchamber.industry.commerce@gmail.com / svgchamber@svg-cic.org
