Carriacou Information

I’ve put together this Carriacou information page so you can find the little but important things that you want to know when traveling here. It should save you the headache of sifting through a bunch of information about Carriacou … and allow you to focus on what matters most: Planning your Vacation.

The best source of Carriacou information when you are on the island is the Tourist Information Office, located on Main Street in Hillsborough (It’s right at the entrance to the Jetty, in front of the bus “terminal”). But since you just got to get that question answered now …

Here are answers to questions that visitors just like you have about traveling to Carriacou.

What’s the spoken language? – It’s English, but just like in Grenada, and all the other English speaking Caribbean islands sometimes you will question if what you heard was indeed English.

Islanders talk quite fast, with their unique accent, so you will have to listen fast. But all jokes aside, most locals will slow done when speaking to visitors, some will even go the extra mile, and try to adopt a foreign accent to help build rapport faster (Now that’s extra mile service).

What’s the Currency? – The Eastern Caribbean Dollar (EC$) is the official currency. And Uncle Sam Greenbacks (US Dollars) are also welcomed. Exchange rate is US$1.00 = EC$2.68

What about ATM/Banking? – There are have two ready to serve you:

  • First Caribbean International Bank (FCIB) Main Street, Hillsborough, Carriacou WI Tel: (473)-443-9005
  • Republic Bank Main Street, Hillsborough, Carriacou WI Tel: (473)-443-7289/7896

I used my Bank of America Visa Check card at Republic Bank’s ATM with no problem. That’s safer than traveling to Carriacou (or anywhere for that matter) with a pocket full of cash.

How do I call back home? – The telephone network is quite reliable. International direct dial, or credit card charged calls are available.

What about Internet Access? Most likely your hotel, or Villa will have an internet connection. Also there are Internet Cafes in Hillsborough.

Can I use my electrical devices in Carriacou? If you are from a country that uses 220 volts/50 Hz that you are fine. If you use 110 volts like in the USA, then you need a transformer, to prevent damaging your device. You may also need an 13 amp, 3 prong socket adapter.

What kind of temperature can I expect? – It’s a steady 27-32 degrees Celsius (80-85 degrees Fahrenheit), the cool sea breeze makes sure it’s never humid.

Speaking of temperature it might also interest you to know that there are only two seasons: the dry season from January to May and the rainy season from June to December. Carriacou goes through a total transformation: It gets all brown in the dry season, and returns all green in the rainy season.

What should I wear? Throw on some Flip Flops (rubber slippers), shorts, and T-Shirt, and you are good to go. Keep in mind that nudity is against the law, and swim wear worn off the beach can be considered offensive.

What about Medical Services in Carriacou? Make a note of the following:

  • Princess Royal Hospital, Belair, Carriacou W.I Tel: (473)-443-7400
  • Windward Health Clinic, Windward, Carriacou WI Tel: (473)-443-6425
  • Hillsborough Health Clinic, 2nd Avenue, Hillsborough, Carriacou WI Tel: (473)-443-9198

Note: None of these facilities are equipped to handle major health issues. Your next higher level of health care would be at one of the larger islands such as Barbados, Martinique or Grenada.

If you have a question that’s not answered on this Carriacou information page. Please send it to me using the form below. I will email to you the Carriacou information you requested, and also post the question and answer here for everyone’s benefit.

Or maybe you don’t have a question, but you do have a helpful tip, then please consider sharing it with others by also submitting it in the form below.

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