Getting Around By Taxi • Government sets the rates for fares, but taxis are unmetered • Always check the fare before setting off • Fares are raised for journeys late at night or early in the morning • Tipping is suggested at 10% of the fare. • Average fare from Indian Bay into Kingstown is approximately EC$30 • To the island’s major attractions, expect to spend EC$50 - 60 per hour for a car holding two to four passengers. By Car • Driving is on the left. • Driving on the narrow, twisting roads can be an adventure, but you will soon enjoy the challenge and start driving like a “Vincy” • Road signs are limited but locals are usually happy to direct you • Remember to sound your horn at sharp curves and turns • Most local companies will happily collect you at your hotel or airport By Bus • Flamboyantly painted buses travel the principal roads of St. Vincent, linking the major towns and villages with the central departure point, the bus terminal at the New Kingstown Fish Market • Minibuses stop on demand instead of at bus stops • Fares range from EC$1 to EC$6 (US.40¢ to US$2.20). • Buses run frequently between Kingstown and the popular hotel areas of Indian Bay and Villa but with limited frequency to Owia and Fancy in the north • The best way is to take the early bus to Georgetown and catch one of the two vans running between Georgetown and Fancy (EC$10). To get to Richmond in the northwest take a bus to Chateaubelair ($6) and then onto Richmond from Chateaubelair. A day trip to Mesopotamia (Mespo) by bus (EC$2.50) is a worthwhile experience.
Drivers Licences A temporary driving licence, costing EC$100 (US$38) and valid for 6 months, can be obtained from the police station on Bay Street, the Licensing Authority on Halifax Street or from the special branch officer at the E.T. Joshua Airport, with the presentation of a valid overseas drivers licence. Your car hire agent will assist you with getting a permit. If you have an International Driving Licence you must visit the Traffic Department in Kingstown to have it registered - There is no charge. Caricom nationals may drive with a valid Caricom drivers licence.
Ins & Outs Tip Sam’s Taxi & Tours (784 456-4338) is one of the more popular choices for sightseeing and getting around in general. Their drivers are courteous and friendly and offer entertaining commentary as you explore, and they offer a good selection of rental cars and jeeps should you wish to chart your own course.
Safety Tips CENTIPEDE/SCORPION BITES - While not lethal, severity and degree of discomfort depends on individual sensitivity. If there is any doubt, see a doctor, especially if a child has been bitten. MANCHINEEL - Avoid contact with the fruit commonly known as Manchineel Apples. They look and smell like small apples, but are very poisonous. Sap from the tree and fruit blisters the skin and raindrops falling from the tree can produce the same unpleasant effect. Do not shelter under a manchineel tree when it is raining. SEA URCHINS - A black sea egg with long black spines. If the spines are protruding from your skin you can try to carefully remove them; if they are beneath the skin DO NOT try to “pick” them out as this could cause infection. Leave them in your skin and they will eventually dissolve. To be safe, soak with vinegar or some form of antiseptic.
COCONUT PALMS - Never leave a baby or small child beneath a coconut palm because of the possibility of falling coconuts. ILLEGAL DRUGS - Severe penalties for possession of illegal drugs like Cannabis (weed or ganja) and cocaine exist – up to life imprisonment and yacht confiscation. Customs officials are well equipped and trained, so no attempts should be made to import or export even small quantities for “personal use.”
Fast Facts
17