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Guyana Practical information Guyana

 
 
Area : 83000  sq.mi - Population 770000 hab.
Guyana

Our expert Guyana

map

map Guyana

Weather

Practical information Guyana

superficie

Area

83000  sq.mi
vol

Flights

Approximately 16 hrs.
decallage horaire

Jet Lag

population

Population

770000 hab.
aeroports proche

Airports

Cheddi Jagan International Airport is located 25 miles from Georgetown. The minibus n°42 ($1, 60p) runs from the airport to the capital city in an hour and a half (very approximate), or you can take a taxi there in less than an hour (for between $15 and $20, $10 and £14). Always confirm your return plane ticket a few days before departure, and sometimes also, a few hours before taking off.
securite

Security

For some months now Guyana has been experiencing a phenomenon of increasing criminality (armed attacks against shops and homes, shootings between criminals and police forces), to which everyone is exposed, mainly in Georgetown, the country's capital. It is preferable to be very prudent in all circumstances and to avoid walking alone after nightfall and in certain neighbourhoods.
It is also advisable to not travel with large amounts of cash, valuable items of jewellery or travel documents. These can be placed in a secure safe at your hotel.
langue

Languages

English is the official language, but Hindu, Urdu and Creole as well as nine other Indian dialects are spoken everywhere.
formalites

Requirements

No visa is needed for European citizens, just a passport which is valid for at least six months.
religion

Religion

The religion is mainly Christian dominated (57%), but there is also a big concentration of Hindus (33%), and to a lesser extent, Muslims (9%).
monnaie

Currency

The currency is the Guyanese Dollar. Bureaux de change (cambios) only accept US and Canadian Dollars. Credit cards are primarily accepted in hotels and restaurants in Georgetown only, but it is easy to withdraw cash. Commission fees vary greatly from one outlet to another, whether exchanging cash or travellers cheques. Banks are open from Monday to Thursday from 8:30am to 2:30pm and on Fridays from 3:00pm
to 5:00pm.
transports

Local transportation

Small domestic airlines link the cities of Georgetown, Lethem, Kaieteur and Rupununi. Before taking one of those flights, a malaria test will be required. Upon departure, the staff are very strict about luggage weight limitation (no more than 12 kgs or 26 pounds per person). To travel by car, an international driving license is required. The Guyana coast has 184 miles of asphalted road, in good condition, from Springlands in the east, to Charity in the west. When going inland, only the Georgetown-Lethern road is asphalted. Most of the existing roads are actually dirt tracks. When there are tracks... All car rental agencies are present in Georgetown. 600 miles of river to sail on : here is the other way to get to towns and villages, by pirogues or by small motorboats. It usually has to be organised once in the country with the local people.
sante

Health

You will need to be vaccinated against typhoid and yellow fever. The risks of malaria are very great in the inland areas of the country, especially during the rain season. Travel with a good mosquito net which is well sprayed with insecticide, an anti-malaria treatment is also strongly recommended. On the coast, however, risks of contracting the disease are reduced.

In Guyana, only drink bottled water or water that has been treated with the Micropur water purification pills. If you are staying in the forest, always carefully check your clothes and the inside of your shoes before putting them on: spiders and sleeping snakes are often found there.
electricite

Electricity

The voltage is 110 V in Georgetown and 220 V everywhere else. Bring an adaptor with you.
frequentation

Flood of tourists

taxe

Taxes and tips

telephone

Telephone

To call Guyana from the UK, dial: 00 + 592 (country code) + area code (02 for Georgetown, 05 for Ford Island) + personal number you wish to call.
To call the UK from Guyana, dial: 00 + 44 + personal number you wish to call without the initial 0.