Electricity

Electrical current in Guadeloupe is 230 volts, 50Hz. Two-pin plugs are most commonly in use.

Language

French is the official language of Guadeloupe.

Money

As part of France and the European Union, the official currency of Guadeloupe is the Euro (EUR).

Tipping

Hotels usually add a 10 to 15 percent service charge, and restaurants always add 15 percent, with no additional tip being necessary. Taxi drivers who own their own cars generally don't expect a tip but, if they've been especially helpful with luggage, passengers might give them an additional 10 percent.

Health

Guadeloupe has good medical facilities, although not all doctors speak English. A vaccination is recommended for hepatitis A and yellow fever vaccinations are required for those arriving from infected areas. Guadeloupe was a Zika virus high-risk area, though there is currently no evidence of ongoing transmission. Pregnant women should avoid visiting the island, and other travellers should take extra care to protect themselves against mosquitos.

Safety

Violent crime is rare in Guadeloupe despite growing concerns over gang-related violence. Petty crime remains the most significant threat for tourists, who should take sensible precautions such as avoiding deserted beaches and isolated areas after dark, walking alone at night, carrying large amounts of cash or wearing expensive jewellery.

Local customs

Guadeloupean society is famously welcoming and friendly, with a high emphasis placed on convivial social interactions between men and women. Social mores and etiquette in Guadeloupe reflect its colonial history, with it still subject to French Law. However, gender roles are perhaps more traditional than in European societies.

Doing business

Guadeloupe can get very hot and humid so lightweight suits are recommended for business meetings. As much of the country's business is connected to France, customs tend to be similar between the two, though they're more relaxed in Guadeloupe.

Duty free

Visitors to Guadeloupe over the age of 17 may import up to 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 100cigarillos or 250g of tobacco, and one litre of spirits up to 22 percent or four litres of wine.

Communications

The international dialling code for Guadeloupe is +590.

Passport & Visa

All foreign passengers to Guadeloupe must hold a return or onward ticket, and the necessary travel documentation for their next destination. Note that a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required to enter Guadeloupe, if arriving in the country within six days of leaving or transiting through an infected area. It is highly recommended that your passport has at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Entry requirements

US citizens must have a passport that is valid for the duration of their stay in Guadeloupe. No visa is required for touristic stays of up to 90 days.

British citizens must have a passport that is valid for the duration of their stay in Guadeloupe. No visa is required for British passports endorsed British Citizen, and no visa is required for British passports carrying any other endorsement for touristic stays of up to 90 days.

Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid for the duration of their stay in Guadeloupe. No visa is required for touristic stays of up to 90 days.

Australian citizens must have a passport that is valid for the duration of their intended stay in Guadeloupe. No visa is required for touristic stays of up to 90 days.

South African citizens must have a passport that is valid for the duration of their intended stay in Guadeloupe. A schengen visa is required.

Irish citizens must have a passport that is valid for the duration of their intended stay in Guadeloupe. No visa is required.

New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is valid for the duration of their intended stay in Guadeloupe. No visa is required for touristic stays of up to 90 days.

Useful contacts

Guadeloupe Tourist Office, Pointe-à-Pitre: +59 (590) 82 0930 or info@lesilesdeguadeloupe.com

15 (Medical), 18 (Fire), 17 (Police)

Embassies / consulates in other countries

Guadeloupe Embassy, Washington, United States: +1 202 944 6000

Guadeloupe Embassy, London, United Kingdom: +44 207 073 1000

Guadeloupe Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 789 1795

Guadeloupe Embassy, Canberra, Australia: +61 2 6216 0100

Guadeloupe Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 12 425 1600

Guadeloupe Embassy, Dublin, Ireland: +353 1 277 5000

Guadeloupe Embassy, Wellington, New Zealand: +64 4 384 2555

Embassies / consulates in Guadeloupe

United Kingdom Embassy, Paris, France (also responsible for Guadeloupe): +33 144 513100

Canada Mission, Bridgetown, Barbados (also responsible for Guadeloupe): +246 629 3550

Australia Mission, Port-of-Spain, Trinidad and Tobago (adelso responsible for Guadeloupe): +1 868 822 5450