Electricity

Electrical current is 240 volts, 60Hz. American two-pin plugs are generally used.

Language

English is the official language in Guyana, but the vast majority of the population speaks Guyanese Creole.

Money

The Guyanese dollar (GYD) is the currency used in Guyana. Cash can be exchanged in hotels, banks and cambios (businesses that specialise in exchanging). Cambios normally offer the best exchange rate. Travellers should ask their tour leader for help in finding the best cambios to use. Credit cards are not widely accepted. Most major hotels and some restaurants will accept credit cards. US dollars are best to bring for exchange. ATMs are not easily found in Guyana.

Tipping

Tipping is common practice in Guyana, with a 10 to 15 percent gratuity being the standard amount.

Health

Those who plan to travel in areas outside the main cities should consider vaccinations for hepatitis A, and typhoid. A vaccination certificate is required if visitors older than one year of age are arriving in Guyana from a country with yellow fever. This is includes if they have transited for longer than four hours in a airport located in a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission. There is a risk of malaria, particularly in jungle areas, but prophylaxis is not necessary for travel to all areas. Medical advice should be sought at least three weeks prior to departure. Insect protection measures are vital to avoid both malaria and dengue fever, which is on the increase. Tap water should not be drunk, but bottled drinking water is available. Public hospitals suffer from a shortage of basic supplies, as do private hospitals and clinics. Health insurance is essential.

Safety

Visitors should be mindful of petty and violent crime throughout the country, and should take sensible precautions during their stay. Among other things, they should avoid deserted or under-populated areas, walking alone after dark, and showing signs of affluence. They should also ensure that their belongings, including their passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times.

Local customs

Guyanese society is generally quite laid-back and accepting, and western travellers should not be unduly worried about 'clashing' with the social mores and customs that they will find in Guyana. Visitors should, however, note that the Guyanese favour a frank, direct communication style, and that the culture embraces public displays of affection or anger. They should also note that in Guyana, it is actually considered rude not to use your car's hooter when passing another vehicle, travelling through an intersection, or driving past pedestrians. Homosexual activity is illegal; possession and trafficking in drugs leads to lengthy prison sentences and heavy fines.

Doing business

For the most part, the pace and attitudes are very relaxed and friendly, with most people preferring to meet face-to-face to establish a relationship. Visitors should consider providing business cards and wearing business clothing but, due to the tropical climate, ties are optional in many settings.

Duty free

Travellers to Guyana over the age of 18 may import up to 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 227g of tobacco. 758ml of wine, 758ml of spirits and an amount of perfume reasonable for personal use is also allowed for import.

Communications

The international access code is +592.

Passport & Visa

All foreign passengers to Guyana must hold return/onward tickets, the necessary travel documentation for their next destination, and proof of sufficient funds to cover their stay in the county. Those without return/onward tickets may be required to deposit funds, as a security (with the amount depending on their country of origin). Visitors should ensure they have checked and travel with the necessary documentation required in order to obtain a visa on arrival prior to their trip to Guyana. A vaccination certificate is required if visitors older than one year of age are arriving in Guyana from a country with yellow fever. This is includes if they have transited for longer than four hours in a airport located in a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission. It is highly recommended that travellers' passports have at least six months' validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their 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 six months beyond the period of intended stay in Guyana. No visa is required for touristic stays of up to three months. Passengers with confirmation of a pre-arranged business, employment, or student visa can pay for and obtain a visa on arrival.

British citizens must have a passport that is valid for six months beyond the period of intended stay in Guyana. No visa is required for touristic stays of up to three months, for British passports endorsed British Citizen. Holders of British passports with other endorsements should contact their nearest Guyanese embassy to confirm their visa requirements. Passengers with confirmation of a pre-arranged business, employment, or student visa can pay for and obtain a visa on arrival.

Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid for six months beyond the period of intended stay in Guyana. No visa is required for touristic stays of up to three months. Passengers with confirmation of a pre-arranged business, employment, or student visa can pay for and obtain a visa on arrival.

Australian citizens must have a passport that is valid for six months beyond the period of intended stay in Guyana. No visa is required for touristic stays of up to three months. Passengers with confirmation of a pre-arranged business, employment, or student visa can pay for and obtain a visa on arrival.

South African citizens must have a passport that is valid for six months beyond the period of intended stay in Guyana. No visa is required for touristic stays of up to 30 days. Passengers with confirmation of a pre-arranged business, employment, or student visa can pay for and obtain a visa on arrival.

Irish citizens must have a passport that is valid for six months beyond the period of intended stay in Guyana. No visa is required for touristic stays of up to three months. Passengers with confirmation of a pre-arranged business, employment, or student visa can pay for and obtain a visa on arrival.

New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is valid for six months beyond the period of intended stay in Guyana. No visa is required for touristic stays of up to three months. Passengers with confirmation of a pre-arranged business, employment, or student visa can pay for and obtain a visa on arrival.

Useful contacts

Guyana Tourism Authority, Georgetown: +592 219 0094 or info@guyana-tourism.com

911 (police), 912 (fire and rescue), 913 (medical emergencies)

Embassies / consulates in other countries

Embassy of Guyana, Washington, United States: +1 202 265 6900

High Commission of Guyana, London, England: +44 20 7229 7684

Consulate General of Guyana, Ontario, Canada: +1 416 494 6040

High Commission of Guyana, Pretoria, South Africa: +012 941 1694 or ghcpretoria@hcguyana.co.za

Embassies / consulates in Guyana

Embassy of the United States, Georgetown, Guyana: +592 225 4900

British High Commission, Georgetown, Guyana: +592 226 5881

Canadian High Commission, Georgetown, Guyana: +592 227 2081

Australian Honorary Consulate, Georgetown, Guyana: +592 665 1198

South African High Commission, Kingston, Jamaica (also responsible for Guyana): +1 876 620 4840