TIPS FOR TRAVELLING TO GUYANA

Language Official Language is English. Often spoken with a creole flavour.

Time Zone: 4 Hours behind GMT. 1 hour ahead of EST.

Climate and Temperature Guyana’s Climate is equatorial; hot but pleasant for most of the year. The heat is tempered by the sea breezes on the coast. An Umbrella is useful during the two wet seasons, extending roughly through May and June and from December to the end of January. Rainfall approximates at 2,300 mm per year in Georgetown.

The temperature on the coastland ranges from 20 degrees to 33.8 degrees centigrade with a mean temperature of 26.8 degree centigrade. In the interior it is between 18.3 degree centigrade and 39.4 degree centigrade with a mean of 28.3 degree centigrade.

Currency and Cambios The Guyana Dollar with a fluctuating exchange rate of

Gy $200.00 to US $1.00
Gy $365.00 to £1.00
Gy$265.00 to € 1,00
Gy$ 200.00 to Can $1.00

Cambios are licensed currency exchange houses. Most Cambios are open from 8 am to 5 pm and on Saturdays 8 am to 2 pm. It is important that you keep your Cambio receipt, you will need to produce them to change Guyanese dollars on departure.

Credit Cards Major credit cards and travellers cheques are accepted by most hotels, restaurants, car rental agencies and tour operators. Foreign credit cards can be used at Scotia Bank ATM machines in Guyana.

Departure Tax There is an exit tax of G$4000.00 It can be paid when reconfirming your ticket. You should confirm your ticket at least 48 hours before departure.

Driving Drive on the left hand side of the road

Emergency Numbers
Police : 911
Fire: 912
Ambulance: 913

Entry Requirements All visitors require a valid passport. Those arriving by plane are required to have an onward plane ticket. Visas are necessary for all visitors except nationals of the following countries:

Commonwealth Countries, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Korea, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, USA. Visitors are advised to check with the nearest Guyana Embassy or Consulate or their travel agent.

Electricity:
110/220v, 50-60 cycles

Water: It is safer to drink purified water. Purified bottled water can be obtained in supermarket, shops, gas stations and vendors throughout the coast of Guyana.

Immunization: Might be necessary before travel to some remote destinations of Guyana. Further information can be obtained from the Vaccination Division of Ministry of Health on Telephone Numbers: 592- 226-7338 or 592- 226-1366.

Newspapers:
Guyana Chronicle
Stabroek News
Kaieteur News
Mirror (weekly)
Catholic Standard (weekly)

Radio Station:
Voice of Guyana
98.1 FM

Security Exercise the same safety precautions as you would in any city or unfamiliar environment. Most areas are safe on foot by day or by taxis at night. Don’t venture to low income neighbourhoods on foot. It is advisable not to walk around with valuables. Remember to check with your hotels for current advice.

Shopping Hours 8:30 am - 4:00 pm on weekdays. 8:30 am - Noon on Saturdays.

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