Guyana Travel Tips

Overview

Officially the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, this is the only nation state of the Commonwealth of Nations on the mainland of South America. Guyana is bordered by the south and southwest by Brazil, west of Venezuela and east by Suriname.This is the 3rd smallest country in the mainland of South America and approximately the size of Great Britain. This only South American country whose affocial language is English, and is one of only two remaining countries on mainland America whose traffic still drives on the left. Though geographically part of South America, culturally Guyana is Caribbean rather than Latin American and it is considered part of the West Indies. Other languages of Guyana include Creolese, Hindi, Wai-Wai, Arawak and Macushi.

Guyana means "Land of many waters" this is an Amerindian word. The country can be characterized by its vast rain forests dissected by numerous rivers, creeks and waterfalls, notably Kaieteur Falls on the Potaro River. Guyana's tepuis are famous for being the inspiration for Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's 1912 novel The Lost World. The country enjoys a friendly, multicultural society, high floral and faunal biodiversity, prize-winning rum, British Colonial architecture and Demerara sugar.

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 hot but pleasant for most of the year. The heat is tempered by the sea breezes on the coast. Umbrella is very useful during the two wet seasons, extending roughly through May and June and from December to the end of January. In Georgetown rainfall approximates at 2,300 mm annum.

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

The Guyana Dollar with a fluctuating exchange rate of US $1-195,
£ pounds sterling-275, Canadians $1- 120.

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 cannot be used at ATM machines in Guyana.

Shopping Hours 8:30 am - 4:00 pm on weekdays. 8:30 am - Noon on Saturdays. Towns in Guyana Corriverton Rose Hall New Amsterdam Linden Anna Regina Electricity 110/220v, 50-60 cycle

Departure Tax

There is an exit tax of G$2,500.00 It can be paid when reconfirming your ticket. You should confirm your ticket at least 48 hours before departure.

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.

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.