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Guyana FAQ

Is tipping customary in Guyana?

Tipping is up to the individual when travelling in Guyana. It isn’t expected but will be happily received by service workers like taxi drivers and waiters. Feel free to leave spare change or tip extra if the service is particularly good.

What is the internet access like in Guyana?

Internet availability is quite low in Guyana (in comparison to other South American countries). Hotels and cafes with internet facilities can be found in Georgetown, but keep in mind that the internet may not be available elsewhere in Guyana.

Can I use my mobile/cell phone while in Guyana?

It's possible to use your mobile phone in most urban areas of Guyana depending on your provider. Remote and rural areas may not have network coverage. Ensure you have global roaming activated with your mobile carrier before you leave home if you wish to use your mobile while in Guyana.

What are the toilets like in Guyana?

Toilets in Guyana will vary depending on what area you are travelling in. Flushable, western-style toilets are common in the cities, large hotels, malls and clubs but more modest squat toilets are the standard in rural areas and while camping. Either way, carrying a supply of toilet paper and soap is a good idea, as these aren’t always available in public toilets.

What will it cost for a…?

Can of soft drink = 100-150 GYD
A bottle of beer = 200-300 GYD
Simple lunch at a city café = 2000-3000 GYD
Dinner at a nice city restaurant = 5000 GYD

Can I drink the water in Guyana?

Drinking tap water isn't recommended in Guyana. For environmental reasons, try to avoid buying bottled water and fill a reusable water bottle or canteen with filtered water instead. It's also advisable to avoid ice in drinks and peel fruit and vegetables before eating.

Are credit cards accepted widely in Guyana?

While credit card usage is growing in Guyana, cards typically won't be accepted everywhere. Large hotels, shops and tourist operators may accept credit, while smaller vendors such as small family restaurants and market stalls probably won't. Make sure you carry enough cash for purchases, since credit cards aren't always an option everywhere in Guyana.

What is ATM access like in Guyana?

ATMs which accept foreign cards are available, but aren't widespread. Guyana's airport and capital city (Georgetown) are the best places to access ATMs, so do so while travelling through urban centres, as rural and remote areas will have little to no ATM access.

Do I need to purchase travel insurance before travelling in Guyana?

Absolutely. All passengers travelling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of your trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

What public holidays are celebrated in Guyana?

Jan 1 New Year's Day
Jan 24 Milad an-Nabi (Birth of the Prophet)
Feb 23 Republic Day (Mashramani)
Mar 27 Phagwah (Holi)
Mar 29 Good Friday
Apr 1 Easter Monday
May 1 Labour Day
May 5 Indian Heritage Day
May 26 Independence Day
Jul 1 Caricom Day
Aug 5 Freedom Day
Aug 8 Eid Al Fitr
Oct 15 Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice)
Nov 3 Diwali (Hindu Festival of Light)
Dec 25 Christmas Day
Dec 26 Boxing Day

Please note these dates are for 2013. For a current list of public holidays go to: http://www.worldtravelguide.net/guyana/public-holidays

Do I need a visa to travel to Guyana?

Visas are the responsibility of the individual traveller. The visa requirements for your trip vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. As a general rule most countries expect that you will have at least 6 months' validity on your passport. On arrival visitors may be asked to present return tickets and evidence of means to cover your intended stay.

We keep the following information up to date as much as possible, but rules do change - it's important that you check for yourself. Residents from other countries must consult the relevant embassies or your travel agent.

  • GUYANA:
    Australia: Not required
    Belgium: Not required
    Canada: Not required
    Germany: Not required
    Ireland: Not required
    Netherlands: Not required
    New Zealand: Not required
    South Africa: Not required
    Switzerland: Not required
    United Kingdom: Not required
    USA: Not required

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Guyana at a glance

  • 1
  • Georgetown (population 250,000)
  • 770,000
  • English, Urdu, Creole
  • GYD
  • (GMT-04:00) Manaus
  • Type A (North American/Japanese 2-pin), Type B (American 3-pin), Type D (Old British 3-pin), Type G (Irish/British 3-pin)
  • +592

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