Welcome to Guyana 😊
Guyana is a small yet diverse country located in South America, bordered by Venezuela, Brazil and Suriname. The country is known for its dense rainforest, rich wildlife, stunning waterfalls and vibrant culture. Guyana is home to several Indigenous tribes, each with their own unique traditions and customs. The capital city, Georgetown, is a melting pot of cultures and offers a mix of colonial and modern architecture. English is the official language of Guyana, but various Indigenous languages are also widely spoken. The cuisine in Guyana is a fusion of African, Indian and Indigenous influences, with popular dishes including roti, curry and cassava bread.
Quick Facts About Guyana
- Currency: Guyanese dollar
- Population: 790,000
- Languages: English
Money and Finances
The currency of Guyana is the Guyanese dollar (GYD). Coins come in denominations of 1, 5, 10, and 25 cents, as well as 1 dollar. Banknotes come in denominations of 20, 50, 100, 500, 1000, 5000, and 10,000 dollars.
ATM Network
ATMs are available in urban areas and major cities in Guyana, but they may not always be reliable or readily available. It's recommended to carry enough cash for small purchases and emergencies.
Credit Cards
Credit cards are generally accepted in larger hotels, restaurants, and shops in urban areas. However, it's always advisable to carry cash or a debit card as backup. Visa and Mastercard are more widely accepted than AMEX in Guyana.
Internet and Phones
Guyana's average internet speed is relatively slow, with an average download speed of 2.8 Mbps and upload speed of 1 Mbps. Currently, there are no major government interferences with internet use in the country.
Phone Plans and SIM Cards
Guyana has two major telco companies, GTT and Digicel. The average cost of a mobile phone plan is around $30 per month. Some phones may have compatibility issues with local sim cards, so it's important to check before buying a plan.
Dialling to Guyana
To call Guyana from another country, you need to dial +592 followed by the phone number. Within Guyana, the area code for Georgetown is 225, while other parts of the country use various other area codes.
Transport Around Guyana
Air Travel
Guyana has two major international airports: Cheddi Jagan International Airport, located in Timehri, and Eugene F. Correia International Airport, located in Ogle. These airports offer both domestic and international flights.
Train Travel
There is currently no inter-city train network in Guyana.
Metro / Local Trains
There is currently no local train network in Guyana.
Buses
Guyana has several bus companies that operate within the country, such as Demerara Waves Transport and R & B Transportation. Example ticket prices range from GYD100 to GYD1,000 (USD0.50 to USD5) depending on the distance, and journey times can vary greatly depending on the route and traffic.
Rideshare
Uber and other rideshare companies are not currently available in Guyana. Taxis are the most common form of ridesharing in the country, with average prices ranging from GYD500 to GYD1,500 (USD2.50 to USD7.50) depending on the distance.
Driving by Car
Driving in Guyana is on the left-hand side of the road. Speed limits are generally 80 km/h (50 mph) on highways and 50 km/h (30 mph) in built-up areas. While the main roads are generally in good condition, many rural roads can be poorly maintained and may become impassable in bad weather.
Local Customs
Guyanese people generally greet each other with a handshake and a smile. Tipping is common in Guyana, especially in restaurants and hotels. It is customary to leave about 10-15% of the total bill as a tip. When speaking with strangers, it is important to be polite and respectful. Men and women usually address each other using their first names or titles like 'Mr.' or 'Mrs.'.
Health and Diseases
Medical System
Guyana has a mixed public-private healthcare system. Health services are provided free of charge to citizens and permanent residents, but this often leads to long waiting times and outdated facilities. Private healthcare is available but can be costly. The approximate cost for a visit to the doctor in Guyana is around $30 to $50 USD.
COVID Situation
The Guyanese government declared a COVID-19 outbreak on March 11, 2020, and has since implemented measures to control the spread of the virus, including lockdowns, travel restrictions, and mandatory mask-wearing in public places. As of August 2021, there have been over 24,000 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Guyana, with around 5% of the population fully vaccinated.
Common Health Risks
Guyana has a high risk of mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, and chikungunya. Food and waterborne illnesses are also common, and visitors are advised to take precautions when consuming food or beverages. Hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and yellow fever are also present in the country, so travelers should ensure they are up-to-date with their vaccinations.
Laws and Regulations
Alcohol Consumption
Alcohol is legal and widely consumed in Guyana. However, there are laws prohibiting its sale and consumption on certain days such as election days and during religious holidays.
Recreational Drugs
The possession and use of recreational drugs, including cannabis and other party drugs, is illegal in Guyana.
Pre-Marital Relationships
There are no specific laws governing pre-marital relationships in Guyana. However, sexual activity with a minor is illegal, with a minimum age of consent at 16 years old.
LGBTQ and Same-Sex
Homosexuality is illegal in Guyana and is punishable by imprisonment for up to 10 years. Discrimination against LGBTQ persons is also prevalent in Guyana.
Firearms / Guns
Gun ownership in Guyana is strictly regulated and the use of firearms requires a license from the police. Illegal possession of firearms is punishable by imprisonment and fines.