South America
Guyana
English-speaking and booming on oil, Guyana is a gateway to deep rainforest, Kaieteur Falls and Rupununi savannah lodges. Georgetown has real street crime, prices are climbing, and the interior needs flights or tours.
- US travel advisoryLevel 3Reconsider travelDetails
- Visa59 of 198passports can visit visa-freeDetails
- CurrencyGYDUS$1 ≈ G$209.21Details
- Price level33%of US prices (World Bank PPP)
- English5/5Spoken almost everywhere
- PlugsType A, B, D, G240 V, 60 HzDetails
- Emergency911Police 911 · Ambulance 913 · Fire 912
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledDrink bottled or filtered water; Georgetown tap water is not reliably treated.Details
- LGBTQ+CriminalizedAttitudes are slowly softening and Georgetown holds Pride, but public affection draws hostility.Details
- Internet149 MbpsMedian fixed broadbandDetails
- DrivingOn the leftForeign licences work at first; after 60 days a temporary local permit is needed. Traffic drives on the left.
Where to go in Guyana
1 place with full guides. Comfortable monthly budget for one person, rent included.
| Place | Safety | Month, comfortable | Best months | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GeorgetownCapital city | 2/5 | $1,430–2,390 | Feb–Mar, Sep–Oct | 32/100 |
When to visit Guyana
Driest from mid-August to November and in February–March. May–July and December–January bring heavy rain; Rupununi roads can become impassable.
Good to know
Entry
- Entry stamps can be short; check the days granted and extend at the immigration office in Georgetown.
- Overstaying can lead to arrest, a fine and deportation.
- A yellow fever certificate is required if arriving from a risk country.
- Cross to Suriname only on the official Moleson Creek ferry; 'backtrack' water taxis are illegal.
Laws visitors break by accident
- Sex between men is illegal, though rarely prosecuted
- Drug offences carry minimum three-year sentences; pack bags personally
- Water-taxi 'backtracking' to Suriname is illegal
Etiquette
- Greet with 'good morning' or 'good afternoon' before asking anything
- Dress modestly at mandirs, mosques and churches
- Ask before photographing people, especially in Amerindian villages
Tipping
Restaurants may add a 10% service charge; otherwise about 10% is appreciated. Tip guides on interior trips.
Neighbouring countries
Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- UK FCDO travel advice: Guyana
- Ministry of Home Affairs
- Guyana Tourism Authority
- Speedtest Global Index: Guyana
- World Bank open data
Country facts are researched by SoloSquare; advisory levels, crime, health and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.