Capital city, French Guiana
Cayenne
French Guiana's small capital: euro prices, French healthcare and Kourou's spaceport nearby, but expensive, with limited public transport and English. Suits river and rainforest trips more than city lingering.
At a glance
- Safety3/5Take real precautionsDetails
- Monthly budget$2,480–3,600Comfortable, one person · €2,200–3,200Details
- Best time to goAug–NovWarmest: Oct, 30°CDetails
- Tap waterYes, drinkableMains water in Cayenne meets French standards; bottle or treat water in river villages and the interior.Details
- LGBTQ+4/5WelcomingDetails
- Solo travel2/5English: rareDetails
- Doctor's visit$34–56Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundRental carWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardCards almost everywhereCards and contactless work in towns, hotels and supermarkets; carry cash for markets, river transport and small villages.Details
Where to stay in Cayenne
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Centre-ville (Place des Palmistes) | Walkable market, restaurants and hotels |
| Rémire-Montjoly | Beach side with houses and car-based stays |
| Cabassou / Mont-Lucas | Hill suburbs with apartments; need a car |
Apps that work in Cayenne
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- Taxis: No ride-hailing apps. Taxis are scarce and pricey; call a dispatcher or have your hotel book.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in French Guiana.
- Cards almost everywhere Cards and contactless work in towns, hotels and supermarkets; carry cash for markets, river transport and small villages.
- Currency: Euro (EUR). US$1 ≈ €0.89 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: ATMs in all towns; euro-area cards withdraw without extra fees. Many river villages have none.
- Tipping: Service is included in prices; round up or leave a euro or two for good service.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay, Google Pay and contactless cards work as in mainland France.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Part of the EU but outside Schengen: a Schengen visa doesn't automatically cover it. Check France-Visas.
- A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for all arrivals aged one and over.
- Gendarmerie checkpoints on the coast roads (Iracoubo, Régina) check papers; always carry a passport.
Emergency numbers
Police 17 · Ambulance 15 · Fire 18 · All emergencies 112
Plugs
Type C, D, E · 220 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
EU SIMs roam at home prices. Otherwise buy an Orange, SFR or Digicel prepaid SIM in Cayenne with ID; coverage is poor inland. eSIMs work for visitors.
Going to Cayenne solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Cayenne meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety 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.