Capital city in Demerara-Mahaica, Guyana
Georgetown
English-speaking, oil-boom capital of wooden colonial buildings and Guyana's gateway to Kaieteur Falls and rainforest lodges. Street crime is serious, prices are climbing, and there is little to do after dark.
At a glance
- Safety2/5High riskDetails
- Monthly budget$1,430–2,390Comfortable, one person · G$300,000–500,000Details
- Value for money32/100Better value than 31% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goFeb–Mar, Sep–OctWarmest: Sep, 29°CDetails
- Internet149 MbpsFixed broadband, Guyana medianDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledDrink bottled or filtered water.Details
- LGBTQ+2/5HostileDetails
- Solo travel2/5English: spoken almost everywhereDetails
- Doctor's visit$29–72Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundHotel-booked taxiYou'll need transportDetails
- Cash or cardMostly cashCards work in hotels, supermarkets and malls; cash for markets, minibuses and interior.Details
Where to stay in Georgetown
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Kitty / Subryanville | Hotels, restaurants and embassies; the usual base |
| Bel Air Park / Campbellville | Quieter residential streets, guesthouses, longer stays |
| Queenstown | Central; close to Botanical Gardens and Main Street |
Apps that work in Georgetown
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- Taxis: No ride-hailing apps. Ask hotels to call a known driver; do not hail cars on the street, especially after dark.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Guyana.
- Mostly cash Cards work in hotels, supermarkets and malls; cash for markets, minibuses and interior. USD accepted by many tour operators and hotels.
- Currency: Dollar (GYD). US$1 ≈ G$209.21 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Bank ATMs in Georgetown accept foreign cards; there are few or none in the interior.
- Tipping: Restaurants may add a 10% service charge; otherwise about 10% is appreciated. Tip guides on interior trips.
- Paying by phone: Mobile money (MMG) needs local registration; visitors use cash, or cards at hotels and supermarkets.
Before you go
Visa and 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.
Emergency numbers
Police 911 · Ambulance 913 · Fire 912
Plugs
Type A, B, D, G · 240 V, 60 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
ONE and Digicel shops in Georgetown sell prepaid SIMs with a passport; coverage is thin in the interior.
Going to Georgetown solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Georgetown 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.