Islands, Guadeloupe
Guadeloupe
Two main French islands with beaches, volcano hikes, waterfalls and Creole food, plus the offshore Les Saintes and Marie-Galante. Rental cars are almost essential; English is limited and weekends are slow.
At a glance
- Safety3/5Take real precautionsDetails
- Monthly budget$2,810–4,280Comfortable, one person · €2,500–3,800Details
- Best time to goDec–AprWarmest: Sep, 29°CDetails
- Tap waterFilter or boilMains water is generally treated, but quality problems and cuts occur in places; many residents use bottled water.Details
- LGBTQ+4/5WelcomingDetails
- Solo travel3/5English: limitedDetails
- Doctor's visit$34–68Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundPublic bus (Karu'lis)You'll need transportDetails
- Cash or cardCards almost everywhereCards accepted in shops, supermarkets and most restaurants; cash for markets, small snack stands and beach vendors.Details
Where to stay in Guadeloupe
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Pointe-à-Pitre–Gosier | Airport city, markets, cheaper food, beach resorts at Gosier |
| Sainte-Anne | Calm beaches, local stays, restaurants and market |
| Deshaies | Quiet Basse-Terre village, Botanical Garden and waterfalls |
| Terre-de-Haut (Les Saintes) | Island village for snorkeling, ferry access |
Apps that work in Guadeloupe
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- Taxis: Ride apps are not generally available. Taxis are costly; book by phone or at the airport rank, or rent a car.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Guadeloupe.
- Cards almost everywhere Cards accepted in shops, supermarkets and most restaurants; cash for markets, small snack stands and beach vendors.
- Currency: Euro (EUR). US$1 ≈ €0.89 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: ATMs in towns; euro-area cards withdraw without extra fees, others pay their bank's foreign fees.
- Tipping: Service is included in prices; round up or leave a few euros for good service.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay, Google Pay and contactless cards work in shops, hotels and restaurants.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Outside the Schengen area: a Schengen visa or ETIAS does not automatically cover it. Check France-Visas for your nationality.
- A yellow fever certificate is required if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk.
- Part of the EU but outside Schengen: Schengen visas are not automatically valid.
Emergency numbers
Police 17 · Ambulance 15 · Fire 18 · All emergencies 112
Plugs
Type C, D, E · 230 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 with passport; coverage is good in towns. eSIMs work for visitors.
Going to Guadeloupe solo?
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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.