Tourism Board:

http://guyana-tourism.com/tourism/

http://guyana-tourism.com/

Guyana has an irresistible combination of fascinating and breathtaking natural beauty; pristine Amazonian rain forests, immense waterfalls, amazing wildlife, a vibrant indigenous culture, rich cultural heritage and the most hospitable and friendly people in the world. Guyana is a paradise for the nature lovers, adventure seeker and the eco-tourist alike.

Overview

Guyana has an irresistible combination of fascinating and breathtaking natural beauty; pristine Amazonian rainforests, immense waterfalls, amazing wildlife, a vibrant indigenous culture, rich cultural heritage and the most hospitable and friendly people in the world. Guyana is a paradise for the nature lovers, adventure seeker and the eco tourist alike.

Travel Tips

Language
Official Language is English. Often spoken with a creole flavour. Guyana is also the only English speaking country in South America.

Time Zone
4 Hours behind GMT. 1 hour ahead of EST.

Climate and Temperature
Guyana’s climate is equatorial; hot but pleasant for most of the year. The heat is tempered by the sea breezes

on the coast. An umbrella is useful during the two wet seasons, extending roughly through May and June and from December to the end of January. Rainfall approximates at 2,300mm per year in Georgetown.

The temperature on the coastland ranges from 20 degrees to 33.8 degrees centigrade with a mean temperature of 26.8 degree centigrade. In the interior it is between 18.3 degree centigrade and 39.4 degree centigrade with a mean of 28.3 degree centigrade.

Currency
The Guyana Dollar with a fluctuating exchange rate of
Guy $200.00 to US $1.00
Guy $365.00 to £1.00
Guy $265.00 to € 1,00
Guy $200.00 to Can $1.00
Cambios are licensed currency exchange houses. Most cambios are open from 08:00hrs to 17:00hrs and on Saturdays 08:00hrs to 16:00hrs. It is important that you keep your cambio receipt; you will need to produce them to change Guyanese dollars on departure.

Credit Card
 Major credit cards and travellers cheques are accepted by most hotels, restaurants, car rental agencies and tour operators. Credit Cards with CIRRUS and/or PLUS mark can be used at Scotia Bank ATM machines in Guyana.

Departure Tax
There is an exit tax of G$4000 or approximately US$20. This tax can purchased at the airport near the check-in counter. You should confirm your ticket at least 48 hours before departure.

Driving
Driving and riding are done in the left lane. Before you start enjoying the fun of driving in Guyana, you must stop by the Inland Revenue Department - License Revenue Division, Smyth & Princess Streets, Georgetown (Telephone number (592) 223 5501) for a 30-Day Permit to drive. Be sure to walk with your valid driver's license or an international driver's license.

In Guyana it is an offence to drive without your seat belt.

Emergency Numbers
Police: 911
Ambulance: 913
Fire: 912

Electricity
110/220v, 50-60 cycles

Health and Safety
Water: It is safer to drink purified bottled water. There are several brands that are inexpensive and widely available and can be obtained in supermarkets, shops, gas stations and vendors throughout Guyana.

Immunization: There is a risk of malaria in certain parts of the interior. Consult your doctor for the required precautions if you intend to travel there. Georgetown and coastal areas are malaria-free.  Georgetown has one public and several private hospitals, including St. Joseph's Mercy Hospital on Parade Street, Prashad Hospital on Thomas Street, and Davis Memorial in Lodge Back lands.
Further information can be obtained from the Vaccination Division of Ministry of Health on Telephone Numbers: (592) 226 7338 or (592) 226 1366.

Radio Station
98.1, “The Voice of Guyana”

Security
Exercise the same safety precautions as you would in any city or unfamiliar environment. Most areas are safe on foot by day or by taxis at night. Remember to check with your hotels for current advice.

Shopping Hours
08:30hrs - 16:00hrs on weekdays (17:00hrs Fridays).
08:30hrs - 12:00hrs on Saturdays.
Most Supermarkets are opened from 08:30hrs - 18:00hrs on Weekdays, 08:30hrs - 19:00hrs on Saturdays and 10:00hrs - 14:00hrs on Sundays

Getting There

Visitors to Guyana mainly travel by air, but travel to Guyana is also accessible by a Ferry Crossing via Suriname/Guyana border. A listing of the various airlines, access points, and necessary documents is provided below according to the mode of transportation. Select mode of travel below for more information.

By Air
All visitors require a passport which is valid for at least 6 months. Those arriving by plane are required to have an onward plane ticket. Visas are necessary for all visitors except nationals of the following countries:
Commonwealth Countries, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Korea, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, USA. Visitors are advised to check with the nearest Guyana Embassy or Consulate or their travel agent. Click here for a list of Guyana Embassies and Hon. Consular Offices.

The Cheddi Jagan International Airport is located at Timehri and is approximately 25 miles/45km south of Georgetown, the Capital City. There are direct flights from Miami, New York, Toronto, Brazil, Suriname, Barbados and Trinidad. International flights to Guyana connect from the following gateways:
• Miami - 4.5hrs
• New York - 5.5hrs
• Toronto - 6hrs

By Sea
Travelling to Georgetown, Guyana by road via the Guyana/Suriname border from Paramaribo will take approximately 6-8 hours taking into consideration time for the ferry crossing and to have your vehicle cleared with the Customs Department. In order for visitors to drive into Guyana from Suriname, a temporary importation permit must be secured at the point of entry. Permits are valid for one month but can be extended by applying to the Customs Department. To get a permit, present the following at the point of entry:
• Passport
• Driver’s Licence
• Proof of ownership (vehicle registration)
• Rental Documents (for vehicles rented in  Suriname)
• Proof of Insurance

Sailing to Guyana
Visitors traveling to Guyana on their pleasure yachts will sail upriver the mighty Essequibo to a small town of Bartica, some 35 nautical miles from the Atlantic where clearance is necessary. You are required to check with the Customs and Immigration Departments, located at the Police Headquarters in First Avenue that is opened from 08:00hrs to 16:30hrs. Overtime charges are applicable outside of regular business hours, 08:00hrs to 16:30hrs.