The more you know about traveling in Guyana, the more prepared you'll be when you arrive.

Language
The official language is English often spoken with a creole flavor.
Time - We are 4 hours behind GMT and 1 hour ahead of EST.

Climate
Guyana's climate is equitorial; 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 coast-land ranges from 20 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

GYD $200.00 to USD $1.00
GYD $365.00 to Pounds $1.00
GYD $265.00 to Euro $1.00
GYD $200.00 to CDN $1.00

Cambios are licensed currency exchange houses. Most cambios are open from 8:00hrs to 17:00hrs and on Sundays 8:00hrs to 16:00hrs. It is important that you keep your cambios 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, supermarkets, car rental agencies and tour operators. Credit cards with CIRRUS and/or PLUS mark can be used at any Scotia Bank ATM machines in Guyana.

Departure Tax
An exit tax of GYD$4000 (USD$20) is chargeable on departure at CJIA. This tax is purchased at the airport near the check-in counter. You should confirm your ticket at least 48 hours before departure.

Driving
Driving or riding in Guyana are done on the left lane. Before you start enjoying the fun of driving in Guyana, you must obtain a drivers permit which is issued by the Inland Revenue Department- License Revenue Division located on Smyth & Princess Streets in Georgetown. The permit is valid for 30-days but ensure that you take a valid driver's license or an international driver's license when applying.
Allways wear a helmet when riding and your seat belt when driving this is a requirement by law.

Emergency Numbers
Police - 911
Fire - 912
Ambulance - 913
Telephone directory assistance - 092

Electricity
The voltage is 110/240 volts, 50-60 cycles. Transformers can be used to step-up/step-down the voltage. Electrical appliances are widely available in Guyana.

Communication Medium  
Radio Stations - Voice of Guyana (VOG) and 98.1 Hot FM
Television Stations - NCN 11, CNS 6, HJTV 21, MTV 14, HGPTV 9
Newspapers - Guyana Chronicle, Kaieteur News, Guyana Times, Stabroek News

Shopping hours
8:30hrs - 16:00hrs on weekdays (17:00hrs on Fridays)
8:30hrs - 12:00hrs on Saturdays
Most supermarket are opened from 8:30hrs -18:00hrs on weekdays, 8:30hrs - 19:00hrs on
Saturdays and 10:00hrs-14:00hrs on Sundays.
Markets are usually opened on Saturdays.Stabroek and Bourda markets are usually busy all day 24hrs per day.
Shops around the country normally open from 7:00hrs - 18:00 hrs
Bars usually from 18:00hrs-24:00hrs(midnight)
Night Clubs usually from 20:00hrs-02:00hrs

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

Health & Safety
Water: It is safer to drink purified bottled water. There are several brands that are inexpensive and widely available. You can purchase water at supermarkets, shops, roadside shops and vendors throughout Guyana.

Immunization - There is a risk of malaria in certain parts of the interior. Consult a doctor for the required precautions if you intend to travel. Georgetown and the coastal areas are malaria-free. Georgetown has the Public Hospital and there are several other hospitals around where advice can be seek. Further information can be obtained from the Vaccination Division of the Ministry of Health by calling (592)226 7338 or (592) 226 1366.