GUYANA
TRAVEL TIPS
A
collection of important information that can make your trip more enjoyable.
Guyana,
a country of exceptional natural beauty, is a splendid combination of
the Caribbean and South America, with fascinating touches of a sometimes
turbulent past. Guyana is South America's only English speaking country.
This allows tourists from many countries to have an exciting South American
adventure without the inconvenience of having to learn another language.
If you are plannig to go to Guyana, take a moment to brush up on the travel
tips that will help you be more prepared for travel anywhere in Guyana.
GUYANA
GENERAL INFORMATION
Area: 214,969 sq km (83,000 sq miles).
Population: 767,000 (official UN estimate 2004).
Population
Density: 3.6 per sq km.
Capital: Georgetown. Population: 151,679.
Government: Republic. Head of State: President Bharrat Jagdeo since 1999.
Head of Government: Prime Minister Samuel A Hinds since 1997.
Language: English is the official language, but Creole, Hindi, Urdu and
Amerindian dialects are also spoken. |
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Religion: 50 per cent Christian, 33 per cent Hindu, less than 10 per cent Muslim.
Electricity: 110 and 220 volts AC, 60Hz.
GEOGRAPHY: Guyana lies in the northeast of South America,
bordered by Venezuela to the west, Surinam to the southeast and Brazil
to the south. It is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the north and east.
The word ‘Guiana’ (the original Amerindian spelling) means
‘land of many waters’ and the name was well chosen, for there
are over 1600km (965 miles) of navigable rivers in the country. The interior
is either high savannah uplands (such as those along the Venezuelan border,
called the Rupununi, and the Kanuku Mountains in the far southwest), or
thick, hilly jungle and forest, which occupy over 83 per cent of the country’s
area. The narrow coastal belt contains the vast majority of the population,
and produces the major cash crop, sugar, and the major subsistence crop,
rice. One of the most spectacular sights to be seen in the interior is
the towering Kaieteur Falls along the Potaro River, five times the height
of Niagara. The country has 322km (206 miles) of coastline. More than
25 per cent of the population lives in or near Georgetown.
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GUYANA ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
All visitors require a valid passport. 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
Visa Informations
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GETTING AROUND GUYANA
Georgetown is Guyana 's capital city. It was so named after the British
conquered the Dutch in 1812. The name originates from Fort St. George
which was established at the mouth of the Demerara River as a signal station
for the purpose of observing and controlling incoming and outgoing traffic.
Like
all capitals, the city is the centre of government administration and
a wide range of economic activity. Most of the streets of Georgetown are
laid out in almost perfect rectangles, a legacy of our Dutch heritage.
This design therefore makes it relatively easy for the stranger in town
to wend his/her way around town.
The
larger concentration of commercial houses is found 'downtown'. This area
is bounded by Camp Street in the east and by Water Street in the west
with Lamaha Street and Brickdam being the northern and southern extremities
respectively. There is however, an increasing number of businesses located
further east of Camp Street in Regent Street .
BY
ROAD - Transportation around the city is provided by privately
owned mini buses which operate in allocated zones for which there is a
well-regulated fare structure. This arrangement extends to all mini bus
routes throughout the country. Taxis have freer movement around the city
and into rural areas. Their fare, while generally standard, is less regulated.
The network of routes has a number of identifiable starting points which
are concentrated in the Stabroek area and along the Avenue of the Republic
between Coral and Robb Streets. Any traffic policeman or regular commuter
would willingly direct the newcomer to the relevant 'car park'. Additionally
many public phone booths are conveniently placed in and around the city
and the country as a whole. Having a phone card is a great advantage.
These can be obtained from most stores or pharmacies or directly from
any of GT&T's Business Offices.
BY RIVER - While one way of traveling to East Berbice
is by ferry, mainly between Rosignol and New Amsterdam , commuters to
West Demerara have a choice of road transport via the Demerara Harbour
Bridge or by the Demerara River ferry from the Stabroek Stelling to Vreed-en-Hoop
which is obliquely opposite.
The
highway which begins on the West Coast of Demerara is heavily trafficked
since it provides a link to Parika on the East Bank of Essequibo River
which has become and important centre of economic activity in the Essequibo
region. For example, speed or other types of transportation can be hired
to take passengers are far as Bartica or other Hinterland resorts and
back in a single day.
BY AIR - Air transportation is readily available for
traveling to several parts of the hinterland, whether for business or
for pleasure. The several local airlines depart from both Ogle Aerodome
on the East Coast of Demerara and from CBJ International Airport , Timehri.
Information on their availability and movement is easily obtainable from
their office and from tour operators.
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GUYANA DUTY FREE
The following goods can be imported into Guyana by travellers aged 16
years or over without incurring customs duty:
200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 225g of tobacco; spirits not exceeding
750ml; wine not exceeding 750ml; a reasonable amount of perfume for personal
use.
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GUYANA COMMUNICATION
Guyana is well linked to the rest of the world by a sophisticated
telecommunication network and modern telecommunication services such as
international direct dialling telephone, telegram, facsimile, cellular,
Internet, radio and television are available.
Country
Code: (011) 592 - plus the city code (Bartica 5, Georgetown 2,
New Amsterdam 3), plus the five digit number.
Fax: Facilities are available at the GT&T, the Bank
of Guyana Building in Georgetown and hotels.
Telegram: Available
at the GT&T and Bank of Guyana Building. Certain hotels also have
facilities.
Internet: Internet cafes are available in Georgetown.
ISPs include GT&T and GuyanaNet (www.guyana.net.gy).
Press: The daily state-owned newspaper is The Guyana
Chronicle. The independent Stabroek News and the Kaieteur News are published
weekdays. On weekends, there are also The Mirror, The Sunday Chronicle
and The Sunday Stabroek.
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GUYANA BUSINESS PROFILE
Economy: Agriculture allows Guyana to be self-sufficient
in sugar, rice, vegetables, fruit, meat and poultry, as well as to make
major export earnings from the first two. Although 80 per cent of the
land area is covered by forest, timber has only very recently assumed
any economic significance (subject to internationally backed restrictions
on logging). Bauxite mining is the main industry, and responsible for
one-third of export earnings. The mining sector also produces gold and
diamonds, almost all of which are exported. Gold production has increased
sharply since the opening of a new mining complex in 1992. Imported oil
meets most of the country’s energy requirements, although Guyana
and Surinam have begun joint exploration projects.
Guyana has been a beneficiary of a debt write-off which has saved more
than £100 million annually in debt-servicing payments, following
the Government’s implementation of a major economic reform programme.
Since 1997, many formerly state-owned assets and industries have been
sold, and deregulation measures introduced, as part of that programme.
A major obstacle to Guyana’s future economic progress is a shortage
of trained personnel, especially in the fields of management and technical
expertise; the emigration rate remains high, and only serves to compound
this long-term problem. Guyana is a founder member of the regional trading
bloc CARICOM. The country’s main export markets are the UK, the
USA, Canada, Germany, Indonesia and Trinidad & Tobago.
Business: Appointments should be made and punctuality is appreciated. Calling cards
are useful. The pace of business and general attitudes are very Caribbean-orientated.
It is, however, wise to bear in mind that the country is very much part
of South America, the ties with the Caribbean being more a hangover from
British colonial days than a reflection of Guyanese popular consciousness.
Office hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1200 and 1300-1630.
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GUYANA SOCIAL PROFILE
Food & Drink: The food in hotels and restaurants
reflects the range of influences on Guyanese society. From India came
curries - especially mutton, prawn or chicken - and Africa contributed
dishes such as foo-foo (plantains made into cakes) and metamgee (dumplings
made from cornflour, eddews, yams, cassava and plantains cooked in coconut
milk and grated coconut). Portuguese garlic pork and Amerindian pepperpot
are specialities. On the menus of most restaurants you will often find
chicken, pork and steak and, most of the time, shrimp. The best Chinese
food in the country can be found in Georgetown. It is best to drink bottled
water in Guyana. Local rum, Demerara Rum, is well worth trying, while
the local beer is Banks.
Nightlife: There are numerous nightclubs and bars in Georgetown.
Special
Events: The following is a selection of special events occurring
in Guyana in 2005:
Jan Mashramani Jamboree. Feb 23 Annual Carnival, celebrations coincide
with Mashramani (Republic Day). Jun 5 Environmental Day. Jul Jamzone Pageant.
Aug Bartica Summer Regatta. Oct 16 World Food Day. Nov Guyana Open Golf
Tournament. Nov 17-22 Home & Garden Show, National Exhibition Centre.
Dec 27 Main Big Lime, Georgetown.
For more information about events in Guyana contact the Tourism &
Hospitality Association of Guyana (see Contact Addresses section).
Social
Conventions: Hospitality is important to the Guyanese and it
is quite common for the visitor to be invited to their homes. Informal
wear is widely acceptable, but men should avoid wearing shorts. Tipping:
10 per cent at hotels and restaurants.
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GUYANA HEALTH
1: A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers
over one year of age coming from infected areas and from the following
countries: Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African
Republic, Chad, Congo (Dem Rep), Congo (Rep), Côte d’Ivoire,
Gabon, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Liberia, Mali,
Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, São Tomé e Príncipé,
Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Tanzania, Togo and Uganda; and in Latin
America: Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, French
Guiana, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, Surinam and Venezuela.
Travellers arriving from non-endemic zones should note that vaccination
is strongly recommended for travel outside the urban areas, even if an
outbreak of the disease has not been reported and they would normally
not require a vaccination certificate to enter the country.
2:
Typhoid is a risk.
3:
Malaria risk exists throughout the year in the northwest region, areas
along the Pomeroon River and in all parts of the interior. Chloroquine-resistant
falciparum is reported. The recommended prophylaxis is mefloquine unless
contra-indicated, in which case use chloroquine plus proguanil plus protection
against mosquito bites.
Food
& drink: Mains water is normally chlorinated in main cities,
and whilst relatively safe may cause mild abdominal upsets. Bottled water
is readily available and is advised for the first few weeks of the stay.
Milk is unpasteurised and should be boiled. Powdered or tinned milk is
available and is advised, but make sure that it is reconstituted with
pure water. Avoid dairy products that are likely to have been made from
unboiled milk. Local meat, poultry, seafood, fruit and vegetables are
generally considered safe to eat.
Other
risks: Hepatitis A is common. Hepatitis B and D are highly endemic
in the Amazon basin and precautions should be taken. Bancroftian filariasis
is endemic in certain parts and mucocutaneous leishmaniasis occurs. TB
occurs. Jungle yellow fever may be found in forest areas. Dengue fever
may occur.
Rabies occurs. For those at high risk, vaccination before arrival should
be considered. If you are bitten, seek medical advice without delay.
Health
care: Health insurance is recommended. Hospital treatment in
Georgetown is free, but doctors will charge for an appointment. Medical
care and prescription drugs are limited and sanitary conditions are poor
in many medical facilities. Travellers are advised to bring prescription
medicines sufficient for their length of stay.
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GUYANA SAFETY TIPS
Safety - Guyana; Georgetown in particular; are notorious for street crime.
Do not expose valuable possessions at any time and avoid showing signs
of wealth. Travel with caution after dark. Men should not wear shorts.
Guyana continues to suffer from political and labor unrest. Following
national elections in March 2001, demonstrations, assaults, road blockages,
vandalism, looting and confrontations with law enforcement authorities
occurred both in Georgetown and outlying areas. These events have continued
on a sporadic and unpredictable basis. Although protests in the past have
not been directed at U.S. citizens, and violence against Americans in
general is rare, visitors should nevertheless remain alert and take prudent
personal security measures to deal with the unexpected while in Guyana.
When protests occur, avoid areas where crowds have congregated, take common-sense
precautions, monitor news broadcasts closely, and maintain a low profile.
Traffic
Safety: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter
road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States.
The information below concerning Guyana is provided for general reference
only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.
Safety
of Public Transportation: Fair to Poor
Urban Road Conditions/Maintenance: Fair
Rural Road Conditions/Maintenance: Fair to Poor
Availability of Roadside Assistance: Poor
The
Traffic Division of Guyana's National Police Force is responsible for
road safety, but it is ill-trained and ill-equipped. Driving in Guyana
is hazardous because of very poor road surfaces; an almost total lack
of street lights; farm animals bedded down on or wandering by the roads;
and poor driving habits including speeding, reckless driving, tailgating,
quick stops without signaling, failure to dim headlights and weaving in
and out of traffic. Visitors should exercise caution at all times while
driving and limit driving at night as much as possible.
Penalties
for drivers involved in an accident resulting in injury or death are severe,
including life imprisonment. If involved in an accident, call 911 for
police and 913 for an ambulance. Police may be slow to respond and an
ambulance may not be immediately available.
Drivers
use the left side of the road in Guyana. There presently are no laws in
Guyana concerning use of seat belts or child car seats. Both drivers and
passengers on motorcycles must wear protective helmets that meet certain
specifications.
Mini-buses
(small twelve to fifteen-passenger vans) ply various routes both within
and between cities on no fixed schedule. Mini-bus drivers have come under
severe criticism by the government, press and private citizens for speeding,
aggressive and reckless driving, overloading of vehicles, poor vehicle
maintenance and repair, and offensive remarks directed at passengers.
Mini-buses have been involved in a number of fatal accidents.
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GUYANA CURRENCY & CAMBIOS
The Guyanese dollar (GYD) with a fluctuating exchange rate of US $1-195,
£ pounds sterling-275, Canadians $1- 120.
Cambios
are licensed currency exchange houses. Most Cambios are open from 8 am
to 5 pm and on Saturdays 8 am to 2 pm. It is important that you keep your
Cambio receipt, you will need to produce them to change Guyanese dollars
on departure.
Credit
Cards - Major credit cards and travellers cheques are accepted by most
hotels, restaurants, car rental agencies and tour operators. Foreign credit
cards cannot be used at ATM machines in Guyana.
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GUYANA SHOPPING
In the Markets or city centers you are sure to find the widest variety
of items at bargain prices be it jewelry, craft or souvenirs. Shopping
in Guyana is an adventure worth embarking upon as you discover unique
treasures that are Guyana's claim to fame. A vast number of boutiques,
jewelry and craft shops are available to be explored.
Regent
Street, the hub of Georgetown's shopping, has innumerable boutiques that
offer a wide variety of local, ethnic as well as international Fashions.
Shopping is not limited to Regent Street as the Vendor's Arcade contains
an assortment of nicks and knacks of the fashion world and includes cosmetics,
fragrances and an array of accessories.
A
Sunday morning trip to Parika market must be included on the list of shopping
areas to be visited, as it offers an unforgettable out of town shopping
experience. Located on the West Coast of Demerara, Parika Market presents
you with an amazing number of choices of souvenirs. Anything from a safety
pin to fruits to clothes and furniture can be obtained here
Next
on the list of necessary souvenirs is jewelry. Guyana has exquisite jewelers
who create one of a kind pieces that will fascinate you. Jewelry stores
like Kings jewelry Store in Quamina street , Correia's in Charlotte street
and L.Seepersaud and Sons in Stabroek Market showcase not only international
Designs but also local and ethnic designs as well.
Craft
Items are also supplied by the indigenous communities of the Rupununi,
such as the Wai Wais, Wapishianas and the Makushi Weavers Society. Craft
Items produced by these amerindians are unique and crafted by hand, the
designs being influenced by their traditions and beliefs Among the numerous
craft shops, the Hibiscus Plaza in front of the post office, is the ideal
place to obtain a range of craft items which include intricate beaded
jewelry, hand woven cloth and tibisiri hammocks and matapis (cassava juice
extractor).
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GUYANA TIPPING
Tipping: 10 per cent at hotels and restaurants.
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GUYANA PEOPLE
The original inhabitants of the territory were Amerindians. They number
approximately 45,000 and are divided into nine tribes : Arawaks, Warraus,
Caribs, Wapisianas, Arecunas, Akawaios, Macusis, Patamonas and Wai-Wais.
These tribes are scattered throughout Guyana inhabiting both forest and
savannah regions. Subsistence farming, basketry and craftwork are common
to all tribes.
Amerindian woman with baby in head sling.
During
the 18th and early 19th centuries slaves were brought in large numbers
from West Africa to work on the cotton and sugar plantations. When slavery
was abolished in 1834 the former slaves refused to work for their former
masters, even for wages. They left the plantations and established their
own village communities.
Immigrants
were therefore brought in to work, first from Europe (Germany, Malta and
Portugal), then China, and eventually in large numbers from India. Today
the country's population reflects its immigrant history with Africans,
East Indians, Chinese, Portuguese, Europeans, Amerindians, and a fascinating
mix of all these races - living side by side.
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GUYANA CLOTHING & ATTIRE
Lightweight, casual clothing is best through out the year (cotton). For
the mountains and interior trips good walking/hiking shoes, sturdy clothing
and rain gear are recommended.
Guyanese cuisine can be described as a culinary hybrid. The national dishes
originated from the various ethnic groups. Our favourite are; pepper pot
(indigenous), metagee (African) and curry (East Indian)
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GUYANA
SPORTS & ACTIVITIES
Fishing: The rivers and the interior abound in game fish, the best known
of which is the man-eating piranha (called locally perai). The most sought
after by the sportsman is the lucanni, a fish similar to the large-mouth
bass. Most of the interior rivers are difficult for the more casual visitor
to get to, but those who book in advance can reach them by air. Some of
the coastal rivers within reach of Georgetown are also good for fishing,
although it is wise to stay overnight in the fishing grounds, as the best
are four to five hours’ drive from the city. Fishing licences are
required.
Other:
Camping treks, hiking and whitewater rafting have become increasingly
popular over recent years. Horse riding is available at Manari Ranch in
the Rupununi Savannahs. Cricket and hockey are both popular, and the Bourda
is one of the most attractive cricket grounds in the area. Birdwatching
is also very good in some parts of the country.
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GUYANA TIME ZONE
Guyana Standard Time. 4 hours behind GMT and 1 hour ahead of EST.
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