GUYANA AT A GLANCE
LOCATION
Guyana is a nation state situated on the Atlantic Ocean, to the North of Equator, in the tropics. Sited on the mainland of South America, it stands bordered by Suriname in the east, Brazil in the south and southwest and Venezuela in the west.
GEOGRAPHY
At 83,000 square miles, Guyana is the third smallest independent state on the mainland of South America and the fourth smallest political entity. The country can be divided into four natural regions: a narrow and fertile marshy plain along the Atlantic coast (low coastal plain) where most of the population lives; a white sand belt more inland (hilly sand and clay region), containing most of Guyana’s mineral deposits; the dense rain forests (forested highland region) in the middle of the country; the grassy flat savanna in the south; and the larger interior highlands interior savannah) consisting mostly of mountains that gradually rise to the Brazilian border. The Country’s coastline lies 1 to 1.5 meters below sea level at hide tide. The most valuable deposits are bauxite, gold & diamonds. The main rivers are Demerara, Essequibo and Berbice.
CLIMATE
The local climate is tropical and generally hot and humid, though moderated by northeast trade winds along the coast. There are two rainy seasons in the north of the country; the first from May to mid-August and the second from mid-November to mid-January. The south and the Rupununi region receive one wet season from May to July. All wet seasons may extend into months either side.
ECONOMY
The main economic activities in Guyana are Agriculture (production of Rice and Demerara Sugar), Bauxite Mining, Gold Mining, Timber, Shrimp Fishing and Minerals, Clothing, Lightweight, Casual clothing can be worn throughout the year.
INTERNET
Internet service is available nationally from various independent providers. Service is also available in hotels and at the many Internet Cafés, which have been established around the country. There are also “Hot Spots” in various locations around the country where Internet connection can be obtained.
LANGUAGE
The official language is English, often spoken with a Caribbean Creole flavour.
POPULATION
The population of Guyana is approximately 780,000, of which 90% reside on the narrow coastal
strip (approximately 10% of the total land area of Guyana).
TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Guyana’s Country code is 592, followed by a seven-digit number, for all areas of the country.
Direct dialling is available from Guyana to any country in the world.
TIME ZONE
Four hours behind GMT; one hour ahead of EST.
VOLTAGE
110v in Georgetown, 220v in most other places, including parts of suburban Georgetown.
ENTRY REQUIEMENTS
All visitors require a valid passport. Those arriving by air require 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,
and USA. Visitors are advised to check with the nearest Guyana Embassy or Consulate or their
travel agent.
TRANSPORTATION
Georgetown is well served with taxis, which operate throughout the city and to other urban
centres. Taxis are easy to find outside most hotels and throughout Georgetown (e.g. Stabroek
Market & Avenue of the Republic). There are fixed fares for most distances; check in advance.
Most trips within Georgetown are approximately GY$500.00; private taxis are arranged
through your hotel or by calling one of the numerous taxis services.
In the interior, you may use many forms of transport depending on your itinerary. From the
small interior airstrip, travel is then normally by four wheel drive jeep or truck, mini bus, boat,
horse or bullock cart or a mixture of these.
The trails (non-asphalted) in the interior can be extremely difficult and seem impassable.
However, drivers are very experienced and are normally able to pass through flooded creeks and
seemingly long stretches of road.
Boat travel in Guyana is frequently used and is in general a comfortable mode of transport. It
offers an opportunity to observe the wildlife and scenery whilst moving between locations.
Travel in Guyana is part of the experience and adventure and can be a component of the
highlights of the trip. However, the nature of the often difficult travel can mean there may be
delays due to mechanical breakdown, weather, a flooded river and other unforeseeable
circumstances. Due to these incidences, having a patient disposition is an advantage as it may be
necessary to wait, whilst individuals deal with the situation.
AIR TRAVEL
Guyana’s International Airport, named after the late President Cheddi Jagan, is at Timehri, 25
miles/40km south of Georgetown. Flights from Europe are routed through Antigua, Barbados,
or Trinidad. There are direct flights from Miami, New York, Toronto, Brazil, Suriname, French
Guiana, Barbados, Trinidad and Curacao. Outward flights should be reconfirmed prior to
departure.
DOMESTIC AIR SERVICES & CHARTERS
Internal flights and charters originate from the Eugene F. Correia International Airport (which
is much closer to the City) to the many interior landing strips across the country and also to
neighbouring countries.
DEPARTURE TAX
There is an exit tax of GY$5,000.00. This can be paid in Guyana dollars, US Dollars & Pounds
Sterling. When departing from Eugene F. Correia International Airport, the departure tax is
GY$3,500.00. Effective February 1, 2017, this cost will be included in the ticket cost.
DRIVING
Driving and riding are on the left. Obey all traffic signs and advisories. Use seat belt at all times.
A driver’s permit can be obtained from the Customs Department at the Cheddi Jagan
International Airport upon submission of your valid driver’s license.
WATER
It is advisable to use bottled water for drinking purposes as the water from the taps might be
brownish in colour. Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration as the sun can be very hot and
the areas can get very heated. Normally a complimentary bottle or two of water is offered at the
interior lodges after which you pay for subsequent bottles. Bottled water is also offered at most
Hotel properties in the City.
FOOD
With a combination of different ethnic influences, the food offered in Guyana can be enticing
and scrumptious. It is advisable that you inform the kitchen of your dietary requirements so that
appropriate food can be supplied, this is especially important if travelling to the Interior.
BANKING HOURS
Mondays to Thursdays: 8:00h – 14:00h
Fridays: 8:00h – 14:30h
Banks are closed on National Holidays and some are closed during the weekend.
CURRENCY
The unit is the Guyanese dollar. Exchange rate is adjusted regularly and rates vary from hotels
to banks to cambios. The current exchange rate is US$1 – GY$205. Cash and travellers cheques
can be exchanged in hotels, banks and cambios.
CREDIT CARDS
Credit Cards are not widely accepted and you should check prior to using the service. Most
major hotels and some restaurants will accept credit cards. Kindly note, some places have a
service charge on credit cards.
EMERGENCY NUMBERS
Police: 911
Fire: 912
Ambulance: 913
NATIONAL FLOWER
Victoria Amazonica
NATIONAL BIRD
Hoatzin (commonly referred to as the Canje Pheasant)
NATIONAL ANIMAL
Jaguar
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
New Year’s Day January 1
Republic Day and Mashramani Festival February 23
Good Friday Usually March/April
Easter Monday Usually March/April
Labour Day May 1
Arrival Day May 5
Independence Day May 26
Caricom Day First Monday in July
Emancipation Day August 1
Christmas Day December 25
Boxing Day December 26
Hindu and Muslim holidays follow a lunar calendar and dates of holidays are sometimes
announced during the Calendar year.
Phagwah Usually March/April
Eid ul Fitr End of Ramadan
El ul Adha
Youman Nabi
Diwali Usually October/November
SAFETY
Like any city, certain areas are not particularly safe, especially after dark. Ask Hotel Reception,
your Guide or Tour Operator for guidance on these matters. We encourage you to exercise
caution when travelling as you would in your own home country. In general, you will find
Guyanese to be extremely friendly and helpful. Don’t be surprised if you find locals wishing to
talk with you and offering assistance. In the interior and at resorts it is secure and safe and you
will be able to completely relax without any concerns.
WEIGHT RESTRICTIONS
Local domestic flights have weight restrictions. So your combined body and baggage weights are
calculated to ensure the flight does not exceed the maximum payload. The airline will weigh you
and your luggage at check-in. This means the airlines allow only 9kgs (20lbs) of baggage per
customer. Whilst this may seem a small amount, you do not need a lot for the interior and most
properties provide a laundry service, often complimentary. The airline will accept excess
baggage, subject to availability at check-in. Cost is approximately US$0.75 per pound.
ISSUES
Should you encounter any issues or problems, whether it is illness or displeasure with the
service at the properties/locations you visit, we suggest you contact your hosts. They should be
able to rectify any issues that you may encounter.
If you are simply unsatisfied with the results, we advise you to contact the Guyana Tourism
Authority on 592 219 0094-6 or via email at info@guyana-tourism.com.
FILMING
If you intend on filming in the destination, permits and permission from institutions/villages
are required before commencing. A film application form must be filled out by the interested
party and submitted along with the film proposal, a complete list of equipment, bio data on all
travelling personnel and insurance policies. The interested party must also submit a completed
Scientific and/or Commercial Research application form to the Environmental Protection
Agency with requisite fees.
If the interested party is filming in local Amerindian villages/communities, permission must be
sought from the Toshaos of these villages and the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs.
Permission must also be sought from Government or Private Businesses to film heritage
buildings, institutions, public buildings, etc.
VACCINES
Yellow Fever – Required if traveling from a country with risk of Yellow Fever Vaccine (YFV)
transmission and less than one (1) year of age, including transit in an airport located in a country with risk of YFV transmission. For a complete list of countries who require YFV please
check: http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2016/infectious-diseases-related-totravel/yellow-fever#4728
Malaria – Most of the areas you will visit especially in the Interior will have no malaria.
However it is recommended to take malaria prophylactics as a precaution. You will no doubt
consult your physician prior to departure. Beds in the interior are netted with speciality fitted
mosquito nets.
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