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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.

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


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.


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.


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.

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).


GUYANA TIPPING

Tipping: 10 per cent at hotels and restaurants.


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)


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.



GUYANA TIME ZONE

Guyana Standard Time. 4 hours behind GMT and 1 hour ahead of EST.

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