Group trips to French Guiana

French Guiana is in the French Guiana Time Zone (GFT), which is 3 hours behind Coordinated Universal Time (UTC-3). It does not observe daylight saving time. So, if it's 12pm in the UK, it will be 8am in French Guiana. If it's 12pm on the East Coast of the USA, it will be 1pm in French Guiana. Keep in mind that French Guiana stays on the same time year-round, so no need to worry about any clock changes!

The currency used in French Guiana is the Euro (EUR). Since it's an overseas department of France, you can easily exchange currency at banks and currency exchange offices. The exchange rate is approximately:

• 1 GBP to 1.15 EUR
• 1 USD to 0.95 EUR
• 1 EUR is equal to itself, of course

There are also ATMs available in most towns where you can withdraw Euros directly.

In French Guiana, you can pay using credit and debit cards, which are widely accepted in most places, including restaurants, hotels, and shops. However, some small businesses and markets may prefer cash, so it's a good idea to have some on hand. ATMs are available in urban areas, allowing you to withdraw cash if needed. Keep in mind that French Guiana uses the euro, so any cash withdrawals will be in euros.

Tipping in French Guiana is not mandatory, but it's appreciated for good service. In restaurants, a service charge is often included in the bill, so check first. If you want to leave a tip, you can round up the bill or leave a small amount, like 5 to 10 percent, for exceptional service. For taxis, rounding up the fare is common, and for hotel staff, a couple of euros is a nice gesture.

In French Guiana, you might find that Wi-Fi isn't as widespread as in other places, especially in rural areas. It's generally available in hotels and some cafes in larger towns, but not always reliable. For a more consistent connection, we recommend you buy a local SIM card or an e-SIM data plan. Some popular providers include:

• Orange
• Digicel
• SFR

This will ensure you stay connected, particularly if you're traveling outside main urban areas.

In French Guiana, the official language is French. However, you'll also hear several other languages and dialects spoken due to the diverse population. Here are some useful French phrases you might come across:

• Hello: Bonjour
• Thank you: Merci
• Please: S'il vous plaît
• Excuse me: Excusez-moi
• Do you speak English?: Parlez-vous anglais?

These phrases can be handy for basic communication during your travels.

In French Guiana, they use Type C and Type E plugs. The voltage is 220-240V, and the frequency is 50Hz. If you're traveling from the UK, USA, or other European countries, you might need a universal adapter to ensure your devices can be plugged in properly. Be sure to check your devices' voltage compatibility to avoid any damage.

In French Guiana, the main religion is Christianity, with a majority of the population being Roman Catholic. The region also has a diverse mix of other religious beliefs, including Protestantism, Hinduism, and indigenous beliefs.

Important religious holidays include:

• Christmas on December 25th
• Easter, which follows the Christian calendar, typically falling on a Sunday between March 22 and April 25

Keep in mind that during these holidays, you might find some businesses and services closed or operating on reduced hours.

Packing for French Guiana requires a bit of preparation due to its tropical climate and diverse landscapes. Here's a handy list of essentials for your backpack:

• Clothing:
  • Lightweight shirts
  • Shorts
  • Long pants (for protection against insects)
  • Light rain jacket
  • Swimwear
• Shoes:
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Sandals
  • Water shoes (for river activities)
• Accessories and technology:
  • Sun hat
  • Sunglasses
  • Waterproof phone case
  • Camera
  • Portable charger
• Toiletries and medication:
  • Sunscreen
  • Insect repellent
  • Personal hygiene items
  • Basic first-aid kit
  • Common travel medication like pain relievers, antihistamines, and anti-diarrheal tablets

This list should help you prepare for the adventure and natural beauty of French Guiana.

French Guiana has a tropical climate, so expect warm temperatures and high humidity year-round.

• Coastal areas: Rainy season from December to July with heavy showers, dry season from August to November. Temperatures hover around 25-30°C (77-86°F).
• Interior regions: More consistent rainfall throughout the year, temperatures slightly cooler than the coast.

The best time to visit is during the dry season, from August to November, for less rain and more sunshine.