Group trips to Guyana

Guyana is in the Guyana Time Zone (GYT), which is 4 hours behind Coordinated Universal Time (UTC-4). Guyana does not observe daylight saving time.

• If it is 12pm in the UK, it will be 8am in Guyana.
• If it is 12pm in Eastern Standard Time (EST) in the USA, it will also be 12pm in Guyana since both are UTC-4.

Always double-check the current time difference before planning activities or calls.

Guyana uses the Guyanese dollar (GYD) as its currency. As for exchange rates:

• 1 GBP is roughly 280 GYD
• 1 USD is approximately 210 GYD
• 1 EUR is about 250 GYD

Rates can fluctuate, so it's a good idea to check closer to your travel dates. You can exchange currency at banks, some hotels, and official exchange bureaus in major cities.

In Guyana, you can pay using cash, credit cards, and sometimes even mobile payments. Credit cards like Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted in major cities and tourist areas, but it is always a good idea to carry some cash for smaller vendors or remote areas. ATMs are available, especially in urban centers, though they may not always be reliable, so it's wise to plan accordingly.

Tipping in Guyana is appreciated but not mandatory. In restaurants, leaving a tip of around 10 to 15 percent for good service is common. Hotel staff, such as porters or housekeepers, might expect a small tip for their services. Taxi drivers do not typically expect tips, but you can round up the fare if you’d like. Always check your bill, as some restaurants include a service charge.

In Guyana, internet access can be a bit limited, especially in rural areas. We recommend you buy a local SIM card or an e-SIM data plan for better connectivity. Local providers like Digicel and GTT offer various packages that you can choose from at the airport or city centers. Wi-Fi is available in hotels, cafes, and some public places in urban areas, but it might not be very fast or reliable. Having your own data plan ensures you're connected while exploring this beautiful country.

In Guyana, English is the official language, so you'll find it easy to communicate. However, you might also hear locals speaking Guyanese Creole, which is a mix of English with African, Indian, and Amerindian influences. Here are a few expressions you might come across:

• What's going on? - Wah di scene?
• How are you? - How yuh deh?
• Everything is okay - Everything cris
• Thank you - Tank yuh

Most people in Guyana understand English well, so you should have no problem getting around!

In Guyana, the plugs used are types A and B, similar to those in the United States. The electrical voltage is 240V with a frequency of 60Hz. If you're coming from a country that uses different plug types, such as European countries or the UK, we suggest you bring a universal adapter to ensure your devices can be plugged in properly.

The main religion in Guyana is Christianity, with a significant number of Hindus and Muslims as well. In terms of religious holidays:

• Christmas and Easter are widely observed by Christians.
• Diwali is a major festival for Hindus.
• Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha are significant for Muslims.

Guyana is known for its religious diversity and tolerance, so you will find various religious sites and celebrations throughout the country.

When packing for a trip to Guyana, think about the warm, tropical climate and potential rain. Here’s what you might want to pack in your backpack:

• Clothing:
  • Lightweight long-sleeve shirts
  • T-shirts
  • Shorts
  • Light rain jacket
  • Swimwear
• Shoes:
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Sandals
  • Water shoes
• Accessories and Technology:
  • Sunhat
  • Sunglasses
  • Insect repellent
  • Power bank
  • Camera
• Toiletries and Medication:
  • Sunscreen
  • Basic toiletries like shampoo, toothpaste
  • Antihistamines
  • Pain relievers like ibuprofen
  • Anti-diarrheal medicine

Consider the humid weather and pack materials that dry quickly. Also, it's a good idea to bring some mosquito repellent due to the tropical environment.

Guyana's weather is tropical, so it's warm and humid throughout the year. However, there are variations depending on the region:

• Coastal areas: Expect temperatures around 24°C to 31°C (75°F to 88°F), with the wet season from May to mid-August and a shorter rainy spell from mid-November to January.
• Interior regions: Can be hotter, with temperatures reaching up to 35°C (95°F), and similar rainy seasons.

The best time to visit is during the dry seasons, from February to April and from August to October, for more comfortable travel conditions.