French Guiana Travel Guide

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Social Conventions

Conservative casual wear is suitable almost everywhere. On beaches, modest beachwear is preferred.

International Travel

Getting There By Air

The national airline is Air Guyane (GG) (www.airguyane.com) but it only offers internal services. Air France (www.airfrance.com) operates flights to Cayenne from Paris. Other airlines serving the country include Air Canada (www.aircanada.com) and Surinam Airways.

Departure Tax

None.

Main Airports

Cayenne (CAY) (Rochambeau) is 15km (9 miles) southwest of the city. To/from the airport: Taxis are available to the city or hotel (journey time – 25 minutes). Facilities: Air conditioning, bars, banks/bureau de change, a newsagents and car hire.

Getting There By Water

Main ports: Cayenne, Kourou and St Laurent du Maroni. There are ferries across the Maroni River from St Laurent du Moroni to Albina (Surinam), from where there is a road to Paramaribo. Services also operate from St Georges to Oiapoque (Brazil) across the Oyapock River.

Getting There By Road

A road runs along the coast from Guyana through Surinam to French Guiana. There is an all-weather road connecting Cayenne with St Laurent, but it may be impassable in the rainy season. It is possible to drive from Cayenne to Paramaribo (Surinam), but it is safer to leave the car at St Laurent and take public transport (minibus) to Paramaribo. The Cayenne district is served by a good road system.

Duty Free

Overview

See France section.

Internal Travel

Getting Around By Air

Air Guyane serves the interior of the country from Cayenne, including Maripasoula, St Georges de l’Oyapock and Saül et Régina. Helicopters are available from Héli Inter Guyane (tel: 356 231) and Héli Union Guyane at Cayenne airport.

Getting Around By Water

There are numerous coastal and river transport services. Contact local authorities for information.

Getting Around By Road

Traffic drives on the right. There is a road along the coast from Cayenne to Kourou and beyond.

Bus: The city of Cayenne and its suburbs have a regular network of regular buses run by SMTC (tel: 302 100). There is a daily service from Cayenne to St Laurent du Maroni. Faster minibuses follow the same route. Bus services also operate along the coast. There are no bus services on Sundays.

Taxi: Available in Cayenne. Pick-up is from the Laussat Canal and the airport.

Car hire: Available at the airport or in Cayenne, Kourou and St Laurent from international and local firms.

Documentation: An International Driving Permit is recommended, although it is not legally required. An International Driving Permit will be required at car hire agencies from holders of driving licenses with characters that are not readable.