Guyana Travel Guide

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Shopping

Hibiscus Plaza outside the post office in Georgetown has a wide variety of local arts and crafts including straw hats, baskets, clay goblets and jewelry. On Sundays, the Parika Market, on the west coast of Demerara, sells a variety of goods and is worth a visit. Other shops sell Amerindian bows and arrows, hammocks, pottery and salad bowls. Government-run shops sell magnificent jewelry, utilizing local gold, silver, precious and semi-precious stones. Prices are very reasonable for the quality of the goods. It is absolutely essential to ensure that receipts and correct documentation are retained, otherwise visitors may experience difficulty when clearing customs.

Shopping hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1200 and 1300-1630, Sat 0800-1200.

Currency

Guyanese Dollar (GYD; symbol G$) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of G$1,000, 500, 100 and 20. Coins are in denominations of G$10, 5 and 1. US Dollars are widely accepted throughout Guyana.

Currency Exchange

Banks offer exchange facilities. Bureaux de change (cambios) offer free conversion of currencies.

Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and ATMs

American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are accepted by most larger hotels, restaurants, car hire and tour operators. Foreign credit cards cannot be used in Guyanian ATMs.

Travelers Checks

Accepted but not recommended for those who may wish to change money in a hurry. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travelers are advised to take traveler's checks in US Dollars. Visitors are advised to bring traveler's checks to cover the entirity of their stay.

Currency Restrictions

There are no restrictions on the import or export of local or foreign currency. However, amounts exceeding US$10,000 or equivalent must be declared.

Banking Hours

Mon-Fri 0800-1230 and Friday 1500-1700.

Exchange Rate