VISITOR'S GUIDE

Time

GMT minus four hours.

Geography

A plain about 15km wide runs along the 320km northern (Atlantic) coast and extends west into Venezuela and east into Suriname. This strip, which lies some 1.5 metres below sea level and is protected by a system of dykes, is intensively farmed and contains 90 per cent of the population. To the south of this area the land is mountainous, heavily forested and covered with a network of fast-flowing rivers with numerous rapids and falls, including the Kaietur Falls on the Potaro River which is seven times higher than Niagara. There are substantial reserves of bauxite, gold and diamonds in this area. To the south-west along the border with Venezuela is a region of upland savannah, the Rupununi, where the rest of the population, predominantly Amerindian, engages in limited agriculture and cattle-raising.

Climate

The climate is tropical, with a mean monthly temperature of 26–28 degrees Celsius (C) throughout the year on the coast (28 degrees C in the interior). Temperatures of above 32 degrees C or below 24 degrees C at any time of day or any season are rare. Rainfall is between 200–280mm per year on the coast, mainly in two sharply defined wet seasons, May to August and November to January. In the south there is a single rainy season from April to September, but rainfall is lower – averaging 150mm per year.

Dress codes

Among local businessmen the shirtjac suit – based upon a civilian version of the bush jacket – is widely worn in preference to the traditional business suit. It is perfectly acceptable to wear an open-necked shirt without a jacket on all but the most formal of occasions, but shorts are frowned upon.

Entry requirements

Required by all and valid for at least six months beyond intended stay.

Visas are required by all, except nationals of North America, Western Europe, Australasia, some Asian and all Caricom countries. For full details see: www.guyana.org/govt/visa_requirements.html.

The import and export of local currency is limited to G$200. The import of foreign currency is unlimited, subject to declaration on arrival; export is limited to amount declared.

Health (for visitors)

A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if arriving from an infected area.

Vaccination against yellow fever is encouraged for travellers to rural areas. There is a risk of malaria in some areas of the interior, and adequate precautions should be taken. Water in urban areas is chlorinated, but typhoid is a risk in rural areas so drinking water should be boiled; bottled water is widely available. Dairy products are likely to be made from unpasteurised milk.

Various hepatitis strains are common. B and D stains are endemic in the Amazon basin and precautions are necessary. Tropical parasites, TB, and dengue fever all occur in certain areas. Professional advice concerning precautions should be sort before travelling to Guyana.

Hospital conditions may not match those in developed countries; health insurance, including repatriation is recommended. Travellers should carry enough prescription and medical supplies for the duration of their stay.

Hotels

Hotels are available in Georgetown, Linden and New Amsterdam. Rooms are generally in short supply. A 10 per cent tip is usual.

Public holidays (national)

1 Jan (New Year's Day), 23 Feb (Republic Day), 1 May (Labour Day), 5 May (Arrival Day), 26 May (Independence Day), 25–26 Dec (Christmas).

When a public holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday is taken as the holiday.

Holi (Hindu, Mar), Good Friday, Easter Monday, Caricom Day (first Mon in Jul), Liberty Day (first Mon in Aug), Diwali (Hindu, Oct/Nov), Eid al Adha, Birth of the Prophet.

Hindu and Muslim festivals are timed according to local sightings of various phases of the moon.

Working hours

Mon–Thu: 0800–1230; Fri: 0800–1230, 1500–1700.

Mon–Thu: 0800–1600; Fri: 0800–1200.

Mon–Thu: 0800–1200, 1300–1630; Fri: 0800–1200, 1300–1530.

Mon–Fri: 0800–1130, 1300–1600; Sat: 0800–1130.

Telecommunications

Electricity supply

Electricity supply is not standardised; Georgetown generally 110V AC 60Hz, but some supplies are 220V AC, 50Hz. Elsewhere supply is 110V AC at either 50 or 60 cycles.

Weights and measures

The metric system is official, but imperial measures are often preferred.

Social customs/useful tips

Business is often conducted in a relaxed atmosphere and an emphasis is placed upon personal contact. At the same time, careful observance of polite formalities such as handshaking and formal use of titles (such as Mr, etc) is appreciated. All officials should be treated with careful respect. Attention to detail in the making and keeping of appointments is also appreciated, although punctuality may not be reciprocated.

Invitations to the homes of business contacts are regularly offered since Guyanese pride themselves upon their hospitality. It is customary for visitors to return the invitation in a hotel or to a restaurant.

Hotel and restaurant staff and taxi drivers customarily receive a 10 per cent tip; airport porters are tipped by the bag.

Security

The streets of Georgetown can be unsafe after dark due to street robbery, and the use of taxis is recommended. Ostentatious display of wealth such as expensive wristwatches or jewellery and the carrying of large amounts of cash should be avoided. As in all cities, it is unwise to leave articles unattended in parked cars or hotel rooms.

Getting there

Cheddi Jagan International Airport (GEO), 40km from Georgetown; bank, duty free, restaraunts and car hire.

G$4,000 for international departures; not applicable to transit passengers.

A coastal road runs from the Suriname border to Georgetown, via a ferry across the Berbice River at New Amsterdam.

Entry from Brazil is possible at Lethem where international border controls are in place. A bridge being constructed across the Takutu river will eventually connect Bonfim in Roraima State (Brazil) to Lethem. There are unsealed roads in current use. There are no road connections to Venezuela.

There is a ferry service between Guyana-Suriname.

Georgetown, New Amsterdam and Springlands.

Getting about

Air travel is the only efficient method of reaching the interior of the country.

Trans Guyana Airways operates both regional and interior flights, but occasionally permits are needed from the ministry of the interior for non-nationals. Early booking is essential.

Charter facilities are available at Georgetown. Larger towns and mining companies have airports or landing strips.

There are all-weather, asphalt roads along the coast and some brick roads inland. A coastal road links Georgetown, Rossignol, New Amsterdam and the Suriname border. Another coast road runs west from Georgetown, via the Demerara River, to Parika. A sealed highway to the Brazilian border via Lethem is in the initial stage of construction; only unsealed roads exist currently.

Buses are operated privately and run regularly and are generally reliable (although crowded). Services run along the coast. Private tapir minibuses, mine buses and bush buses (into the interior) are also available.

There is no passenger rail service, although some mining companies have private goods lines.

Passenger and cargo vessels travel up the Demerara, Essequibo and Berbice rivers, and also along the coast between the rivers. Ferries link Parika-Bartica on the Essequibo River; Rosignol-New Amsterdam on the Berbice River; Corriverton-Suriname on the Corentyne River. These services include New Amsterdam-Ituni, Georgetown-Bartica, Rosignol-New Amsterdam. River taxis (small wooden boats) service the same areas as the ferries. The taxis are faster and more expensive, they may also be chartered.

Taxis are widely available in major towns and can be found on ranks. They have standard fares for inner city journeys; fares for longer trips should be negotiated in advance. A 10 per cent tip is usual.

For early morning flights from Timehri, make taxi arrangements the previous day.

Car hire facilities are limited. They are available in Georgetown but must be booked well in advance. An international driving licence is required. Traffic drives on the left.