French Guiana🇬🇫
French Guiana is located on the North Atlantic coast of South America, bordered by Brazil and Suriname to the west and south. Known for its verdant rainforests and diverse wildlife, French Guiana is renowned for its rich biodiversity. It hosts the European Space Agency's main South American spaceport which has been the site of numerous satellite and space probe launches. The country's dramatic landscapes, from extensive mangroves along the coastline to the ancient Tumuc-Humac mountains, make it a unique destination for nature lovers. Whether exploring the bustling markets of capital city Cayenne or navigating the mysterious waterways of the Maroni River, there's always a new experience waiting in French Guiana.
⚠️Things you should avoid⚠️
- Avoid traveling alone at night, especially in isolated areas.
- Stay away from illegal activities as law enforcement agencies are strict and punishments can be stern.
- During the rainy season, be careful of potential flooding, especially in costal regions.
- Avoid not adhering to local customs and traditions. It's important to respect local culture.
- Avoid not staying updated with local news and weather forecasts, to stay informed about potential risks in the area.
- In areas with a higher rate of crime, remain vigilant of your belongings and avoid displaying expensive items.
- Avoid drinking tap water in remote or rural areas where water quality can be compromised.
- Avoid not using insect repellent, especially in rural areas during mosquito breeding seasons.
- Avoid consuming undercooked food or unpasteurized dairy products that could pose health risks.
- Avoid not planning your travel routes ahead of time, particularly in remote locations.
Overall
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Crime 🔫
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French Guiana has a moderate level of crime, particularly in areas such as the port city of St. Laurent du Maroni and the capital, Cayenne. Mostly, incidents are confined to theft, burglary, and petty crime. In recent years, there has been an increase in crime rates due to economic instability, with high unemployment rates contributing to the issue.
Terrorism 💣
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There is a relatively low risk of terrorism in French Guiana. There have been no significant terrorist incidents reported in the country in the past years. Its relatively secluded geographical location, combined with strict law enforcement, helps maintain a low threat level.
War ⚔️
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French Guiana has not been involved in any military conflicts or wars in recent history. As an overseas region of France, it is a part of a stable European country with an effective and professional military defense system.
Natural Disasters 🌊
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French Guiana is vulnerable to extreme weather events like heavy rainfall and thunderstorms, especially during the rainy season from December through July. Flooding can occur, particularly in coastal areas. The country is, however, not prone to seismic activity or major hurricanes.
Medical Care 🏥
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Medical facilities in French Guiana offer a good standard of care, particularly in larger towns and cities like Cayenne. However, remote areas might have limited to no medical services. France's healthcare system supports the domestic medical infrastructure, but facilities may be overwhelmed during infectious disease outbreaks.
Tap Water Quality 💧
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In most urban areas, tap water is treated and safe to drink. However, in rural or remote areas, it is advisable to drink bottled or boiled water due to possible contamination of local water sources.
Disease Burden 🤒
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The risk of infectious diseases is elevated due to tropical climate of French Guiana. Mosquito-borne illnesses like dengue fever and Zika virus pose significant challenges. Malaria is also present mainly in rural areas.
Corruption 💸
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While problems related to corruption exist, French Guiana has a functional law enforcement system in place to combat it. As a part of France, the country operates under French law and regulatory norms which are stringently enforced.
Safety for Women ♀️
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Women travel safely in French Guiana, but it's recommended to exercise normal precautionary measures such as avoiding late-night travel alone, and keeping valuables secure.
Safety for Queer People 👬
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While French Guiana is generally tolerant, social attitudes toward LGBTQ+ individuals can vary. There have been few reported instances of discrimination or violence against LGBTQ+ individuals.
Censorship 📺
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Freedom of expression and the press is assured in French Guiana under the French Constitution. There have been no recent incidents of censorship in the country.
Public Transportation 🚌
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Public transportation, including busses and taxis, is available in the major cities, but might be less frequent in rural areas. French Guiana's road network is fairly developed, making travel relatively safe and efficient.
Other useful information
🔒 How safe is it?
French Guiana is generally safe for travelers, with crime generally limited to theft and petty crimes. It's advised to stay vigilant, especially in urban cities. Natural risks such as the presence of vector-borne diseases should be considered, and necessary precautions like vaccination and use of insect repellents are advised.
🏰 Embassies in this Country
As an overseas region of France, French Guiana does not host any embassies. For consular issues of other countries, one would need to contact the relevant embassy in mainland France.
💉 Recommended Vaccinations
Recommended vaccinations for travel to French Guiana include hepatitis A, hepatitis B, Typhoid, Yellow Fever, Rabies, Meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.
🐍 Dangerous Animals
While French Guiana features many exotic animals such as jaguars, tapirs, and various species of snakes, most pose little threat to humans. A notable exception is the deadly Fer-de-lance snake, which should be avoided if encountered.
🛂 Visa Requirements
As part of the French Republic, the same visa policies apply as for mainland France. Some nations are exempt from visa requirements for short stays, while others must apply for a visa before traveling.
💲 Currency
The currency in French Guiana is the Euro (€). Currency exchange services are available at several locations in major cities, including airports.
💳 Credit Card Acceptance
Credit cards are widely accepted throughout French Guiana, in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops. Smaller establishments or in rural areas, may have limited acceptance.
🧑🏭 Is it possible to work and travel in this country?
Work and travel is possible in French Guiana. It's advisable to secure work documentation and comply with local laws. Opportunities may be found in areas such as ecotourism, teaching English, and in health-related fields.
💵 Cost of Travel and Living
The cost of living in French Guiana is moderately high, comparable to mainland France. However, budget to mid-range travel can be achieved with careful planning.