Guyana🇬🇾
Guyana, officially the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, is located on the northern mainland of South America and is considered part of the Caribbean region due to its strong cultural, historical, and political ties with other Caribbean countries. Guyana shares its borders with Brazil to the south and southwest, Suriname to the east, Venezuela to the west, and it's bathed by the Atlantic Ocean to the north. It is known for its dense rainforest, rich wildlife, and diverse culture influenced by Indigenous peoples, African, Indian, Chinese, and European ancestors. The capital, Georgetown, is famous for its British colonial architecture, including tall, painted-timber St. George’s Anglican Cathedral. The Kaieteur Falls, which is about four times higher than Niagara Falls, is a must-visit attraction.
⚠️Things you should avoid⚠️
- Avoid displaying valuable items such as expensive watches or jewelry in public as this may attract unwanted attention.
- Avoid using minibuses. They are often driven recklessly and are frequently involved in accidents.
- Avoid demonstrating or participating in political events or large public gatherings as they can turn violent.
- Avoid tap water and ensure the food you consume is properly cooked and hygienic.
- Avoid leaving your belongings unattended as theft is common.
- Avoid walking alone at night, especially in poorly lit or deserted areas.
- Avoid visiting the disputed border regions with Venezuela and Suriname.
- Avoid illegal activities such as drug trafficking. Penalties are severe and include lengthy imprisonment.
- Avoid disregarding local customs and traditions. Be respectful of Guyanese norms to avoid offending locals.
- Avoid going off the beaten path in the rainforest without a guide due to risks of dangerous wildlife and getting lost.
Overall
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Crime 🔫
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Guyana has a moderately high crime rate, with common crimes including murder, assault, theft, and robbery. Georgetown, particularly the areas of South Georgetown, Tiger Bay, and Albouystown, experiences the highest crime rates. The crime situation is exacerbated by insufficient police resources and corruption within law enforcement agencies.
Terrorism 💣
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The risk of terrorism in Guyana is relatively low. There have been no significant terrorism-related incidents or activities recorded in recent history. However, potential travelers should remain vigilant and follow the advice of local authorities and news sources.
War ⚔️
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Guyana is currently at peace and does not have any active conflicts or wars. The country has longstanding territorial disputes with Venezuela and Suriname, but these have not escalated into military conflict. The last significant conflict was a rebellion in the 1960s.
Natural Disasters 🌊
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Guyana is prone to natural disasters, particularly flooding during the rainy seasons which can result in significant loss of life and property. The country is also at risk for seismic activity. A significant natural disaster was the 2005 flood, which affected 275,000 people and caused extensive economic damage.
Medical Care 🏥
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Medical facilities in Guyana are limited, especially outside of urban areas. Emergency service response is unreliable, and cases requiring critical care often need to be airlifted to another country. While local pharmacies are generally well-stocked, it is advisable to bring essential medicines.
Tap Water Quality 💧
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Tap water in Guyana is not considered safe to drink. It is advised to drink bottled or purified water and avoid ice cubes made from tap water. Despite efforts to improve the water system, water quality remains inconsistent due to lacking infrastructure.
Disease Burden 🤒
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Guyana has a high disease burden, particularly of vector-borne diseases such as dengue fever, malaria, and zika virus. HIV/AIDS also poses a significant health concern. Despite efforts to control these diseases, they remain prevalent due to socio-economic conditions and lack of healthcare infrastructure.
Corruption 💸
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Corruption is a serious issue in Guyana, impacting many sectors including law enforcement and public services. Transparency International's Corruption Perceptions Index for 2021 ranked Guyana 94 out of 180 countries, indicating a relatively high level of perceived public sector corruption.
Safety for Women ♀️
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While the constitution of Guyana provides for gender equality, women face challenges including violence and discrimination. Sexual harassment and domestic violence are notable issues. Authorities are often slow to prosecute offenders, and services to assist victims are limited.
Safety for Queer People 👬
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The LGBTQ+ community in Guyana faces legal challenges not experienced by non-LGBT residents. Same-sex sexual activity is legal now, but discrimination in numerous areas including healthcare, employment, and education remains prevalent. Social attitudes are slowly shifting, but widespread prejudice persists.
Censorship 📺
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Media and speech are generally free in Guyana, with the government usually respecting these rights. There is a diverse range of print and broadcast outlets that express a wide variety of views without major restriction. However, some self-censorship happens, typically to avoid reprisal from influential figures.
Public Transportation 🚌
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Public transportation in Guyana includes minibuses and taxis, and for remote areas, ferries and small aircraft. However, safety standards are variable and accidents are common. Minibuses are especially known for their reckless driving and high incidence of accidents.
Other useful information
🔒 How safe is it?
Guyana's safety situation is a mixed bag and varies significantly depending on the region and context. While violent crime and corruption are prevalent, particularly in urban areas, the risk of terrorism is low and there are no ongoing conflicts. Attention must be given to health risks, particularly vector-borne diseases. Public transport and road safety are concerns. Overall, while it is possible to have a safe and enjoyable visit to Guyana, travelers must take precautions to mitigate these risks.
🏰 Embassies in this Country
Many countries have embassies in Guyana's capital, Georgetown, including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Brazil and China.
💉 Recommended Vaccinations
The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Guyana: Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, Yellow Fever, Rabies, Meningitis, Polio, Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR), Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis), Chickenpox, Shingles, Pneumonia, and Influenza.
🐍 Dangerous Animals
Guyana is home to several dangerous animals including poison dart frogs, anacondas, piranhas, jaguars, and various species of poisonous snakes. It is important to exercise caution when trekking in the rainforest and to avoid swimming in certain rivers.
💂 Visa Requirements
Visa requirements for Guyana vary depending on the country. Citizens of the US, Canada, UK, and several other countries do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days. For longer stays or for residents of other countries, a visa may be required.
💲 Currency
The official currency is the Guyanese dollar (GYD). Cash is widely used, and ATM availability is quite good in urban areas, albeit less so in rural areas.
💳 Credit Card Acceptance
Credit cards are accepted in many hotels, restaurants and shops in the capital, Georgetown, and other larger towns. However, many places in Guyana operate on a cash-only basis, particularly in rural areas, so it's wise to always carry some cash.
🧑🏭 Is it possible to work and travel in this country?
Work and travel opportunities in Guyana are somewhat limited. The main industries in Guyana are agriculture, mining, and forestry, which may not be ideal for temporary work. Some may find opportunities in teaching English or in the hospitality and tourism industries.
💵 Cost of Travel and Living
Living and travel costs in Guyana are relatively low compared to North American and European countries. However, goods and services aimed at tourists, such as hotels and guided tours, can be more expensive.