GUYANA PRACTICALITIES

Facts & Figures

Population: 780,000 approx.

Area: 214,970 sq. km. (83,000 sq. mls.) Approximately the size of Britain.

Population Density: 3.4 per sq. km.

Coastline: 459 km.

Land Boundaries: 2,462 km.

Languages

Guyana is South America’s only Englishspeaking country. Some Amerindian communities also speak their indigenous language. Creole, which is a pidgin English, is also widely spoken.

Geography

The country has four distinctive geographical zones: the coastal belt, the forested area, the savannah zone and the sandy zone. Over 80% of the land mass is still covered in pristine forest, and only 2.5% is cultivated. The most valuable mineral deposits are bauxite, gold and diamonds.

Location

Guyana lies on the north-east corner of the South American continent between latitudes 1° and 9° N and longitude 56° and 62° W. Western border with Venezuela. South Western and Southern border with Brazil. Eastern border with Suriname.

National Flower

Victoria Amazonia (formerly known as Victoria Regia)

National Bird

Hoatzin, locally known as Canje Pheasant

Climate

Mean shade temperature is 27°C. Mean maximum is 31°C. Mean minimum is 24°C The heat is greatly tempered by cooling breezes from the sea.

There are two wet seasons in the north of the country, from May to June, and from December to January. The south and the Rupununi region receive one wet season from May to July. All wet seasons may extend into months either side. Rainfall averages 2,300 mm a year in Georgetown.

Time Zone

Guyana is four hours behind GMT; one hour ahead of EST.

Clothing

Most people wear casual, comfortable clothing and formal attire is only required at official functions. Shorts and sandals are acceptable even during the evening apart from the more upscale restaurants. In the interior dress is always casual and informal. Comfortable walking shoes or boots and sandals.The sun can be very hot, and it is recommended that you wear sun screen, sun glasses and a hat.

Power

In Georgetown it is predominately 110 volts, though some areas also have 220 volts. In the interior power is by generator only and is 110 volts.

Visa’s

The following countries do not need a visa : Commonwealth countries, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Korea, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and the USA.

Currency

The unit is the Guyanese dollar. There are notes for $20, $100, $500, and $1,000. Coins are for $1, $5 and $10.

Exchange

Exchange rate adjusted regularly. Indicative rate for 2002 is US$1.00 = G$185.00. Cash and travelers cheques can be exchanged in hotels, banks and cambios. Cambios normally offer the best exchange rate. Wilderness Explorers can assist in identifying best cambios to use. For clients arriving in the evening and departing early the following morning we can have local currency available on arrival. We need to know in advance the currency and amount clients wish to exchange to ensure we have correct amount available on arrival.

Credit Cards

Credit cards are not widely accepted and you should check prior to using the service. Most major hotels and some restaurants will accept credit cards

Departure Tax

G$2,500.00 (US$14.00 approx.)

Taxis

An “H” on the number plate identifies taxis. Taxis do not have meters, but have set fares for a route. A short trip around Georgetown should cost approximately US$1.20 or US$4.50 an hour. It is recommended to have the hotel reception organise a taxi from a reputable company.

Interior Transport Guyana has very few sealed or dirt roads. This makes travel into the interior difficult and challenging. Long distances are covered by small aircraft which make journeys quick, comfortable and an adventure.From the small interior airstrip, travel is then normally by four-wheel drive jeep or truck, boat, horse or bullock cart or even a mixture of these modes of transport. The tracks in the interior can be extremely difficult and seem impassable. However, the drivers are very experienced and are normally able to pass through flooded creeks and seemingly undriveable stretches of road. Consequently, the 4x4’s range from excellent condition to battered old Land Rovers. Inevitably, from time to time vehicles do break down, but the drivers are masters at fixing them on the spot and they are prepared for the more frequent repairs. In many cases the travel can be in hot and dusty conditions and even in the back of a pickup or truck.

Boat travel in Guyana is frequently used and is in general a comfortable mode of transport. It offers an opportunity to observe the wildlife and scenery whilst moving between locations.

Horse back travel is on specially bred horses that are prepared for the tough conditions of the Rupununi. Most persons from North American or European will at first be surprised at the small, scrawny looking horses. But they are actually tough, work horse that are well suited to the hot, difficult conditions.

Ox cart travel is used occasionally to get into areas that are inaccessible to 4x4 vehicles. Not the quickest or most comfortable ride, but a second class ride is better than a first class walk. Or if you like to walk, leave the gear in the cart and follow the track yourself.

Travel in Guyana is part of the experience and adventure and can be a component of the highlights of a trip. However, the nature of the often difficult travel can mean there may be delays due to mechanical breakdown, a tree across the road, a flooded river etc. During these incidence having a patient disposition is an advantage as it may be necessary to wait, whilst staff deal with the situation. Sometimes it might even be fun to join them in solving the problem.

Rivers

Guyana means “Land of many waters” and the country is full of rivers. These form an important water highway system for traveling in remote areas where there are no roads. The Essequibo River is the world’s 3rd widest river after the Amazon (Brazil) and the Orinoco (Venezuela). It is 21 miles wide at the mouth. Other major rivers are the Demerara and Berbice.

Local Food

The blend of different ethnic influences – Indian, African, Chinese, Creole, English, Portuguese, Amerindian, North American – gives a distinctive flavour to Guyanese cuisine. Try dishes such as Pepper Pot, meat cooked in casareep (bitter casava) juice with peppers and herbs. Garlic Pork, a specialty at Christmas. Curry and Roti is popular everywhere

Seafood is plentiful and varied, as is the wide variety of tropical fruit and vegetables. Try casava and yams.

Drink

Rum is the most popular drink and Guyana blends some of the worlds best. The are many inexpensive rums at about US$ 3.50 a bottle that are excellent rum with mixers. The better rums such as Banks Extra, Banks XM 10 Year and DDL’s 12 year old King of Diamonds are smooth rums and great straight or on the rocks. DDL’s 15 year old El Dorado was voted the best rum in the world in 1999, 2000 and 2001, and is as smooth as a good brandy. It costs US$ 30.00 in Georgetown or US$ 20.00 duty free at the airport. It makes a great gift.

The local Banks Beer is a good beer and sells for about US$0.70 a bottle.

The water from the tap is brownish in colour, which is from the tannin in the water, and not polluted. However, it is recommended that bottled water, which is readily available, is used for drinking. Remember to drink plenty of it to prevent dehydration.

Shopping

Guyana offers wonderful gold and diamond jewelry at very attractive prices. It is recommended that they are purchased from reputable jewellers, on which our office can advise. Interesting handi-craft including wooden carvings; tibisiri baskets and placemats; pottery and art make great souvenirs. A visit to the local markets to see how Guyanese shop is well worth the effort. Bargaining is not the custom in Guyana.

Tipping

Is not expected, but appreciated if you are happy with the service. As a guide, a 10% tip is adequate. In the interior it is suggested that tips are given to the manager or village captain for equal distribution amongst all involved.

Public Holidays

1 January, New Year’s Day; 23 February, Republic Day and Mashramani Festival; Good Friday; Easter Monday; 1 May, Labour Day; 26 May, Independence Day; first Monday in July, Caricom Day; first Monday in August, Freedom Day; 25 December, Christmas Day; 26 December, Boxing Day. Hindu and Muslim festivals follow a lunar calendar and dates of holiday are announced a week or two prior to the day ; Phagwah, usually March; Eid el Fitr, end of Ramadan; Eid el Azah; Youm un Nabi; Deepavali, usually November.

Health

Many of the areas you visit in Guyana’s interior will have no malaria. However it is recommended to take malaria Prophylactics as a precaution on some trips, which we will advise on. Please consult your physician prior to your departure. All beds in the interior are netted and on camping trips hammocks with specially fitted mosquito nets are used.

It is advisable to use an insect repellent and wear long sleeves and long trouser at night. The mosquito’s are at their worst at dusk and dawn.

Safety

Like any city, certain areas of Georgetown are not particularly safe, especially after dark. Ask your Hotel Reception or Wilderness Explorers Representative for guidance on these matters. In general you will find Guyanese to be extremely friendly and helpful. Don’t be surprise if you find local people wishing to talk to you or offering assistance. In the interior and at the Resorts it is totally secure and safe and you will be able to completely relax without any concerns.