Trip Planning
The TakeYourBackpack guidebooks are your all-in-one travel companion, featuring the best cities, national parks, hikes, beaches, and unique sites, along with essential tips on when to go, how to get around, exchanging money, and even local phrases to get you started — everything you need for a smooth, unforgettable backpacking adventure.
Stop researching. Start exploring.Discover all 42 highlights,ranked
and organized into practical routes.
Get instant access
Personal tip: I normally search on good rating for atmosphere (for meeting people) and location (for easy exploring). Cleanliness as a bonus.
Travel Essentials
Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for entry into French Guiana. Make sure your routine vaccines (like MMR, DPT, and varicella) are up-to-date. Consider hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and rabies, especially if you plan on exploring rural areas or have extended stays. Always check the latest health advisories before you travel.
vaccination requirementsWhen I first started traveling, I often spent part of my first day in a new country hunting for a local SIM card. While this can still be slightly cheaper, it also takes time and planning.
These days, it's much simpler to install an eSIM before leaving home. Once you arrive in French Guiana, you can activate it immediately and have mobile data from the moment you land — which is especially useful for ordering transport or navigating away from busy airports.
There are many providers nowadays, and price differences are usually small. I personally go with Airalo, as it offers excellent network coverage throughout the country and strong global coverage, so you can manage multiple countries from a single app.
Get your e-sim for French GuianaCulture & Customs
Respect local customs in French Guiana by greeting with a handshake or a kiss on the cheek, depending on familiarity. Dress modestly, especially in rural areas—shorts and tank tops are best left for the beach. When dining, wait for the host to say “bon appétit” before starting your meal. Public displays of affection may attract unwanted attention, so keep it low-key. LGBTQ+ travelers should exercise discretion, as societal attitudes can be conservative outside urban areas. Avoid discussing politics or local issues unless you’re well-informed. Remember, patience is key; things move at a more relaxed pace here.
Trying traditional food is always a great way to experience the culture. Here are some must-try dishes for French Guiana.
- Colombo: This is a hearty, spicy curry-like stew often made with chicken, beef, or fish. Its roots trace back to Indian indentured workers who brought the dish to the Caribbean. It’s a staple in French Guiana, reflecting the region’s diverse cultural tapestry.
- Blaff: A simple, flavorful fish stew typically seasoned with lime, garlic, and various spices. It’s a go-to dish for its fresh taste and ease of preparation, often enjoyed by locals and tourists alike.
- Awara Broth: A traditional dish especially enjoyed during Easter, this thick stew is made from the fruit of the awara palm, along with various meats and spices. It’s more than just food; it’s a cultural experience that brings families together.
- Roti: While not unique to French Guiana, this flatbread often accompanied by curried meat or vegetables is popular, showcasing the Indian influence in the local cuisine.
- Creole Sausages: These sausages are packed with spices and herbs, offering a taste of the Creole influence that permeates the food scene. They’re often grilled and served at local gatherings and festivals.
Tap water in French Guiana is generally safe for locals to drink, but it’s often recommended that tourists stick to bottled or filtered water just to be cautious. Bottled water is widely available, so it’s easy to play it safe if your stomach isn’t accustomed to the local water.
The main language in French Guiana is
French. Backpacking is way more rewarding if you know a bit of the local language, so I'd suggest brushing up on the basics just in case your French skills have become a bit rusty.
Want to understand locals better?The complete Travel Guide for French Guiana includes 52 essential words and phrases — greetings, thank-yous, ordering food, transport, numbers, and common local expressions you'll actually hear.
Get your local basic phrases 👉
Get the Travel Guide - In French Guiana, French is the official language, and it is predominantly spoken by the local population.
English is not widely spoken, but you may encounter some English speakers in urban areas, tourist spots, and among younger residents who have learned it in school. However, fluency can vary significantly.
In more remote regions and among older generations, English proficiency is generally low. Travelers may find it helpful to learn a few basic French phrases, as this can enhance communication and cultural interactions. Additionally, the presence of several indigenous languages and Creole also adds to the linguistic diversity of the region.
For those planning to visit, using translation apps or carrying a phrasebook can be beneficial. Overall, while you can get by with English in certain areas, a basic understanding of French will greatly improve your experience in French Guiana.
Money & Payments
The local currency of French Guiana is EUR (€).
If you’re backpacking through French Guiana, here’s how to handle your money without hitting too many bumps:
ATM Access: ATMs are mostly found in larger towns like Cayenne. Don’t rely on them in remote areas or small villages. Always have a backup plan since some machines might be out of service.
Cash: Stick to euros. French Guiana uses the euro, and while dollars might be accepted in some spots, it’s not guaranteed. Always have a bit of cash on you for markets, street vendors, or bus fares.
Card Acceptance: Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in bigger towns, but don’t expect to swipe your card in rural areas. Inform your bank about your travel plans to avoid any card issues.
Currency Exchange: If you’re coming from outside the eurozone, exchange your currency before you arrive or at the airport. Local banks and exchange offices can handle currency exchange, but rates might not be favorable, and options are limited outside main towns.
Tipping in French Guiana isn’t obligatory, but it’s appreciated for excellent service. A 5-10% tip at restaurants is generous, while rounding up the taxi fare is common. In bars and cafes, leaving the small change from your bill is a nice gesture.
v2.webp){kind=logo}
Best Backpacking.jpg)
Over the years, I've learned the importance of packing minimally. It's so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you're headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
.jpg)
Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.