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.
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Travel Essentials
Hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and yellow fever vaccinations are recommended for Guyana. Consider rabies if you’ll spend a lot of time outdoors or in rural areas. Routine vaccines like MMR and tetanus should be up-to-date. Always check with a healthcare provider before 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 Guyana, 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 GuyanaCulture & Customs
Respect local customs and traditions in Guyana. Always greet people with a friendly nod or ”good morning/afternoon.” Dress modestly, especially in rural areas. Do not photograph people without permission. Avoid discussing sensitive topics like politics or religion.
Show respect when visiting Amerindian communities; always ask before entering sacred sites. Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory.
LGBTQ+ travelers should be cautious, as Guyana’s laws are not LGBTQ+ friendly. Women should be aware of their surroundings and avoid walking alone at night.
Being polite and respectful goes a long way in Guyana.
Trying traditional food is always a great way to experience the culture. Here are some must-try dishes for Guyana.
- Pepperpot: A slow-cooked stew made with meat (often beef or pork), cassareep (a cassava-based sauce), and spices. It’s a Christmas staple, but you can find it year-round. The rich, spicy flavors represent Guyanese warmth and tradition.
- Mettagee: A hearty one-pot dish featuring ground provisions like plantains, yams, and dumplings simmered in coconut milk. It’s a comforting meal that showcases the country’s African heritage.
- Cook-up Rice: Often served on special occasions, this dish is a flavorful mix of rice, meats (chicken, pork, or beef), peas, and coconut milk. It’s the ultimate go-to for a taste of Guyanese celebration and community spirit.
- Dhal Puri: A type of Indian-influenced flatbread stuffed with seasoned yellow split peas. It’s typically served with curries or stews and highlights the Indo-Guyanese influence on local cuisine.
- Roti and Curry: Soft, flaky roti bread paired with a variety of curries, such as chicken, goat, or shrimp. This dish is a staple and a delicious nod to the country’s diverse cultural tapestry.
Locals in Guyana often drink tap water, but it might not be the best choice for travelers due to different bacteria and treatment standards. It’s recommended to stick to bottled or filtered water to be safe. If you’re keen on reducing plastic, consider using a portable water filter.
English is the official language of Guyana, making it widely spoken throughout the country. As a former British colony, the majority of the population is fluent in English, which is used in government, education, and media. In urban areas like Georgetown, you will find that most people, including those in the service industry, communicate effectively in English.
However, it’s worth noting that while standard English is prevalent, many Guyanese also speak Creole, a local dialect that incorporates elements of English, African languages, and indigenous languages. This Creole is often used in informal settings and can differ significantly from standard English in terms of vocabulary and pronunciation.
Travelers should generally have no trouble communicating in English, but being aware of the local Creole can enhance interactions and cultural experiences. Overall, English proficiency in Guyana makes it a relatively easy destination for English-speaking travelers.
Money & Payments
The local currency of Guyana is GYD (Guyanese Dollar).
If you’re backpacking in Guyana, you’ll want to keep a few money tips in mind. First off, ATMs are mainly in bigger towns and cities, so plan ahead if you’re heading into the sticks. It’s smart to carry cash, especially in rural areas. Guyanese dollars are the local currency, but US dollars are widely accepted, especially in urban areas, so have some on hand. Euros aren’t as handy, so stick to US dollars if you can.
Card acceptance is hit or miss outside the capital, Georgetown. Some hotels and restaurants take cards, but don’t bet on it. Always double-check if they add a service fee for card transactions. For exchanging money, banks and authorized exchange bureaus are your best bet. Avoid street exchanges to steer clear of scams. Remember, cash is king in the countryside, so keep your wallet stocked when venturing out.
Tipping in Guyana isn’t mandatory but is appreciated. In restaurants, a 10% tip is standard if service isn’t included, and for taxi drivers, rounding up the fare is common. Always check your bill, as some places include a service charge.
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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.
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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.