French Guiana Travel Information

French Guiana, located on the northeastern coast of South America, is a French overseas department known for its diverse culture, rich history, and stunning natural beauty. With a population of around 300,000 people, it offers a unique blend of French and South American influences, making it a perfect destination for travelers looking for an off-the-beaten-path experience. Here are the top 10 things to do in French Guiana:

1. Visit the capital, Cayenne

Cayenne, the capital of French Guiana, offers a vibrant culture, rich history, and delicious cuisine. Visitors can explore the historic city center, visit the Musée Départemental Franconie, and enjoy the local nightlife scene.

2. Explore the beaches

French Guiana has some of the most beautiful beaches in South America, with miles of unspoiled coastline and crystal-clear waters. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and water sports, especially in the summer months.

3. Visit the Kourou Space Center

The Kourou Space Center is a major space launch facility and one of the most important in the world. Visitors can take a tour of the center and learn about space technology and the history of space exploration.

4. Visit the Devil's Island

Devil's Island is a small island located off the coast of French Guiana, it was once a notorious prison colony, and now it's a popular tourist attraction. Visitors can take a boat tour to the island and explore the ruins of the prison and the nature around it.

5. Visit the Amazon Rainforest

French Guiana is home to one of the most diverse rainforests in the world, with a wide variety of plant and animal species. Visitors can take guided tours to explore the rainforest and see the wildlife.

6. Visit the Maripasoula

Maripasoula is a small town located on the Maroni River, and is a great place to experience the culture of the Hmong people, who have settled in the area. Visitors can take a boat tour to the town and learn about the traditional customs and culture of the Hmong people.

7. Visit the Musée des Cultures Guyanaises

Located in Cayenne, this museum offers an interesting insight into the history and culture of French Guiana, with exhibits on the various ethnic groups that have settled in the area, including the Hmong, Creoles, and Maroons.

8. Visit the Îles du Salut

Îles du Salut, or Salvation Islands, is a group of three small islands located off the coast of French Guiana. The islands were once a prison colony, and are now a popular tourist destination. Visitors can take a boat tour to the islands and explore the ruins of the prison and the nature around it, and also to visit the famous island where the movie "Papillon" was filmed.

9. Visit the Montsinéry-Tonnegrande Reserve

The Montsinéry-Tonnegrande Reserve is a protected area located in the north of French Guiana, known for its diverse wildlife and stunning natural beauty. Visitors can take guided tours to explore the reserve and see the wildlife, including monkeys, parrots, and jaguars.

10. Visit the Saint Laurent du Maroni

Saint Laurent du Maroni is a town located on the Maroni River, and is the main port for the interior of French Guiana. Visitors can take a boat tour to the town and learn about the history of the region, and also to visit the local markets and try the delicious creole cuisine.

Climate

French Guiana has a tropical climate, with high temperatures and high humidity throughout the year. The average temperature ranges from around 77°F (25°C) to around 86°F (30°C) all year round. Rainfall is relatively high, with an average of around 60 inches (1500mm) per year, with the majority of precipitation falling between December and June.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit French Guiana depends on what you're looking to see and do. The dry season, which runs from July to November, is the best time to visit if you're looking to explore the rainforest and see the wildlife. The weather is less humid and the visibility is better, making it easier to spot the animals and birds.

The rainy season, which runs from December to June, is the best time to visit if you're looking to see the waterfalls and enjoy the lush green landscape. This is also the best time to visit the beaches, as the water is warmer and the sea is calmer.

Overall, French Guiana can be visited all year round, but it is important to keep in mind that the weather can be unpredictable and can change quickly, so visitors should be prepared for all eventualities.

Here are some general travel tips regarding entry requirements that apply across all countries:

Passport

Make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of your arrival in the country you are visiting. Some countries will not allow you to enter if your passport is set to expire within a certain period of time.

Visa

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if you need a visa. Some countries require a visa for entry, while others do not. Make sure to apply for a visa well in advance of your trip as the process can take several weeks. Check the latest Visa requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Health Requirements and COVID-19 Rules

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if there are any health requirements for entry. Some countries require vaccinations or proof of medical insurance. Check the latest health requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Travel Insurance

Consider purchasing travel insurance, especially if you are traveling internationally. Travel insurance can cover you in the event of trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and other unexpected events. Our travel insurance partner is SafetyWing. For dangerous activities and/or countries consider a rescue service like those offered by our partner, Global Rescue.

Customs

Be familiar with the customs and laws of the country you are visiting. Some countries have strict laws regarding drug possession, alcohol consumption, and dress codes.

Currency

Check the currency exchange rate and make sure you have enough local currency for your trip. Some countries may not accept credit cards or travelers cheques, so it is always good to have some cash on hand. At WhereNext we recommend use a Wise debit card, which provides low cost currency conversions and ATM withdrawals.

Research the country

Research about the culture, customs and laws of the country you are visiting. It will help you to understand the place more and also prepare you better for the trip.

Contact Information

Make a copy of your passport and keep it in a separate place from your passport. Also, leave a copy of your itinerary and contact information with a friend or family member at home.

Hotels

French Guiana has a range of hotels available for visitors, ranging from budget-friendly options to luxury resorts. The capital, Cayenne, and other major cities in French Guiana, have a variety of hotels to choose from. Some of the hotels are located in remote areas and offer the opportunity to explore the nature.

Guesthouses and B&Bs

There are also several guesthouses and B&Bs available for visitors to French Guiana. These can be a great option for those looking for a more personal and homely experience, especially in the rural areas.

Vacation Rentals

Vacation rentals, such as apartments and villas, are also available for visitors to French Guiana. These can be a great option for families or groups of friends traveling together, as they offer more privacy and flexibility.

Camping

Camping is also an option for visitors to French Guiana, although it is more limited than other options. There are several campgrounds available, but they are mostly located in the national parks and the remote areas, and usually don't have many amenities.

Eco-Lodges

French Guiana also has a number of eco-lodges, which are lodgings that are designed to have minimal impact on the environment and often provide opportunities for visitors to learn about the natural and cultural heritage of the area.

Air

The main airport in French Guiana is Cayenne-Rochambeau Airport, located in the capital, Cayenne. There are flights from major cities in France, South America, and other destinations around the world.

Bus

Buses are a popular and convenient way to get around French Guiana, but the service is limited and mostly available in the main cities and towns.

Car Rental

Car rental is also an option for visitors to French Guiana, although it is limited. There are several car rental companies located at the Cayenne-Rochambeau Airport and major cities throughout the country.

Taxis

Taxis are widely available in French Guiana, and are generally safe to use. They can be hailed on the street or called by phone, and they generally use meters.

Boat

Boats are available for transportation in some specific areas of French Guiana, like the coastal towns, where visitors can take boat tours to navigate in the sea or in the rivers. Also, in some areas like Maroni River, visitors can take boats to reach remote communities and explore the nature.

Train

There is no regular train service in French Guiana.

Bicycle

Bicycles are available for rent in some areas, and it's a good way to explore the cities or the surrounding areas, especially in the dry season.

Money Tips for Travel

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Notify your bank and credit card companies of your travel plans to avoid any potential issues with international transactions.
• Bring a mix of cash, credit, and debit cards--and possibly a travel money card.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.
• Make sure to have a backup option for accessing money in case your primary method doesn't work.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• NEVER accept currency conversion at ATMs! Always get your home bank to convert at much better rates.
• Think about getting a Wise or other travel debit card; these can provide much better rates and some free ATM withdrawals.

ATM and Credit Cards

• Research the availability of ATMs and credit card acceptance at your destination before you depart.
• Keep your ATM card in a safe place and be mindful of your surroundings when using it.
• Try to stick to using ATMs that are affiliated with major banks.
• Keep your credit card information safe and secure, and be aware of potential scams.
• Make sure your cards have the necessary security features, such as chip and pin.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.

Exchange Rates

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• Be careful of places that may offer to exchange money at rates that seem too good to be true.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It covers a wide range of needs--even some you might not expect!

Medical Coverage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for medical expenses if you become ill or injured while traveling. This can include coverage for doctor visits, hospital stays, and emergency medical transportation. It's also a good idea to ensure that your travel insurance covers COVID-19 related illness and delays!

Trip Cancellation and Interruption

Travel insurance can provide coverage if you need to cancel or interrupt your trip due to unexpected events such as illness, weather, or travel bans. It can also provide coverage if your trip is delayed or if your travel provider goes out of business.

Lost or Stolen Luggage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for lost or stolen luggage, as well as personal items such as passports and electronic devices.

Emergency Assistance and Evacuation

Many travel insurance plans offer emergency assistance services, such as providing information on local hospitals and doctors, assistance with replacing lost or stolen documents, and help with arranging transportation in the event of an emergency. At WhereNext we have partnered with Global Rescue for evacuation services, which are highly recommended if you are undertaking dangerous activities or are travelling to dangerous parts of the world.

Liability coverage

Travel insurance can also provide liability coverage in case you cause an accident or harm someone while you are traveling.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It can help cover the costs of medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost or stolen luggage, and more. It's always a good idea to review the coverage and compare the different options available before making a decision. At WhereNext we both use and have partnered with Safety Wing for general travel insurance.

When traveling, getting mobile access is very important these days. If you are working remotely, wanting to update social media, or need to access your banks SMS authentication messages having a reliable service is a must. At WhereNext we recommend:

eSIM

Services such as those offered by our partner, Airalo, allow you to easily order and install an eSIM for different countries or regions that you are traveling in.

Dual SIM phone

If you have a phone that supports dual SIM's then you can get a SIM on arrival for each country, this is probably better done at a telco store rather than at the airport.

Extend your home plan

Depending on where you live and your mobile service provider you may be able to extend your plan to cover mobile roaming at reasonable rates.

Keep your primary SIM

With the amount of accounts we all have that require two factor authentication via SMS, keeping a constant number for these accounts is a must.

There are several online communities and platforms that you can use to meet people while traveling, both for making new friends or for networking professionally. Some popular options include:

Facebook groups

There are many Facebook groups dedicated to connecting people while traveling, from expat groups and travel communities to groups specific to certain cities or regions of the country. You can search for groups based on your interests or location and connect with others who share similar interests.

Meetup

Meetup is a platform that allows you to find groups of people that share your interests in your local area. There are Meetup groups all around the world, and they cover a wide range of topics, such as language exchange, sports, and cultural activities.

Internations

Internations is a social network for people who live or work abroad. It has a large community of expats and organizes regular events, activities and gatherings that allow members to connect and socialize.

Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing is a platform that connects travelers with local hosts, who offer free accommodation and a chance to experience the local culture. It's a great way to meet locals and make friends!

Reddit

Reddit has a large community, and there are several subreddits dedicated to connecting expats and travelers. You can use it to ask questions, get advice, and connect with others who are also living or traveling in the country.

Linkedin

LinkedIn is primarily a professional network, but you can also use it to connect with people who work in the same industry or have similar backgrounds. It can be useful to connect with people before you arrive and establish a few professional contacts to help you get started.

At WhereNext, we use Nomad List as a global community and then research more local ones for our destination. These are just a few examples of online communities you can use to meet people; please suggest any others that you think are appropriate for this destination.