The Basics
Country: French Guiana
Where is it?: French Guiana is in northern South America, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Brazil and Suriname.
Why do people go here?: Traveling in this country is a real adventure. If you leave the main road, be prepared to figure any means possible to explore the country. It’s a step into the past, not much has changed here in hundreds of years.
What are the main entry points?: Numerous flights from France and a few central and south American countries. Otherwise, you can take a ferry from Suriname.
Currency used: Euro
Country Code for Phones: 598
Religion: Roman Catholic 95%
Population: 200,000
Ethnic Breakdown: Black or mulatto 66%, white 12%, East Indian, Chinese, Amerindian 12%, other 10%
Government: Republic of France
Languages: French
Travel Information
Major Cities: Cayenne
Attractions: Ales du Salut, Cayenne
Off-the-Beaten-Path: Cacao
Health Issues: Cholera, dengue fever, hepatitis, malaria, typhoid, yellow fever
Tips for Visiting
When to go: If you want to avoid rain, which is a very good idea in French Guiana, then you should come in the dry season which typically runs from late June to December.
Common Phrases: Hello = Bonjour, How are you? = Comment allez-vous?, Good = Bien or Bon, Yes = Oui, Okay = D’accord or OK, No = Non, Thank you = Merci, Please = S’il vous plait, Goodbye = Au revoir
Specific Events/Holidays: Carnaval: February
Getting Around: Minibuses can quickly get you around the country. You can find boat transport into the interior with a lot of patience.
Cheapest airport to fly into: The main airport for travellers taking flights to French Guiana is Cayenne-Rochambeau Airport.
Need more information?: Check out the French Guiana travel guide for more on what to see, where to stay, and how to get there.
