Living in Guyana
25 July 2024
Guyana has the distinction of being an overseas department, but this is not the only major characteristic it has. Indeed, it is the only part of France and the only territory of the European Union which is located in South America. It thus benefits from a strategic location and remains the only physical link between Europe and America.
Additionally, Guyana is the second largest region in France and the second least populated, just after Mayotte.
Cayenne is the capital of Guyana and has only 55,000 inhabitants. This low density attracts many expats who come from urban areas and seek picturesqueness, peace and nature.
In the middle of the Equatorial forest, Guyanese traditions and Ariane rockets, visitors will not be able to help but be surprised. If you plan to install in Guyana, you will discover a fascinating land of contrasts and adventures.
Installation in Guyana
Thanks to its status as a department and overseas region, Guyana benefits from the same laws and procedures as in mainland France.
Thus, the French can go live in Guyana freely and as in any department with a simple identity card. You will of course need a passport to cross the border into Brazil or Suriname.
In all cases, you must provide customs with the following information:
- A detailed inventory, dated and signed;
- A document proving your new residence in Guyana;
- A certificate proving that your valuables were purchased tax-inclusive in your country of origin
Note that VAT does not apply in Guyana.
Cost of life
The geographical location of Guyana imposes a low standard of living, as elsewhere in Latin America. However, all expats agree that the cost of living in Guyana is more expensive than in the French capital.
Good news, overseas civil servants receive a more or less significant “cost of living” allowance depending on the community inhabited. Rent is more expensive in certain metropolises, but less expensive than in Paris. Count around €600 for a studio and €900 for a one-room apartment in Cayenne.
You will have to pay monthly charges amounting to around €100 for water, electricity and gas. Electricity bills can quickly add up if you have air conditioning.
You will be charged an internet subscription of at least 40 euros. The mobile subscription costs around 25 euros. As for entertainment, count on less than €6 for a cinema ticket. Some cities like Maripasoula even offer free outdoor sessions.
Note that the cost of the products found in supermarket are more expensive than in France because these are imported from mainland France. For example, you will pay up to 5 euros for a box of “Laughing Cow”! However, fresh local produce is very cheap. Finally, a bus ticket costs around €1.10 for an urban journey. Minibuses and shared taxis are also available to reach communities not served by public bus. The price depends on the distance, for example €10 for a Cayenne-Kourou journey.
The car: an essential for living in Guyana
In Guyana, a driving license is practically essential because the public transport network is very limited. In theory, the highway code is the same as in France. In practice, many Guyanese travel without a license and somewhat “randomly”. Caution is therefore advised, especially on small roads.
How to access healthcare in Guyana?
Healthcare in Guyana is managed by the General Social Security Fund. French people in mainland France can request one of their medical records and benefit from the same services.
Guyana has seven hospitals and vital cards are accepted everywhere. THE yellow fever vaccine must be done to go to Guyana, therefore it is recommended to update the DT-polio vaccine. In addition, malaria is present throughout the territory, although the risks are almost zero in coastal regions.
