Guyana
Money in Guyana: currency, ATMs, cards and tipping
Use Guyanese dollars (GYD) for most purchases; cards work in Georgetown hotels, malls and some restaurants, but carry cash for everything else. Tip about 5‑10% of the bill, more for lodge staff.
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Key facts
- Currency
- Guyanese dollar (GYD)
- Exchange ratecheck
- ≈ GYD 208–210 per US$1
- Cash needed
- Outside Georgetown hotels and malls
- Card acceptance
- Georgetown hotels, malls, some restaurants
- Typical tip
- 5–10% of the bill
- ATMs
- Limited to Georgetown and larger towns
Currency and cash
Guyana uses the Guyanese dollar (GYD, $). The rate is roughly GYD 208–210 to 1 USD (check). ATMs are limited to Georgetown and a few larger towns; expect long lines and occasional out‑of‑cash messages.
Bring a mix of small notes (GYD 10, 20, 50) for tips, market purchases and village fees. US dollars are widely accepted for exchange at bancos and cambios, so keep some as backup.
- ATMs: Georgetown (most), Lethem (few), other towns – limited hours
- Cash: essential for transport, street food, market stalls, rural lodges
Cards and ATMs
Visa and Mastercard are accepted in Georgetown’s larger hotels, shopping centres and some restaurants. Rural areas and interior lodges usually require cash; prepaid lodge fees are common.
Inform your bank of travel to avoid blocks. Fees for foreign transactions are typically 2–3 % plus any ATM surcharge.
Tipping
Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated. In restaurants, leave about 5–10 % of the total bill. For guides, drivers and lodge staff, a tip of GYD 5–10 per day per person is common.
Small cash tips for porters, market sellers and taxi drivers are also welcomed.
Questions people ask
What currency is used in Guyana?
The Guyanese dollar (GYD, $) is the official currency; the exchange rate is about GYD 208–210 per US dollar (check).
Should I use cash or a card in Guyana?
Use cards in Georgetown hotels, malls and some restaurants; carry cash for transport, markets, rural areas and tips.
How much should I tip in Guyana?
Tip roughly 5–10 % in restaurants and GYD 5–10 per day for guides, drivers and lodge staff; small cash tips are common for other services.
Are ATMs widely available in Guyana?
ATMs are limited to Georgetown and a few larger towns. Expect long lines and occasional out‑of‑cash messages, so carry enough cash before heading into the interior.
Can I use US dollars in Guyana?
Yes. US dollars are widely exchanged at bancos and cambios. Many interior lodges quote prices in USD, but small purchases and tips need Guyanese dollars.
Check live
Prices, schedules, rules and availability change. Open these to confirm today's details before you book.
Deep dive
Every source; changeable facts are marked check
Sources
- officialGuyana travel guide
Ask about Guyana
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