The Basics

Time

The time zone in French Guiana is GMT -3.

Electricity

The electric current is 220 volts (50 Hz), and round two- or three-prong plugs are used.

Language

The official language is French, and Guianese Creole is widely spoken.

Local Customs

Social mores and etiquette in French Guiana reflect its colonial history. European values permeate French Guianese society, and western travellers - if they ignore the heat - should feel just at home as they would in one of the metropoles.

Communications

The international access code for French Guiana is +594. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom).

Duty Free

Visitors to French Guiana may import the following without incurring duty: 1,000 cigarettes, one bottle of liqour, and an amount of perfume, film, and gifts reasonable for personal use.