The Basics

Time

GMT -4

Electricity

Electrical current in Guadeloupe is 230 volts, 50Hz. Two-pin plugs are most commonly in use.

Language

French is the official language of Guadeloupe.

Travel Health

Guadeloupe has good medical facilities, although not all doctors speak English. A vaccination is recommended for hepatitis A. Yellow fever vaccinations are required for those arriving from infected areas. Guadeloupe was a Zika virus high-risk area, though there is currently no evidence of ongoing transmission. Still, risk may exist. Pregnant women should avoid visiting the island, and other travellers should take extra care to protect themselves against mosquitos.

Local Customs

Guadeloupean society is famously welcoming and friendly, with a high emphasis placed on convivial social interactions between men and women. Social mores and etiquette in Guadeloupe reflect its colonial history (indeed, it is still subject to French Law). However, gender roles are perhaps more traditional than in European societies, with the bywords 'reputation' (for men) and 'respect' (for women) often being invoked.

Communications

The international dialling code for Guadeloupe is +590.

Duty Free

Visitors to Guadeloupe over the age of 17 may import up to 200 cigarettes/50 cigars/100cigarillos/250g of tobacco, and one litre of spirits up to 22%/four litres of wine. Plants and flowers are prohibited.