French Guiana is part of France and so technically part of the European Union - even though in South America. Its culture, in spite of its ethnic diversity, is quite French. Its history is extremely colorful and includes a barbarous penal colony which once existed to house some of the most notorious criminals of France. Today, however, though sparsely populated, the inhabitants are well educated. French Guiana hosts the launching of Europe's Ariane rockets.
Capital: Cayenne
Population: 138,000
Area: 35,166 square miles
Language: French and French Creole
Time: + 1 hours from New York
Electricity: 220 and also 110 volts AC. Ask what the voltage in advance of using the power.
Geography: The country is bordered in the north by the Atlantic Ocean, in the west by Suriname and in the south and east by Brazil. Most of the population lives along the coastline intermingled along the mangrove swamps and connected by very limited roads. The largest mountains are no more than 3000 ft at best and are well into the interior where there are very few roads and almost no inhabitants.
International Airport
Cayenne - Rochambeau Airport - The airport is 10 miles from town. Taxis are best to use.
Tipping: Many restaurants include a 10% service change in the bill. Check in advance. Porters and taxi drivers should get loose change.
Shopping: Shops are open at 8 am and close by 7 pm with a two hour lunch break beginning at noon. Tapestries from the group call the Hmong are exquisite and should be seen.
Food and Drink: This is a very French place and so the food is excellent but a little pricey. There are lots of international restaurants with many featuring Asian food.
Social: The population is mostly made up of an Afro-European mix comprising about 70% of the population. 10% of the people is European and the remainder is taken up by Asians, Brazilians and Amerindians
Business: Normal practices found in France apply. Business suits are worn. Jackets come off by mutual consent.
Banking: Banks are open from 7:30 to 11:30 am and from 3 to 5:30 pm. Banks are also open Saturday mornings.
Currency: The French Franc
Money Exchange: Best to do at banks or at exchange kiosks. Exchanging can also be done at hotels.
Credit cards: Visa and Master Card. American Express and Diners Club are not widely accepted.
Climate
With its location the equator, seasons as they are known to the north or south, do not exist. The rain season is from January to June. It rains particularly heavy in the month of June. | 