Guyana Currency Guide
The currency of Guyana and how to prepare for payments — all on one page.
Currency
Guyanaese Dollar
GYD
Checking rates
Check with your bank app or card issuer before you go
The rate and fees you actually pay differ by bank and card issuer.
Payment Tips to Remember
Always pay in the local currency
If a terminal asks whether to charge in your home currency, always choose the local currency. Choosing your home currency triggers DCC (dynamic currency conversion), which adds a hidden markup.
Set up a travel card before you fly
Prepaid multi-currency travel cards let you convert money in the app beforehand and pay like a debit card locally. Fees are usually lower than cash exchange counters, and you can freeze the card instantly from the app if lost.
Airport exchange counters: last resort
Airport counters are convenient but tend to offer some of the worst rates. If you need cash, exchange via your bank's app before departure or consider withdrawing from a local ATM.
Check ATM fees on screen
Local ATMs may add their own operator fee. Check the fee shown on the confirmation screen before proceeding. If the ATM offers conversion to your home currency (DCC), choosing the local currency is usually better.
Keep some small cash
Every country has places that don't take cards — markets, tips, small transport. Carrying a small amount of cash in separate places keeps you covered.
Cards for Abroad
Explore the Wise multi-currency card
One account holding 40+ currencies, converting and paying at mid-market based rates. Handy for multi-country trips — no need to exchange for each currency separately.
Learn more
Local data
Get an eSIM for Guyana before you go
Activate mobile data with a QR code instead of swapping SIM cards. Buy it before departure and switch it on the moment you land.
Airalo
Yesim
Saily
Drimsim
Check prices and availability on the booking sites.
City Guides in Guyana
Georgetown
Georgetown is the capital of Guyana, located where the Demerara River meets the Atlantic Ocean. Known as the "Garden City of the Caribbean," it charms visitors with its lush, green scenery.
New Amsterdam
New Amsterdam is a town in Guyana situated along the Canje River. It's a small, unassuming city where you can enjoy a peaceful riverside setting.
Lethem
Lethem is a town in Guyana on the border with Brazil's Roraima state. It offers a unique travel experience of crossing an international border.
Bartica
Bartica sits on the western bank of the Essequibo River in Guyana, where the Cuyuni and Mazaruni rivers converge before flowing into the Essequibo. Here you can take in the scenery where three rivers meet.