Money management is one of the most common concerns for travelers to Guyana, and for good reason. Guyana is primarily a cash-based economy, credit card acceptance is limited, and there are no ATMs in the interior. Understanding how money works here before you arrive will save you stress and potentially save you money on exchange rates.
This guide covers everything you need to know: the Guyanese Dollar, current exchange rates, where to get the best rates, ATM locations in Georgetown, credit card reality, tipping customs, and how much cash to bring for each type of trip.
The Guyanese Dollar (GYD)
The official currency of Guyana is the Guyanese Dollar, abbreviated as GYD and symbolized with a $ sign (which can be confusing when US dollars are also in play). The exchange rate has been relatively stable for years, hovering around $209 GYD to $1 USD as of March 2026.
Banknotes
Guyanese banknotes come in the following denominations:
| GYD Note | USD Equivalent | Common Use |
|---|---|---|
| $5,000 | ~$24 USD | Largest note. Hotels, tour payments, large purchases. |
| $2,000 | ~$9.60 USD | Polymer banknote (issued 2022). Mid-range purchases. |
| $1,000 | ~$4.80 USD | Most common note. Restaurant meals, taxis, shopping. |
| $500 | ~$2.40 USD | Day-to-day transactions, market shopping. |
| $100 | ~$0.48 USD | Small purchases, bus fare, snacks. |
| $50 | ~$0.24 USD | Small change. Some vendors may not have change for larger notes. |
| $20 | ~$0.10 USD | Smallest note. Tips, minor purchases. |
Quick Math Tip
To quickly convert GYD to USD in your head, divide by 200 (close enough to the actual 209 rate for everyday purposes). A $1,000 GYD note is roughly $5 USD. A $10,000 GYD restaurant bill is about $50 USD. For exact conversions, use the calculator in our tools section.
Coins
Coins exist in $1, $5, $10, and $100 denominations. The $100 coin was issued in 2020 and is becoming more common. Coins are rarely used in daily transactions. You may receive them as change from some vendors but do not need to seek them out.
Where to Exchange Money
You have four options for exchanging foreign currency in Guyana, listed from best to worst rates:
1. Cambios (Best Rates)
Cambios are the clear winner for exchange rates. These licensed currency exchange offices are found throughout Georgetown and consistently offer rates 1-3% better than banks and significantly better than hotels or the airport. They are fast (no paperwork for small amounts), convenient, and safe.
Top cambios in Georgetown include:
- Sarjoo's Cambio — Lots 15-16 America Street, Georgetown. One of the most established and trusted cambios.
- Cambio Royale — Lot 48 Robb Street, Lacytown. Central location with competitive rates.
- Hand-in-Hand Trust Cambio — Lots 62-63 Middle Street, North Cummingsburg. Part of the Hand-in-Hand insurance group.
- Swiss House Cambio — Popular with both locals and travelers.
- Mohamed's Cambio — Well-known Georgetown cambio with good rates.
Cambio Hours
Most cambios operate Monday to Friday, 9 AM - 5 PM and Saturday, 9 AM - 1 PM. Closed on Sundays and public holidays. Plan your exchanges accordingly — if you arrive on a Sunday, exchange a small amount at your hotel and visit a cambio on Monday.
2. Banks
Banks offer slightly worse rates than cambios and involve more paperwork (ID required, forms to fill out). They are useful as a backup if cambios are closed. Major banks in Georgetown:
- Republic Bank (Guyana) — Multiple branches. Monday-Friday, 8 AM - 2:30 PM.
- Scotiabank Guyana Inc. — Several Georgetown locations. Monday-Friday, 8 AM - 2 PM.
- Bank of Baroda (Guyana) — Branches in Georgetown. Monday-Friday, 8 AM - 1:30 PM.
- Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) — Several Georgetown locations. Monday-Friday, 8 AM - 2 PM.
- Demerara Bank — Offers cambio services alongside regular banking. Often has competitive rates.
- Citizens Bank — Smaller bank with a few Georgetown branches.
3. Airport Exchange
There is a currency exchange counter at Cheddi Jagan International Airport. Rates are 3-5% worse than Georgetown cambios. Exchange only enough for your taxi to the city (approximately $5,000 GYD / $25 USD) and do the rest in Georgetown. Some taxi drivers at the airport also accept USD directly.
4. Hotels
Most hotels will exchange money for guests, but at the worst rates — typically 5-10% below the market rate. Use this only as a last resort.
Exchange Rate Comparison
| Exchange Location | Typical Rate (GYD per $1 USD) | You Get for $100 USD | Loss vs. Best Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Georgetown Cambio | $208-210 | $20,800-21,000 | Best rate |
| Bank | $205-208 | $20,500-20,800 | $200-500 GYD (~$1-2 USD) |
| Airport | $200-205 | $20,000-20,500 | $500-1,000 GYD (~$2-5 USD) |
| Hotel | $195-205 | $19,500-20,500 | $500-1,500 GYD (~$2-7 USD) |
Rates shown are approximate for March 2026. Actual rates fluctuate daily. For the current official rate, check the Bank of Guyana website or Republic Bank forex rates.
ATMs in Georgetown
ATMs are available throughout Georgetown but have some important limitations for foreign travelers:
ATM Key Facts
Reliable ATM Locations for Foreign Cards
- Republic Bank, Water Street — Most reliable for international Visa and Mastercard. Multiple ATMs, 24-hour access.
- Republic Bank, Camp Street — Central Georgetown, good for tourists staying downtown.
- GBTI, Water Street — Accepts most international cards. Occasionally has network issues.
- Demerara Bank, Lot 230 Camp Street — Accepts Visa. Generally less busy than Republic Bank.
- Bank of Guyana, Avenue of the Republic — 24-hour ATM available.
- Republic Bank, Airport Road (East Bank Demerara) — Useful for travelers heading to/from Cheddi Jagan Airport.
No ATMs in the Interior
There are no ATMs at Iwokrama, in the Rupununi, at Kaieteur Falls, or at any eco-lodge. The only interior towns with ATMs are Linden (limited) and Lethem (Republic Bank, unreliable). If you are heading to the interior, withdraw all the cash you need in Georgetown before departure. Tour operators and lodges that are pre-paid do not require cash, but you will need it for tips, drinks, souvenirs, and any extras.
ATM Tips
- Notify your bank before travel that you will be using your card in Guyana — otherwise it may be blocked for suspected fraud.
- Try multiple ATMs if one declines your card. Network connectivity varies and one bank's system may be down while another works fine.
- Use ATMs during banking hours (8 AM - 2 PM weekdays) so you can go inside for help if the machine eats your card.
- Avoid ATMs at night for safety reasons, especially on quiet streets.
- Check your withdrawal limit with your home bank before departure. Some banks cap international withdrawals.
Using US Dollars in Guyana
The US dollar is widely accepted in Guyana, particularly at:
- Hotels and guesthouses
- Tour operators and airlines
- Some restaurants in Georgetown
- Duty-free shops at the airport
- Interior eco-lodges (for extras and tips)
However, there are important caveats:
- Change is given in GYD, often at a rate less favorable than cambios.
- Small, clean bills are preferred. $1, $5, $10, and $20 bills are most useful. Many vendors will not accept ripped, torn, or heavily worn USD notes.
- $50 and $100 bills are harder to use for small purchases — vendors may not have change. Save these for cambio exchanges.
- Stabroek Market and local shops prefer GYD. You will get better prices paying in local currency.
Best Strategy
Carry a mix of USD and GYD. Keep USD for hotel payments, tour operators, and as emergency backup. Exchange USD to GYD at cambios for daily spending — market shopping, taxis, street food, and small purchases. This hybrid approach gives you the best of both worlds: convenience and the best exchange rates.
Credit & Debit Cards
Credit card acceptance in Guyana is limited but improving. Here is the reality as of 2026:
| Where | Visa | Mastercard | Amex | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marriott Georgetown | Yes | Yes | Yes | Full acceptance, including dining |
| Pegasus Hotel | Yes | Yes | Limited | May have connectivity issues |
| Cara Lodge | Yes | Yes | No | Smaller transactions may be cash-preferred |
| Upscale restaurants | Some | Some | Rare | Always confirm before ordering |
| Tour operators | Yes | Yes | Some | Often via online payment before arrival |
| Airlines (domestic) | Yes | Yes | No | For ticket purchases |
| Gas stations | No | No | No | Cash only |
| Stabroek Market | No | No | No | Cash only |
| Taxis | No | No | No | Cash only |
| Interior lodges | No | No | No | Cash or pre-paid through operator |
Bottom line: Do not rely on credit cards as your primary payment method in Guyana. Treat them as a backup for hotel stays and emergencies. Cash is king here.
Tipping Customs in Guyana
Tipping is not mandatory in Guyana, but it is appreciated and increasingly expected in tourism contexts. Here are the standard guidelines:
| Service | Suggested Tip | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurant servers | 10% of bill | Check if service charge is already included (some upscale restaurants add 10%) |
| Kaieteur Falls guide | $10-20 USD | Per person. Higher for excellent service. |
| Interior lodge guides | $10-15 USD/day | Per person for the guide. $5-10/day for boat drivers. |
| Taxi drivers | Round up fare | Tipping is not expected but appreciated. Round to nearest $500 GYD. |
| Hotel porters | $500-1,000 GYD | Per bag. Only at larger hotels. |
| Charter flight pilots | $5-10 USD | Optional but appreciated for the Kaieteur Falls flight. |
| Housekeeping | $500-1,000 GYD/day | Leave daily at larger hotels. Eco-lodges: included in tip pool. |
Tipping for Interior Trips
If you are on a multi-day interior tour, the standard practice is to tip guides and lodge staff at the end of your stay. For a 7-10 day trip, budget $50-100 USD total in tips at mid-range, or $100-200 USD for comfort-level service. Small denominations of USD ($1, $5) are ideal for tipping. GYD is also accepted. Ask your tour operator for specific tipping guidelines — they can advise what is appropriate for each lodge.
How Much Cash to Bring
The amount of cash you need depends on your trip style and how much is pre-paid. Here is a guide by trip type:
Georgetown Only (3-5 days)
$200-400 USD in cash. ATMs available as backup. Covers meals ($10-30/day), taxis ($5-15/day), markets, and entertainment. Hotels often take cards.
Georgetown + Kaieteur (5-7 days)
$400-700 USD in cash. Kaieteur tour is usually pre-paid but bring cash for Georgetown expenses, tips ($20-30), and airport taxi. ATMs available in Georgetown.
Full Interior Trip (10-14 days)
$500-1,000 USD in cash (assuming lodges and flights are pre-paid). Covers Georgetown meals, tips ($50-100), souvenirs, taxi/minibus fares, and unexpected expenses. No ATMs in interior.
Money Safety Tips
- Split your cash between your daypack, hotel safe, and a hidden money belt or neck pouch. Never carry all your money in one place.
- Use hotel safes for your passport, extra cash, and backup cards when going out.
- Avoid flashing large amounts of cash in public, especially at Stabroek Market and on busy streets.
- Count your change at cambios and shops. Mistakes happen (usually honest), and it is easy to confuse denominations when you are new to the currency.
- Keep a separate emergency stash of $100-200 USD hidden in your luggage.
- Photograph both sides of your credit/debit cards and store the images securely. If a card is lost, you will have the numbers to call your bank.
- Carry a photocopy of your passport for identification at cambios, keeping the original in your hotel safe.
For more safety information, see our Guyana safety guide.
Getting GYD Before You Arrive
In short: do not bother. The Guyanese Dollar is not available at currency exchange offices outside of Guyana (or the Caribbean). You cannot buy GYD at US, Canadian, or European banks or airports. Bring clean USD bills and exchange them upon arrival. If you are coming from the UK or Europe, exchange your currency to USD before departure — you will get a better GBP/EUR-to-USD rate at home than a GBP/EUR-to-GYD rate in Guyana.
Digital Payments & Mobile Money
Guyana's digital payment landscape is still developing. A few things to know:
- Mobile money is used by some locals but not set up for tourists. Do not count on this.
- Wise (formerly TransferWise) — If you have a Wise debit card, it works at some Georgetown ATMs and may offer better exchange rates than local cambios. Worth having as a backup.
- Contactless payments are essentially nonexistent outside the Marriott.
- PayPal is not widely used for in-person transactions in Guyana.
Planning Your Guyana Budget?
Check our complete cost breakdown guide for flights, accommodation, tours, and daily expenses.
Guyana Trip Cost GuideFrequently Asked Questions
What is the currency in Guyana?
The Guyanese Dollar (GYD) is the official currency. As of March 2026, the exchange rate is approximately $209 GYD to $1 USD. Notes come in denominations of $20, $50, $100, $500, $1,000, $2,000 (polymer), and $5,000 GYD. US dollars are also widely accepted at hotels, tour operators, and some shops, though you will get change in GYD.
Should I exchange money at the airport or in Georgetown?
Wait until you get to Georgetown for the best rates. The cambio at Cheddi Jagan Airport offers rates 3-5% worse than Georgetown cambios. Exchange a small amount at the airport (enough for a taxi, about $5,000 GYD) and do the rest at a cambio in Georgetown. Cambios on America Street and Robb Street consistently offer the best rates.
Are credit cards accepted in Guyana?
Credit card acceptance is limited. The Marriott Georgetown, Pegasus Hotel, and some upscale restaurants accept Visa and Mastercard. Most local businesses, markets, taxis, and smaller hotels are cash-only. Do not rely on credit cards as your primary payment method. Bring sufficient USD cash and exchange as needed.
Can I use US dollars in Guyana?
Yes. US dollars are widely accepted at hotels, tour operators, airlines, and some restaurants and shops in Georgetown. However, you will receive change in GYD, and the exchange rate used by vendors is usually worse than cambio rates. For the best value, exchange USD to GYD at a cambio and pay in local currency.
Where are ATMs in Georgetown, Guyana?
ATMs are available at Republic Bank, GBTI, Demerara Bank, and Citizens Bank branches throughout Georgetown. Republic Bank ATMs on Water Street and Camp Street are most reliable for foreign cards. ATMs dispense GYD only, with withdrawal limits of typically $40,000-80,000 GYD ($190-380 USD) per transaction. There are no ATMs in Guyana's interior.
What is a cambio in Guyana?
A cambio is a licensed currency exchange office. Cambios are the best places to exchange foreign currency in Guyana, offering rates 1-3% better than banks and significantly better than hotels or the airport. They are located throughout Georgetown, especially on America Street and Robb Street. Hours are generally Monday-Saturday, 9 AM to 5 PM.
How much cash should I bring to Guyana?
Bring enough USD cash for your entire interior itinerary, as there are no ATMs outside Georgetown, Linden, and Lethem. A good rule: budget your daily expenses plus 20% buffer. For a 10-day trip, $500-1,000 USD in cash (mix of $1, $5, $10, $20 bills) is typical for mid-range travelers, assuming tours and lodges are pre-paid. Keep large bills ($50, $100) for cambio exchanges.
Last updated: April 2026. Exchange rates fluctuate — check current rates before exchanging large amounts. Browse our trip planning resources or contact us for more help.