Travel essentials · 2026

Guyana Currency.The Guyana Dollar (GYD).

Guyana's currency is the Guyana Dollar (GYD). Most prices outside hotels and tourism are quoted in GYD. USD is widely accepted at hotels, tour operators and high-end restaurants. Cards work in cities; carry cash for the interior.

The essentials.

The exchange rate

The Guyana Dollar floats lightly but has hovered around ~G$210 per US$1 for the past several years. Always check the day-of rate. Banks and licensed cambios give the best rate; hotels and airports give the worst.

Where to change money

Cambios (currency exchanges) in Georgetown give the cleanest rate — concentrated around Robb Street and downtown. Bank branches (Republic Bank, GBTI, Demerara Bank) also exchange. Avoid airport counters — worst rates in the country.

ATMs + cards

ATMs are reliable in Georgetown and major towns (Linden, New Amsterdam, Lethem). Visa + Mastercard are widely accepted; AMEX rarely. Outside major centres ATMs become rare to nonexistent — carry GYD cash for the interior.

Tipping + everyday spend

Tipping isn't expected but is appreciated — 10% at restaurants is generous. A bottle of Banks beer ~G$400 / US$2; a roti ~G$700 / US$3.50; an Uber-equivalent ride across Georgetown ~G$2,000 / US$10. Interior tours are all-inclusive (meals + guides) so daily cash needs are low once you're on tour.

Want the full deep-dive?

Full Guyana Money Guide

Deep dive on GYD — historical exchange rates, every bank + cambio, ATM locations, mobile money (MMG), tipping per business type, and a 7-day budget table.

Read the full guide