Money, Budget, and Shopping in Guadeloupe

Money

Currency

Currency: euro (100 cents).

Notes: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 €.

Coins: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents + 1 and 2 €.

Exchange:

Exchange

For those outside the Eurozone, several banks accept major currencies, and ATMs are widely available for currency exchange. Banks are typically open weekdays from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM and from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

Payment Methods

Cash and bank cards (with no fees for euro accounts) are widely accepted, just like on the mainland. However, checks from banks not located on the island are often refused by merchants. Conversely, "holiday vouchers" and meal tickets are generally accepted.

Budget

Guadeloupe is a fairly expensive destination, as is often the case with French overseas territories. Budget at least 50 to 70 € per day per person for two people, especially if staying in gîtes where you can also cook your own meals. For more freedom and convenience, it’s better to plan for at least 60 € per day minimum. This doesn’t include outdoor or nature activities, like diving, which can quickly increase your budget.

What Can Be Expensive

Flights during Christmas and peak holiday seasons.

Staying during high season, especially around Christmas when some prices skyrocket.

What Doesn’t Have to Cost (Too) Much

Gîtes with weekly rates.

Eating local food.

Traveling off-season.

Price Range

Double room in a hotel: 500 to 700 € per week minimum.

Double room in a gîte: 250 to 300 € per week minimum.

Meal at a local restaurant: around 10 to 15 €.

Meal at a tourist restaurant: from 20 € for a full meal.

Budget car rental: around 25 to 30 € per day for basic models.

Bus fare: up to 5 or 6 € for a trip to/from Pointe-à-Pitre.

Urban taxi:

Bargaining and Tipping

Bargaining isn’t a strong tradition, though you might try negotiating prices for services like accommodation or car rentals during the low season. As for tipping, it’s the same as on the mainland.