Money, Budget, and Shopping in French Guiana

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 in the main towns offer exchange services.

Payment methods

You can pay in cash or by card (no fees for euro accounts) just like in mainland France. However, cheques from non-local banks (or for non-residents) are often refused by merchants. Conversely, "holiday vouchers" and meal tickets are generally accepted. Note that it’s best to have cash if you venture away from the main towns.

Budget

French Guiana, like other overseas departments, is an expensive destination for travellers, especially if you don’t know anyone locally. The cost of living is higher than in mainland France, though this varies depending on your lifestyle (local, metropolitan, or a mix). For a leisure trip, budget at least 60 to 80 € per day per person for two, including nights in gîtes where you can cook or in a carbet. If you plan to explore the Amazonian part of the department or simply the Kaw Marshes, you’ll also need to factor in the cost of local service providers. In short, French Guiana is expensive and requires a budget unlike the rest of South America.

"Hammock, hitchhiking, and markets"

For those willing to travel "off the beaten path," it’s possible to spend less once you’re there. By hitchhiking along the coast, eating local food at markets, and sleeping in your hammock with a mosquito net in carbets (under 10 €), you can aim for 20 to 25 € per day. However, you’ll still need a significant budget if you want to explore the Amazonian region, which almost always requires hiring local providers. This "hammock, hitchhiking, and markets" approach also demands time, basic self-sufficiency, some precautions, and a willingness to travel with minimal comfort.

What can be expensive

Intercity transport.

Hotels.

Organised excursions.

What doesn’t have to be expensive

Eating local, especially at markets.

Sleeping in your hammock in carbets.

Price range

Budget accommodation: 10 to 15 € per person in a carbet, depending on whether you have your own hammock.

Tourist accommodation: around 40 € for two people in a basic hotel or gîte.

Local restaurant meals: from 5 or 6 € at markets to 10 to 15 € in a small restaurant.

Tourist restaurant meals: at least 20 €, even for a basic "mainland-style" meal.

Budget car rental: from 50 € per day for a standard model.

100 km by bus/minibus: expensive; 10 to 15 € for 100 km.

Urban taxi:

Urban bus: 1.10 € per trip in Cayenne.