Travel Guides: All Countries / Caribbean / Guadeloupe
 |  | Fact File : Guadeloupe |
|
| | | Guadeloupe | | Did you know?
About two third of all the bananas eaten in France are imported from Guadeloupe, an overseas French department.
Language
French, but most people speak Creole and English.
Visas
Visas are not required but EU citizens need an identity card. All visitors officially require a return or onward ticket.
Getting there
Air France, American Airlines, and Air Canda all fly regularly to the main airport in Guadaloupe's capital, Pointe-a-Pitre.
Flying time from London
Eleven hours with a connection in Paris; 16 hours with a connection in New York.
Getting around
The bus system is fairly advanced with main and secondary routes running six days a week from early morning to mid evening and a reduced service on Sundays. Taxis are plentiful but expensive and motorcycles are another common method of transport.
Ferry services operate between between Pointe-à-Pitre and Les Saintes, Saint-François, Trois-Rivières and Marie-Galante. There are also ferry routes between Saint-François and Marie-Galante and La Désirade.
Currency
Euro.
Costs
Pint of beer 50-60p, roll of film £2.50, moderate restaurant meal £5, litre of petrol £1, four-mile taxi ride £7. Shop around as prices vary.
Weather
The average high temperature in January is 28C/83F, while the low averages 20C/68F. In July, the average high is 30C/88F, while the low averages 23C/75F. February to April are the driest months and July and November are the wettest months.
Time difference
Four hours behind GMT.
International dialling code from the UK
0590.
Voltage
230V, 50Hz.
Opening hours
Typically, shops open between 9am-1pm and 3pm-6pm weekdays with restricted opening on Saturdays. Bank hours are commonly 8am-noon and 2pm-4pm weekdays.
Health — before you go
No vaccinations are required.
Health — when you are there
Beware of the manchineel tree (similar to an apple tree), which has a mildly poisonous sap. Don't touch the leaves or eat the fruits. They can be found on Saintes and on Saint-Barth — very often tourists can see them marked with warning signs.
Some mosquitos transmit the dengue virus, similar to a severe flu. Use mosquito repellent and sleep under mosquito nets or in rooms with air conditioning.
Warnings
There have been some reports of increased car thefts, so be particularly careful if you're hiring a vehicle.
Emergency
Police - 17; fire - 18; hospital - 891010.
Customs
Swimwear is frowned upon away from the beach.
Pets
A valid health pass is necessary. There is no rabies on the island. Caution: only a few lodgings accept pets.
Tipping
Are always welcomed if you're happy with the service.
Tourist office
French Government Tourist Office, 178 Piccadilly, London W1V OAL.
|
|
|
|
|
| | Available rental properties in Guadeloupe |
|
|
|
|
