Travel tips for Guadeloupe

Guadeloupe is a collection of islands that have been a French possession since 1635. It is a fascinating country to visit for relaxation and leisure. However, it is advisable to go through the travel tips carefully before embarking into this island destination.

Banks and money

The currency in use in Guadoloupe is the Euro. Most banks and bank machines accept most of the international credit cards. Traveler Cheques are also easily accepted.

Business hours

The shops are usually open from 8.00am to noon and from 2.00pm to 6.00pm. Businesses are closed on Saturday afternoons, Sundays and other holidays and often on Wednesday afternoons.

Customs

No duties are levied for items of personal use such as tobacco, camera and films. Other goods, including weapons are subject to French legislation. The export of plants is prohibited except cut flowers from flower shops.

Drinking water

Tap water is safe to drink. But do not drink water of rivers and small streams (Bilharziose). Local and imported bottled water is easily available.

Electricity
Guadeloupe receives 220volts of electricity. Wall plugs are of European standards. Transformers and adaptors are necessary for American appliances.

Important telephone numbers

Police                     17

Gendarmerie             82.00.89
Fire Department        18

Ambulance               87.65.43

Hospital                  89.10.10

Veterinary               82.06.60

Sea Rescue             71.92.92

Weather Report        08 92 68 08 08

Health Tips

Guadeloupe is a French Department; therefore, the health care system is excellent. Unlike most tropical regions, there are almost no communicable diseases or those transmitted by parasites. There are no poisonous or dangerous animals as such. But it is always good to follow necessary precautions.

• Sunscreen with a high SPF is highly recommended.
• Do not stay under the Manchineel tree (similar to an apple tree). It has caustic and mildly poisonous sap. Do not touch the leaves or eat the fruits. The juices burn the skin. The tree is very often marked with warning signs.
• Some fish, especially around the northern islands eat poisoned seaweed, which can lead to severe food poisoning in humans. Therefore, try to avoid it.
• The black sea-urchin with its very long and dangerous spines is poisonous. However, you can eat the white sea-urchin.
• Swimming in some rivers is dangerous because of Bilharziosis (a parasitic disease). Normally there are warning signs.
• Beware of the Scolopendra (millipede with a shell). Its sting is similar to that of a scorpion.
• Be aware of stray dogs at the beaches, because they can transmit worms. Wear your sandals to the beach and use a mat.
• Some mosquitoes transmit the dengue virus, similar to a severe flu. Always use mosquito repellent and sleep under mosquito nets or in rooms with air conditioning.
• Practice safe sex. Sexually transmitted diseases, primarily AIDS, are more common in Guadeloupe than in any other French Department.

Vaccinations
French, Europeans and North Americans do not need any special vaccinations.
Tourists from South America and some Caribbean islands need a certificate of vaccinations against smallpox and yellow fever.

Photography

Always take permission of the native before taking their photographs or video.

Time
Local time on Guadeloupe is GMT - 4 year-round. It has a time difference of 5 hours in winter and 6 hours in summer with central Europe.

Tips
Service and tax are included in the prices. But additional tips are always welcome.

(Source: www.antilles-info-tourisme.com)