Georgetown - Post Report Question and Answers

What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?

The dress code at work tends to be fairly formal. A suit, dress, or blouse/skirt for women. A dress shirt/slacks for men. Ties only for more formal occasions. Outside of work, anything goes. - Jun 2022


Guyanese dress formally for government meetings. You can be refused admission to the cultural center or a government building if you are not wearing closed-toe shoes or if you are wearing shorts. - Sep 2020


Shorts, t-shirts, and flip-flops are fine for most public places. Business casual (think collared shirt and khakis) is acceptable for 95% of workplaces or other “formal” settings like a restaurant. If you’re meeting regularly with government contacts, or attending a high-profile event, you might need to wear a suit… but Guyana is always hot and humid, with no reliable dry-cleaning services, so no one wants to dress up unless it’s absolutely required. - Aug 2019


Business casual at work. Formal dress is required when going to the ministries. - Sep 2016


The president of Guyana wears a "shirt-jack." Some parts of the U.S. Embassy wear suits as do a limited number of the Brits and Canadians- I suspect this amuses the locals. Dress is pretty casual. - Apr 2014


It varies in public from shorts and flip-flops to coat and tie. At the U.S. Embassy it varies from slacks and a nice shirt to coat and tie. - Nov 2013


Casual to business casual. - May 2012


Tropical business. For women, slacks/skirt and a decent blouse. For men, short-sleeve, button-down shirt (no tie) and slacks. Evening events -- maybe a tie and jacket for men, but not usual. Haven't been to an occasion where I need formal wear. - Mar 2012


Caribbean Casual. The Guayaberas are popular here. Suits are seldom worn as it's too hot, even at night. - Feb 2012


Business casual. Almost no one wears a tie. - Feb 2010


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