Georgetown, Guyana Report of what it's like to live there - 08/07/26
Personal Experiences from Georgetown, Guyana
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
No. I've lived in multiple other cities in Europe, Africa, and Central America.
2. What is your home city/country? How long is the trip to post from there, with what connections? How easy/difficult is it to travel to this city/country?
USA is my home. Travel is reasonable to USA with direct flights to New York, Miami and Houston. Transfers from there.
Unfortunately, Georgetown's flights are currently between the hours of 11 pm and 3 AM. You often have to fly in the middle of the night, so it can disrupt your sleep patterns.
Due to road conditions, it is often recommended to leave three hours before the time you'd like to arrive as construction, delays and traffic can cause issues.
It's nothing like flying from Southern Africa though, so I count my blessings.
3. What years did you live here?
2025-2026
4. How long have you lived here?
I've lived in Guyana for a year.
5. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Spouse's job
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Housing varies, but typically two stories with bedrooms upstairs. Houses can be a bit strange in terms of layout, but I definitely believe sufficient. There is no house I've seen that would be good for a live-in nanny or caregiver - or mother/n/law situation. There is no zoning here, so you could be next to a bar, vet, or car dealership. It's pretty interesting.
Most areas are not as safe for wandering the streets with a few notable exceptions: a neighborhood called Happy Acres, and Demerara Estates. In both of these areas, elementary aged children will walk and people typically walk for enjoyment or to the playground/tennis courts thanks to a guard protection that keeps dogs and dangerous individuals out.
Commute time varies widely and has extended due to the large boom of people in the town. Closer to the main city center can typically count on 15-20 minutes while further out have to deal with larger variations due to traffic, accidents, police stops and should estimate more like 45 minutes.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Groceries are some of the hardest things here. Due to large tariffs, boating or flying in and restrictions on industry in addition to the large boom from Exxon, goods can be REALLY expensive.
If you have access to DPO, this can be significantly mitigated by purchasing grocery items from Target, Amazon and Walmart at lower USA prices. For the most part it is VERY workable.
Chicken is the most affordable meat and we shop exclusively at a Hallah butcher, getting just beef and chicken.
Fresh veggies and fruit are not always what you want and strawberries are very expensive. If you can be flexible, you can find reasonably-priced options by going to the market. Having a local assist you will help you to get decent prices. Also, going to the local market can make things much more affordable.
DPO is the secret to affordable groceries and cooking here.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Chocolate, beer, wine, shelf stable milk, candy. Dehumidifiers, tires for your car, monitors, TVs. Things that are terribly expensive.
You can order things like toilet paper, diapers, tampons, paper towels from DPO, as these can be very expensive here.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
There are a great many restaurants, but we typically find them quite pricy to our liking. Exxon employees seem less price sensitive and there is a growing market of restaurants here.
If you are willing to cook in, eat like a local (normally curry/indian style - chicken, fish or veg), you can find more affordable options (estimation of $10-$15/meal).
We take our own water to restaurants and often cook in.
Delivery options are growing: KFC, Pizza Hut, Papa Johns, and Alexander the Greek are some of our favorites for delivery.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Dengue is here and there have been people who have gotten it at post.
Mosquito preparation is required with the canals, high humidity and warm weather. We have nets over our beds and do our best to manage keeping mosquitos out of the house. We wear repellant and are not out during early morning or at dusk.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
DPO is our life line for managing all of life item, and mostly sufficient for our needs. Even so, there can be delays and ordering medication early is encouraged.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Household help can be acquired. Due to the huge increase of Exxon employees, it can take some investigation to find competent help. There is a cultural issue here with people showing up to work (sometimes locals decide they just don't want to work that day) or that they want to do the minimum and require some supervision.
If you are willing to try out a few people though, I think you can find someone who will work with you, but it will take some investment (or sacrifice of quality/consistency).
We pay $55/day for 1 full day of babysitting (9 hours) and $28/day for 1 day of household cleaning (8 hours).
3. Do you feel that it is safe to walk, run or hike outside? Are there areas where bike riding is possible? What is the availability and safety of outdoor space for exercising? Are these easily accessible?
No, not where we live. I do feel safe walking around Happy Acres and Demerara Estates and if this is important for you, I encourage you to look at that housing.
There is a national park (close to city center) that can be nice to walk in and has some pleasant workout elements and a playground although I don't think I would do it after dusk.
4. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
There are some gyms, but they can be overly crowded off hours. The embassy has a basic gym. We, like most others we know, keep a home gym for working out.
There are efforts to start Pilates, dance classes and other elements that will cater to Exxon employees and families so I anticipate more to come soon.
5. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
We use cash for everything. Exchange of cash at the embassy due to the exchange rate. Credit cards are growing in popularity, but the exchange rate is just so much better.
6. What English-language religious services are available locally?
There is a famous Catholic church that I'm told is very welcoming and we will likely try Christmas service there. It'll be more of a cultural experience. I am not aware of other service items here, but I suspect with the Exxon community making up so much of the city that you may be able to find most major ones.
7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
None. English is spoken everywhere.
8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
I would it could be difficult for anyone with a disability as all housing has stairs with almost every bedroom upstairs. Canals, wood pillars, uneven walking is very typical. Cars are needed for me to get to the store or even a friends house as it isn't safe to walk. It's hard to imagine having a physical limitation without some research and planning on how to manage.
I'm told that a blind family lived here quite well for several years, but this certainly would not be my first choice for it.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
No. You can't take local buses. You can hire a driver, but from the request, it can take 30 minutes - 1.5 hours for them to show up unless you have a regular relationship.
Plan to get a car for your independence. The most unhappy people at post are the ones who do not get themselves a car - either due to expense or fear of driving. And this limits them from activities and companionship. I strongly recommend budgeting for a second car for spouses.
2. What kind of vehicle(s) including electric ones do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, infrastructure, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car or vehicles do you advise not to bring?
Several people anticipate purchasing a car at post only to find limits when they arrive. I would encourage exploring your car plans early.
There are large tarriffs on most vehicles, so shipping a car in can be smart if you are part of a diplomatic situation, or investigate purchasing someone's vehicle who is leaving. Shipping of our car took four months so planning ahead is crucial. While only one car is allowed to be shipped and sent in tax-free, a secondary car can be purchased by an exiting diplomat for a spouse. This allows one to skip paying the expensive taxes that Guyana charges on vehicles.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Internet has been high speed and mostly pretty decent. Rainy season can cause a few issues, but it's been quite manageable. I would strongly recommend a UPS due to frequent electricity issues and purchasing a new router rather than the ones provided by the internet companies.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
We just kept GoogleFi.
Pets:
1. Are qualified veterinarians and/or good kennel services available? Do animals need to be quarantined upon entry to the country? Are there other considerations regarding pets that are particular to this country?
No quarantine on entry, but the embassy helped with this. I'm unclear on if there are many issues with Guyana regulations, corruption, but lean on the embassy's assistance and advice to get animals into the country.
There is a vet that services expats. I would describe it as a bit wild, but workable still.
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities:
1. What types of jobs do most expatriate spouses/partners have? Locally based or telecommuting? Full-time or part-time? Can you comment on local salary scales?
Remote employee work is completely possible here. The local form of IRS is struggling with corruption, but has a generic Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy around EFM work tax work.
Internet is quite strong and I've had trouble only one day in a full year. Working remote for a US company or US Govt organization is definitely an option here.
There are a multitude of EFM work options at the embassy right now and a shortage of people to fill them. While this could change, there are so many I struggle to see it. There are incentives such as part time work being offered as well.
The local school also has teacher openings and I'm told that the pay is pretty decent but do not have specifics. Teachers could certainly get work.
One of the Exxon spouses that I know also works in the medical profession and has gotten work here. There's a strong medical school in the area, but again do not know specifics.
2. What volunteer opportunities are available locally?
Yes. Exxon spouses are often involved in a variety of volunteer options with orphanages, ecological work efforts or others. I am not involved, but have heard about it some at parties. If you were interested, I feel confident that you could find some.
3. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
This place is hot! People wear linen and sports wear type attire. Most embassy social gatherings have people wearing Hawaiian style shirts. I think T-shirts might be too casual for most gatherings, but a linen casual is the right attire.
Management at the embassy still wears shirt and tie.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Yes. This is a high crime area. I do not wear jewelry and am on guard whenever I am out. I do NOT wander around town, but have a plan of where to go. I'm cautious after dark. Always keep my doors locked on my car and monitor my safety.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Basic emergency room care is available here, but anything more serious will result in going home. Miami, New York and houston are all direct flights every day, so medical evacuation would not be hard and would result in USA treatment.
We have had some problems with prescriptions when one ran out and couldn't find it on the local market. Be prepared with extra medications and stay on top of your mail order while here.
3. What is the air quality like at post (good/moderate/bad)? Are there seasonal air quality issues? Does the air quality have an impact on health?
Air quality is good. It's humid and you don't often want to be outside, but I have not had an issue with the quality of the air.
4. What do people who suffer from environmental or food allergies need to know?
I don't believe food allergies are well understood here, but with the huge influx of Exxon people, they are starting to be understood. American ideas around food are being followed at least at places that cater to expats. I've even seen many gluten-free signs at restaurants and grocery stores.
5. Are there any particular mental health issues that tend to crop up at post, such as Seasonal Affective Disorder (winter blues)?
Does being in a humid climate and believing you should get a beach count? I certainly have beach longing disorder.
6. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Humid and in this mid to late 80s year round. There are light showers every other day or so.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
The school that everyone uses is GIA. The comments I get is that this school is great for elementary kids, but high school is too small and lacking in curriculum and has been disappointing for highschoolers.
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
There is supposedly a special needs program at GIA, but it is mostly focused on dyslexia and ADHD.
3. Are preschools available? Day care? Are these expensive? What has been your experience with them, if any? Do the schools provide before- and/or after-school care?
Preschools do not seem very viable here. There is a small selective group of preschoolers that is sponsored by an ambitious Exxon EFM, but none of the embassy children are in it. It is housed in the spare room of the Exxon EFM. Most preschools are not up to the standards that I would want to place a child in, but Exxon people are changing that. Just today I saw an email where a new preschool was coming into existence.
Nanny care is affordable option and the path we have gone down. GIA accepts children 3+ at this time and would be an option.
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
GIA is attempting to increase their sports classes. I know that there are dance classes here and some soccer classes. Swim instructors are affordable and available to be booked at embassy pools.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Very large expat community which is mostly of Exxon folks but also of USA embassy and others. Morale varies and sometimes the higher corruption, expense of groceries and "make your own fun" rather than being able to go say bowling can get to people.
If you like fishing, hiking, adventures (and have a jeep or similar car), you can enjoy your weekends outside of town and have fun.
For many this is there first post abroad and it is a hardship post and they struggle. Surround yourself with upbeat people and folks that have similar outlook to adventure and you'll be fine.
If you want to walk every day, get a house further outside of town where it is safe to walk or stay in Demerara Estates or other areas where they have a guard to keep out the wild dogs.
2. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
There are several clubs and more seeming to sprout up. There's a French group that gets together. There's a mothers group that gets together once a month for coffee during a work day. There's a running group at Saturdays at 6 AM. There's a movie group. There's a dance group.
3. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Single people who are introverted might do well here. Young families will do well here. Most of the Exxon families appear to be this way and there are many social opportunities for them. I would look elsewhere if I had a junior high or high school child. I think this town might be too limiting with a lack of social opportunities.
4. Is it easy to make friends with locals here? Are there any prejudices or any ethnic groups who might feel uncomfortable here?
There is a strong racial divide between people of Indian descent and people of black descent.
If you are of either descent, I would encourage you strongly to do research. I know of one black expat who has experienced prejudice and difficulty here due to the local prejudices that exist.
Locals seem fairly willing to make friends, but I have mostly stuck to the expat community. The culture is a bit difficult and sometimes I feel as though there is an expectation that I would pay for everything and anything when interacting with locals.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
While I would not describe Guyana as LGBT friendly, it is also not prohibitive. I asked my household help about this as my sister in a lesbian marriage and have a prominent picture of her. It seems very okay to the locals that USA people are gay.
I'm told quite openly of another diplomat who is gay and lives with a man here at post. I am unaware of him receiving any different treatment.
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
There is a strong racial divide between people of Indian descent and people of black descent.
If you are of either descent, I would encourage you strongly to do research. I know of one black expat who has experienced prejudice and difficulty here due to the local prejudices that exist.
There is of course some gender based prejudices, but for the most part being American and presumably wealthy allows me to skirt it.
7. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
The waterfalls are fantastic! The birds in the country side. The blackwater adventure trip was wonderful. The night time tour and getting to hold a crocodile.
Touring the rum factory.
8. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Indian food is good here!
Movies are good.
Rum! This place is famous for it's rum and sugar.
Staying in and playing video games.
9. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
ummm... no.
10. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
Time zone to the USA. Direct flights to NY, Houston and Miami.
Words of Wisdom:
1. What do you wish you had known about this particular city/country before moving there?
Post provides larger housing, but very limited furniture. It's not enough to fill the house. It's expensive to think about the space and the furniture you need.
Don't think that you can supply things on your own, like a desk or computer or dehumidifier locally. Before packing your HHE, go search up tariffs on Guyana goods. Think about things that can be shipped via DPO by size and weight and consider purchasing items before you packout your HHE.
GET A CAR FOR YOUR SPOUSE! The most unhappy people at this post are the ones that do not have a means to get out of their house at all. If you can't afford a car for the adults at post, please consider another option. This isn't a post where you can walk to the store.
2. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Yes. We extended.
We love the timezone for my work, great career for advancement option for my spouse, in home nanny care and household help that we can easily afford and are able to make our own fun.
3. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
winter clothes and US cars (ship one in from Japan and then sell it after 3 years) Tariffs are very high on cars, but don't apply to diplomats.
4. But don't forget your:
dehumidifiers, furniture, things, crafts, objects to make your own fun.
5. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
Hmm.. I cannot think of any. There is a great book called Blood on the River which is about the history and slave rebellion here, but it is not really going to be helpful in living here.
6. Do you have any other comments?
GET A CAR FOR YOUR SPOUSE! The most unhappy people at this post are the ones that do not have a means to get out of their house at all. If you can't afford a car for the adults at post, please consider another option. This isn't a post where you can walk to the store.
