There are hardly any medical care facilities outside of Cayenne. The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is valid for nationals of EU and EFTA countries. The treatment takes place upon presentation of the EHIC. This regulates care and reimbursement of costs in the event of illness abroad for EU and EFTA citizens. The EHIC does not include repatriation after a serious illness or an accident abroad. Statutory health insurance companies are not allowed to offer this service. Only private travel insurance companies pay for return transport. You should ask your health insurance company about the benefits and whether additional travel health insurance with repatriation insurance is recommended. Check directoryaah for more information.
Notes vaccinations
[1] According to the WHO, French Guiana is a country with yellow fever infection areas. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for all travelers over the age of one year. Exceptions are transit passengers in French Guiana who do not leave the transit area. [2] There is a low risk of cholera infection. Since the effectiveness of the vaccination is disputed, it is advisable to seek medical advice in good time before you travel. To protect oneself, one should practice careful drinking water and food hygiene. [3] Typhoid occurs, poliomyelitis does not. Typhoid vaccination is recommended for backpacking and long-term stays. [4] High risk of malaria throughout the year in the nine communities bordering Brazil and Suriname. In the remaining 13 communities, the risk of infection is low to negligible. The cities of Cayenne and Kourou are malaria free. Resistance of the predominant more dangerous form Plasmodium falciparum (83%) to chloroquine and other agents has been reported in areas with Brazilian immigrants. [5] Nationwide there is an increased risk of infection for various infectious diseases that are transmitted through contaminated food or drinks (e.g. hepatitis A, typhoid fever, bacterial dysentery, amoebic dysentery, lambliasis, worm diseases). Travelers should definitely pay attention to drinking water and food hygiene. Tap water is not suitable as drinking water. The drinking water should be purchased in packaged form in shops. When buying packaged water, you should make sure that the original packaging has not been opened. Milk is unpasteurized and should be boiled. Only mix dry and canned milk with sterile water. Meat products, poultry, seafood, fruits and vegetables can be consumed without concern. However, warnings are given against eating and buying food from cheap street restaurants and markets. Caution should be exercised before consuming fish and seafood that are offered as delicacies in restaurants because of possible algae poisoning.
Other risks
Chagas disease occurs sporadically. They are brought about by assassin bugs. Travelers who stay in simple huts and in the open air are recommended to use mosquito nets to protect them from insects. Dengue fever, transmitted by mosquitoes, can occur (low risk of infection). An effective insect repellent is recommended. Hepatitis A occurs, hepatitis B is highly endemic. Vaccination against hepatitis A is recommended, as well as against hepatitis B for long-term stays and for children and young people. Leishmaniasis, transmitted by butterfly mosquitoes, occurs. Protection is offered by skin-covering clothes and insect repellents. Rabies also occurs. Carriers include dogs, cats, forest animals and bats. Vaccination is recommended for backpackers, children, occupational risk groups and for longer stays. In the event of a bite, seek medical attention as soon as possible. The Zika virus is transmitted to humans by mosquitoes. Symptoms include fever, joint pain and conjunctivitis. The infection often goes unnoticed or only has mild symptoms. The isolated deaths documented so far were mainly related to other pre-existing conditions. The Federal Foreign Office advises pregnant women against non-essential travel to areas with current Zika outbreaks because the virus is suspected of causing microcephaly in the unborn child. There is neither a vaccination nor a medicinal prophylaxis.
Money
Currency
The euro has been the official currency for the French overseas territories (Départements d’Outre-Mer) of French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique and Réunion, as well as for the local authorities (collectivités territoriales) of Mayotte and St. Pierre and Miquelon. More information on the use of the euro in the France chapter. In the French Overseas Country (Pays d’outre mer/POM) French Polynesia and in the French Overseas Territory (Territoires d’Outre-Mer/TOM) New Caledonia, the official currency is the CFP Franc, which is pegged to the Euro. 1 euro = 100 cents. Currency code: €, EUR (ISO code). There are banknotes in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 euros, coins in denominations of 1 and 2 euros,
Credit cards
International credit cards are accepted by many hotels, shops and car rental companies. Details from the issuer of the relevant credit card.
ATMs
Bank cards With the credit card and pin number, money can be withdrawn from ATMs. The Girocard (formerly ec card) with the Cirrus, Plus or Maestro symbol is accepted worldwide. It can be used at ATMs with the Cirrus, Plus or Maestro symbol. To be on the safe side, travelers should always have an alternative source of money such as cash. Further information from banks and credit institutes. Attention: Travelers who want to pay with their bank customer card abroad and withdraw money should find out from their bank about the possibility of using their card before starting their journey.
Travelers cheques
Travelers checks are not accepted in French Guiana.
Bank opening hours
Mon-Fri 07.45-11.30 and 13.00-15.00.
Foreign exchange regulations
see France.
Currency Exchange
There are currency exchange facilities at Cayenne-Rochambeau airport, as well as three exchange offices in Cayenne (Guyane Changes, Change Minas and Change Caraïbes) and one each in Courou, Matoury and Saint-Laurent du Maroni. There are ATMs in Cayenne, Remire-Montjoly, Matoury, Kourou and Saint-Laurent du Moroni.
