Guadeloupe

Travel tips for Guadeloupe: safety advisories, currency and cash vs. card, tap water, plugs, local phrases, food, and advice from travelers.

Cash and cards

Cards widely accepted. While credit cards are widely accepted at hotels, established restaurants, and in larger towns, recent travelers advise carrying Euro cash for smaller vendors, beach shacks, local markets, and small ferries.

Try the food

  • Bokit: A popular street food consisting of a deep-fried dough sandwich stuffed with savory fillings like saltfish, chicken, or cheese.
  • Accras de morue: Crispy, golden-brown fritters made from salted cod mixed with a spicy, herb-infused batter.
  • Colombo de poulet: A rich and fragrant chicken stew simmered with a unique Caribbean curry blend, coconut milk, and local root vegetables.

Say it in French

  • Hello: Bonjour
  • Thank you: Merci
  • Please: S'il vous plaît
  • Excuse me: Excusez-moi
  • How much is this?: Combien ça coûte ?
  • The bill please: L'addition, s'il vous plaît
  • Yes/No: Oui / Non
  • Goodbye: Au revoir

Essentials

Plugs
Type C / Type D / Type E
Voltage
230V, 50Hz
Driving
Right side
Tap water
Usually safe
Emergency
112 (general), 17 (police), 15 (ambulance), 18 (fire)
SIM tip
Purchase a local SIM card from Orange or Digicel at the airport or major shopping centers, or buy an eSIM online before arrival for immediate connectivity.

Etiquette

Always greet shopkeepers and locals with a polite 'Bonjour' before asking a question or browsing, as skipping this greeting is considered rude.

Airports in Guadeloupe