Guyana, a land of lush rainforests, majestic waterfalls, and rich cultural diversity, is one of South America’s most underrated gems. Whether you’re visiting the roaring Kaieteur Falls, exploring Georgetown’s colonial streets, or venturing into the interior, knowing how to access cash is crucial. While some urban areas accept cards, cash remains the primary payment method across much of the country, especially in rural regions and local markets. This guide offers essential information on cash and ATMs in Guyana, including withdrawal fees, transaction limits, exchange rates, and card usage, ensuring a well-prepared and hassle-free journey.
Where to find ATMs in Guyana?
In Georgetown, the capital, ATMs are primarily located in business districts like Camp Street, Robb Street, and around Stabroek Market. Major banks operating ATM networks include Republic Bank, GBTI (Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry), and Scotia Bank. Machines dispense Guyanese dollars (GYD) and may not always support international cards, so it’s best to check symbols on the ATM (Visa, Plus, etc.) before using.
Tourist Spots:
ATMs can be found near hotels, shopping areas, and major bus terminals. In popular spots like the Kaieteur Falls departure points or eco-lodges near the Rupununi, card access is nearly nonexistent. Travelers should withdraw cash in Georgetown before heading into interior regions or on multi-day excursions.
Rural Areas:
ATM infrastructure is extremely limited outside major towns. In places like Lethem, Bartica, or New Amsterdam, there may only be one or two machines. Some remote areas have no banking facilities at all. It’s critical to carry sufficient cash when visiting Indigenous communities, river lodges, or areas deep in the rainforest.
Best ATMs to use in Guyana for foreigners
The best ATMs for foreigners to use in Guyana are those owned by popular banks such as:
- Republic Bank,
- Demerara Bank,
- GBTI Bank, and
- Scotiabank.
There are other banks with ATMs that also accept international debit and credit cards.
There are no known Global ATM Alliance member banks or All Points network banks in Guyana.
Don’t accept conversion at ATMs and withdraw only in local currency
In Guyana, some ATMs may ask – Accept OR Decline Conversion (also known as With or Without Conversion, or Charge in GYD).
– If you ‘Accept’ – ATM converts your money at ATM’s set exchange rate and you pay an extra % fee to the ATM for currency conversion also.
– If you ‘Decline’ – ATM will convert at exchange rate of the bank/card logo (Visa, Master, etc.).
So, to avoid extra fees, select ‘Decline/Without’ Conversion or ‘Charge in GYD’.
If you’d like to understand more, read ATM fees abroad: Charges to use cards at foreign ATMs explained.
Can I use a foreign debit or credit card at an ATM in Guyana?
Yes, many foreign debit and credit cards are widely accepted at ATMs in Guyana. ATMs commonly accept Visa and Mastercard. Some of them also accept Plus and Cirrus cards. Many of them will not accept CUP, JCB, Maestro, American Express, Diners, Discover and Rupay cards.
What are the ATM opening hours?
Most ATMs in urban areas like Georgetown are open 24/7, but outages due to power or network issues are not uncommon. Machines inside bank branches or shops may follow business hours (Mon-Fri, 8am-4pm).
What are ATMs called in Guyana?
In Guyana, they’re simply referred to as “ATMs” or “Cash Machines”. Signage usually includes the bank name (e.g., Republic Bank, GBTI, Scotia Bank) and the word “ATM.”
Language options at ATMs
ATMs operate in English only, as it’s the official language of Guyana.
If you don’t know the language, try using Google Translate’s camera tool, but double-check, as it may not always be a 100% accurate translation.
What currencies can I withdraw from ATMs in Guyana?
ATMs in Guyana dispense only Guyanese dollars (GYD), the country’s official currency. They do not offer the option of withdrawing US Dollars or other foreign currencies. Some merchants may accept USD but you will receive change, if any, in GYD.
ATM withdrawal limits in Guyana?
ATMs in Guyana have a maximum withdrawal limit per transaction of GYD 200,000. Banks usually have daily withdrawal limit of GYD 400,000.
ATM Fees in Guyana
There are no fee-free ATMs in Guyana. Majority of the bank ATMs in Guyana charge GYD 200 to GYD 1,040 per transaction ATM Access Fee for foreign card holders. So you can use the one with lower ATM fees.
Apart from ATM Access Fees, there can be other potential charges to withdraw cash in Guyana. These are:
1. Currency Conversion Fees (Accept or Decline Conversion)
2. Your Bank’s currency conversion fee – Some banks charge the card holder a fee to use the card abroad. Cross check with your bank on what the charges are.
How to avoid high fees when withdrawing cash in Guyana
Use the lower fee ATMs in the country.
Use the ATM Fee Saver app to find fee-free or low-fee ATMs.
Opt for “Decline Conversion” or “Without Conversion” during ATM transactions.
Consider getting fee-free cards from your home country.
Avoid using ATMs at the airports, sometimes they have higher fees.
For a detailed guide, read Withdrawing cash abroad? 9 best ways to save foreign ATM fees.
Ways to find fee-free ATMs in Guyana?
Discover fee-free and low-fee ATMs on the ATM Fee Saver mobile app for iOS and Android. This app provides ATM PINs and details of leading bank ATMs such as ATM fees and withdrawal limits for foreign cardholders at ATMs in Guyana. Moreover, its simple fee calculator helps you determine exact withdrawal charges. You can also find cash tips and tricks on the app for 160+ countries including Guyana. Download now from the App Store or Play Store.
Download ATM Fee Saver now.
Safety at ATMs
Guyana has a higher crime rate compared to many other countries in the region, and travelers should exercise caution, especially in Georgetown and other urban areas. It’s strongly recommended to use ATMs located inside banks, shopping malls, or hotels rather than on the street. Avoid withdrawing cash after dark, and always be aware of your surroundings. Shield your PIN from view, and be cautious of any unusual attachments that might indicate card skimming. Regularly monitoring your bank activity during your stay is essential to detect unauthorized use.
FAQs
What to do if an ATM takes your card?
If an ATM in Guyana takes you card, you can contact the bank (if you used an ATM inside a bank branch), they may be able to retreive the card for you if you have proof of identity. You can also contact the bank’s helpline but typically they only retreive and resend new cards for their own customers. In such cases, you will need to contact your own bank and ask them to deliver a card to you at home or abroad.
Fee-free ATMs and possible to withdraw cash free of cost at ATMs in Guyana?
No, its usually not possible.There are no fee-free ATMs in Guyana. Majority of the bank ATMs in Guyana charge GYD 200 to GYD 1,040 per transaction ATM Access Fee for foreign card holders. So you can use the one with lower ATM fees.
Foreign cards from US, UK, India, China, Europe, Australia accepted at ATMs in Guyana?
Yes. ATMs in major cities in Guyana and international hotel chains accept many types of international cards.
Bitcoin ATMs?
There are currently no confirmed Bitcoin ATMs in Guyana. Crypto access is usually handled via online exchanges or peer-to-peer platforms rather than physical kiosks.
Foreign bank ATMs’ presence in Guyana
- Bank of America: No, there are no Bank of America ATMs here.
- Citibank: No, Citibank does not operate ATMs in Guyana.
- Barclays: No, Barclays does not have ATM presence.
- HSBC: No, HSBC does not maintain ATMs here.
- Standard Chartered: No, Standard Chartered does not operate ATMs in Guyana.
