Guadeloupe, with its lush islands and French-Caribbean flair, offers a beautiful mix of nature and culture – but managing money in Guadeloupe and understanding how currency works is key to a smooth trip. Whether you’re shopping at island markets, enjoying Creole cuisine, or taking ferries between islands, knowing how to pay will save you time and stress. This guide covers what currency to bring, the best ways to get money and currency in Guadeloupe (Euro – EUR), tips for using cash and cards, and essential dos and don’ts. With these insights, you can explore Guadeloupe without worrying about unexpected fees.
How to pay in Guadeloupe – cash or card?
In Guadeloupe, both cash and card payments are commonly accepted especially on the main islands, towns and tourist areas. Though cash is still needed for many small purchases. The euro (EUR) is the official currency.
You can use cash for:
- Street Vendors and Markets: Food stalls, craft markets, and small roadside vendors are cash-based.
- Public Transportation: Buses and some ferries usually require cash fares.
- Small Businesses: Family-run cafés, bakeries, and corner shops may prefer cash.
- Hostels and Guesthouses: Smaller accommodations may only take cash, especially in rural areas.
- Tips and Gratuities: Cash is common for service staff, guides, and drivers.
- Remote Areas: In villages and on smaller islands, card acceptance is limited.
You can use card for:
- Hotels: Mid-range and upscale hotels accept Visa and Mastercard.
- Restaurants: Most sit-down restaurants in urban and tourist areas take cards.
- Retail Stores: Shopping centers and larger supermarkets accept card payments.
- Car Rentals and Tour Companies: Cards are standard for bookings.
- Online Bookings: Flights, accommodations, and tours can be booked and paid for by card.
What’s the best currency to take to Guadeloupe?
The Euro (EUR) is the official and only accepted currency in Guadeloupe. Since it’s an overseas region of France, bringing Euros is your best and only practical option.
USD, GBP, or any other currency, because foreign currencies are not accepted.
Where to get currency in Guadeloupe?
There are 3 main ways to get cash in Guadeloupe. They are:
- ATMs, or
- Currency exchange, or
- Money transfer & local pick-up
Types of cards to swipe in Guadeloupe
Establishments with POS machines readily accept Visa and Mastercards for swiping. You might also find some places that accept Amex and other cards, albeit less frequently.
Types of cards at ATMs in Guadeloupe
If you’re withdrawing money in Guadeloupe from an ATM, ATMs commonly accept Visa, Mastercards, Plus and Cirrus cards. Only some accept CUP, JCB, Maestro and American Express, Diners, Discover and Rupay cards.
Should I exchange money before travelling to Guadeloupe?
If you’re coming from a Eurozone country, there’s no need to exchange money, as Guadeloupe uses the Euro (EUR). If you’re arriving from a non-Euro country, it’s helpful to bring a small amount of EUR for taxis, tips, or small expenses.
ATMs are widely available across Guadeloupe, especially in Pointe-à-Pitre, tourist areas, and airports. Most machines accept Visa, Mastercard, Cirrus, and Plus cards, but it’s best to check with your bank about withdrawal fees and international compatibility.
Currency exchange is available at banks and exchange bureaus, though rates at airports or hotels are less favorable. Bring EUR, USD, or GBP if you plan to exchange upon arrival.
Where to withdraw money in Guadeloupe
You can withdraw money in Guadeloupe at leading bank ATMs in the country. The best ATMs for foreigners to use in Guadeloupe are those owned by popular banks such as:
- BNP Paribas,
- Banque Postale, and
- Credit Agricole.
For a detailed guide, read Cash and ATMs in Guadeloupe.
Where to exchange currency in Guadeloupe
Common places to exchange currency in Guadeloupe are licenced exchange bureaus or banks.
Exchange bureaus are not as common as in larger international destinations, but some tourist information centers, ferry terminals, and port zones in Pointe-à-Pitre and Le Gosier may offer exchange services.
Popular Banks Offering Currency Exchange Services are Banque des Antilles Françaises, Caisse d’Épargne, BNP Paribas, Crédit Agricole
Banks are usually open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and some branches may open on Saturday mornings.
Airport Services:
Currency exchange is available at Pôle Caraïbes International Airport, but rates may not be as competitive as in town.
Tip: Since Euros are the official currency, it’s best to bring EUR directly. USD and GBP are not widely accepted and may have poor exchange rates.
You can find good currency exchanges in Guadeloupe using the ATM Fee Saver app – it will guide you to the nearest currency exchange on the map. The app helps you with forex places in 160+ countries, including Guadeloupe. Download now from the App Store or Play Store.
Avoid Airport Exchanges and no-fee exchange offices: They have the highest fees and poorest exchange rates. Wait to get to the city to exchange cash.
Is carrying cash in Guadeloupe safe?
Carrying cash in Guadeloupe is generally safe, especially in tourist areas, but standard precautions are still recommended. As a French overseas region, Guadeloupe has a relatively low crime rate, though petty theft can happen in crowded places like markets or beaches.
To safely carry cash in Guadeloupe:
- Carry only the amount you’ll need for the day and leave the rest locked up at your hotel.
- Use a crossbody bag or zippered pouch, and avoid keeping wallets in back pockets.
- Avoid displaying large amounts of cash when shopping or paying for activities.
- Be alert in busy areas like Pointe-à-Pitre or open-air markets.
- Withdraw money from ATMs located inside banks or supermarkets, not at isolated kiosks.
- Keep small bills handy for local shops, beach vendors, and tipping.
Is it better to use debit or credit cards or pay by cash in Guadeloupe
Use a card if it is fee-free i.e. your bank does not charge any fees to swipe the card, when the merchant / POS also does not impose any extra charge to use a card, you need to use the insurance of the card, don’t want to block cash of large purchases and card’s swipe fees are lower than withdrawal fees.
Pay by cash by withdrawing cash from ATM or exchanging currency where – fees on ATM withdrawals are lesser than fees on swiping cards, you don’t want to leave any digital footprint of your expenses, it is convenient and easier to conduct transactions.
Download ATM Fee Saver now.
