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Guadeloupe is a French Overseas Territory in the Caribbean, South of Antigua & Barbuda and Montserrat and North of Dominica. Guadeloupe is a group of 12 islands with only six of them being inhabited.
These six islands are Basse-Terre, Grande-Terre, Marie-Galante, La Desirade and the two Iles des Saintes. The capital of Guadeloupe is Basse-Terre. Ferries are available daily so it is easy island hop.
If you are preparing for an upcoming trip to Guadeloupe you may be asking yourself what is the best currency to use use on the islands.
The best currency to use in Guadeloupe is the Euro. This is the official currency of the country as it is a French Overseas Territory. On a whole, the US Dollar Is not accepted. Large businesses such as hotels, restaurants and supermarkets accept credit card payments.
What Is The Official Currency of Guadeloupe
As an overseas territory of France, the official currency of Guadeloupe is the Euro which is managed by the European Central Bank.
Bank notes are available in 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 Euro dollars. Coins are available in 1 and 2 Euro dollars and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cent pieces.
Do I need cash in Guadeloupe?
Cash is essential in Guadeloupe especially when dealing with small businesses and street vendors. Larger organizations such as supermarkets, restaurants and hotels usually accept credit cards.
Can you use US dollars in Guadeloupe?
On a whole, US dollars are not accepted in Guadeloupe and only the official currency being the Euro is accepted.
Therefore, visitors to Guadeloupe from the USA should consider converting their bank notes to Euros prior to arrival.
There may be the rare instances where US dollars are accepted such as a tourist shop near the cruise terminal. Nevertheless, this is the exception to the general rule.
Can you use Canadian dollars in Guadeloupe?
Along the same lines as the US dollar, Canadian dollars are not accepted in Guadeloupe.
Tourists and visitors to the island should consider converting their Canadian bank notes prior to arriving in the French Caribbean.
Alternatively, there are several main commercial banks in Guadeloupe are Antilles Francaises Bank, BNP Paribas Bank, BRED bank and Credit Agricole Bank. Bank notes can be converted at these locations.
Can you use British Pound Sterling in Guadeloupe?
Unfortunately, British Pound Sterling is not accepted in Guadeloupe and persons travelling from the UK should consider converting their notes to Euros prior to arrival.
The key commercial banks on the island are all listed above.
Can you use Eastern Caribbean dollars in Guadeloupe?
Eastern Caribbean Dollars are not accepted in Guadeloupe. However, if you are in Guadeloupe and plan on visiting the neighboring island of Dominica, Euros are accepted there.
US dollars are also widely accepted in both Dominica and St Lucia. Both of these Caribbean islands can be reached via ferry service from Guadeloupe.
Can you use a debit card in Guadeloupe?
Debit cards can be used on the island at the ATM machines in Basse-Terre. There are several 24 hour operated ATMs on the island and they are easy to access especially in Basse-Terre.
You will receive monies in Euro dollars. Kindly note that there is usually a fee that is charged by your bank for each transaction.
General Tips To Remember In Guadeloupe
- Ensure and notify your banks prior to traveling to prevent credit cards from being blocked as you begin using it on the island.
- Many small businesses on the island do not have credit card machines. If you plan on supporting small businesses during your stay, then have cash available.
- L’ Express Des Isles provides ferry service between the islands of Guadeloupe, Dominica, St Lucia and Martinique. If you are visiting St Lucia, US dollars are widely accepted there.
- Val’ Ferry offers ferry service from Guadeloupe via Marie Galante to the northern end of Dominica called Portsmouth. If you are visiting Dominica, US dollars and Euros are accepted there.
- Commercial banks are usually open Mondays to Fridays. There are some banks that are open on Saturdays.
- It may be challenging traveling around the island without basic knowledge of French. Therefore, it may be useful to learn a few phrases before your vacation. Tour companies such as Karukera Experiences- Guadeloupe Food & Cultural Tours have English guides as an example. Karukera Experiences also have an airport shuttle service from Pointe A Pitre Airport to your desired location. This website is available in both English and French.
Final Thoughts
As a general rule, the best currency to use in the Guadeloupe is the Euro. US Dollars are not accepted by businesses on the island. Credit Cards and Debit Cards are easy to use at large businesses. There are many 24 hour operated ATMs on the islands to use your bank cards to access Euro dollars.
If you are contemplating traveling to Guadeloupe or the rest of the Caribbean, cruising is an affordable option to consider. I have recently completed an informative course by cruise specialist, Emma Cruises which you should check out titled How To Cruise For Less.
This course provides detail tips and techniques on how to save money while cruising onboard, onshore as well as the importance of insurance. So if you if you are considering a cruise for your next Caribbean vacation, check out How To Cruise For Less.
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