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Some scams

South America

Tourist scams in Guyana

Petty street crime is a concern in Georgetown, while river-boat operators may charge tourists higher fares. Muggings are possible at Stabroek Market but are described as infrequent; most other risks have no clear frequency figures. The work-offer scams below are general travel risks, not established Guyana-specific patterns.
  1. 1 TheftCommonPetty street theftStreet thieves take money or belongings. Georgetown has a reputation for petty street crime, but no specific distraction or pickpocket method is described.Georgetown 2Read
  2. 2 Buses and trainsCommonHigher river-boat fares for touristsBoat operators may ask tourists for more than other passengers pay. Taking a boat described as a "special" without agreeing the price first can leave you facing an unexpected charge.River-taxi and speedboat departure points 1Read
  3. 3 TheftOccasionalMuggingSomeone uses threats or force to take your belongings. Muggings are possible at the market but are described as infrequent.Georgetown 3Read
  4. 4 Fake officialsOccasionalPolice intimidation of suspected same-sex male partnersPolice have reportedly used laws concerning same-sex activity to intimidate suspected male partners. This is reported official intimidation; no specific bribe demand or money-taking scheme is described.Across the countryRead
  5. 5 Other tricksOccasionalFake job with an advance feeA supposed employer requests a large payment for hiring expenses before you arrive. The job then does not exist or is very different from what was promised.Overseas job offers; a general travel warning, not a documented Guyana-specific patternRead
  6. 6 Other tricksOccasionalJob offers that steal personal informationA fake recruitment offer collects personal details for identity theft instead of offering real work.Overseas job offers; a general travel warning, not a documented Guyana-specific pattern 1Read
  7. 7 Other tricksOccasionalPromised wages without enough paid hoursAn employer advertises an attractive hourly wage but provides too few hours to earn the expected income. In some situations, control over working hours is also used to pressure the worker.Overseas employment; a general travel warning, not a documented Guyana-specific patternRead
  8. 8 Other tricksOccasionalMoney-mule or parcel-mule jobA supposed employer asks you to move money or carry or ship goods across borders. Payments may involve stolen funds, forged cheques or money orders that fail to clear. You can lose your own money and face responsibility for illegal goods.Overseas job offers; a general travel warning, not a documented Guyana-specific patternRead
  9. 9 Other tricksOccasionalDeceptive employment paperworkAn employer brings someone abroad with paperwork that does not permit the promised work. Some employers suggest repeated border trips instead of arranging proper permission, leaving the worker exposed to penalties.Overseas employment; a general travel warning, not a documented Guyana-specific patternRead
  10. 10 Other tricksOccasionalWage theft and exploitative employer chargesAn employer uses a foreign worker's dependence on the job to impose low or unpaid wages, excessive hours or overpriced, poor accommodation. Fear of losing permission to stay can make leaving harder.Overseas employment; a general travel warning, not a documented Guyana-specific pattern 3Read
  11. 11 Other tricksOccasionalEmployer holds a passport to prevent departureAn employer keeps a worker's passport to stop them resigning or leaving.Overseas employment; a general travel warning, not a documented Guyana-specific pattern 2Read

Where to stay alert

  • Stabroek Market, GeorgetownMuggings are possible, though described as infrequent. Visit with a group or trusted local.
  • Tiger Bay, east of Main Street, GeorgetownIdentified as a high-crime area.
  • Albouystown, GeorgetownNamed among the city's traditional high-crime areas.
  • Ruimveldt, GeorgetownNamed among the city's traditional high-crime areas.
  • Southeastern GeorgetownThe wider southeastern part of the city is identified as a high-crime area.

Habits that keep you safe

Taxis

  • Check for a number plate beginning with H, the stated taxi identifier.
  • Agree the fare and currency before setting off.
  • The listed Georgetown reference fares are around G$400 for most city trips, with G$500 stated as the upper limit. Confirm the fare before relying on these figures.

Money

  • Confirm whether a price marked $ means Guyanese dollars or US dollars.
  • Count your change before leaving.
  • Plan cash needs before visiting Mabaruma: it is described as cash-only, with no banks or cash machines.
  • Avoid leaving with more Guyanese cash than you need; it can be difficult to exchange outside the region.

Cards and ATMs

  • Scotiabank and Republic Bank are listed as accepting MasterCard at their cash machines.
  • Shield your PIN and keep your card in sight.
  • Check account alerts and report transactions you do not recognise.

Your belongings

  • Keep jewellery and expensive items discreet.
  • Visit Stabroek Market with a group or trusted local.
  • Avoid walking alone at night in Georgetown.
  • Carry only what you need and keep backup documents separately.

Where you stay

  • For employer-arranged housing, get the cost and deductions in writing.
  • Ask current employees about the housing and actual living costs.
  • Keep enough accessible money for somewhere else to stay if an employment arrangement breaks down.

Police and officials

  • Stay calm during official encounters and ask for identification when safe.
  • Keep a secure copy of your passport and retain control of the original.
  • Seek independent legal or consular help if you are threatened, detained or prevented from leaving.

What travellers say about Guyana

Discussions on other sites, summarised in our words. Open a link to read the full thread.

Questions

Are tourists often targeted by scams in Guyana?

Crime is described as rarely directed at tourists, but Georgetown has petty street crime. River-boat operators may ask tourists for higher fares. Most risks have no reliable frequency figures.

How do I avoid paying too much for a river boat?

Ask other passengers what they pay and agree the total before boarding. Do not accept a "special" until you know its price and what it covers.

How can I check a taxi and its fare?

Taxi number plates begin with H. Agree the fare and currency before leaving. Listed Georgetown reference fares are around G$400 for most city trips, with G$500 stated as the upper limit; confirm before relying on these figures.

Is Stabroek Market safe to visit?

Muggings are possible but described as infrequent. Go with a group or trusted local, keep valuables discreet and carry only what you need.

Which parts of Georgetown need extra care?

Tiger Bay east of Main Street, Albouystown, Ruimveldt and the wider southeastern part of the city are identified as high-crime areas. Avoid exploring unfamiliar areas alone.

Can I rely on cards and cash machines everywhere?

No. Mabaruma is described as cash-only, with no banks or cash machines. Scotiabank and Republic Bank are listed as accepting MasterCard at their cash machines elsewhere.

What should I do if someone mugs me?

Do not resist or chase them. Get to safety, seek medical help if needed, block stolen cards and report the robbery. Save the report details for your insurer.

What are the warning signs of a fake job offer?

Watch for large upfront fees, an employer you cannot verify, unclear hours or requests to move money or parcels. These are general overseas-work warnings, not confirmed Guyana-specific scam patterns.

What if an officer intimidates me?

Stay calm and prioritise safety. Ask for identification and the reason for questioning when safe. Record details afterwards and seek legal or consular help if threatened or detained.

Should an employer keep my passport?

Keep control of your passport. If an employer withholds it to stop you leaving, seek consular and legal help. Passport retention is a general overseas-work warning here, not a documented Guyana-specific pattern.

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