GENERAL
Capital
Administrative headquarters: Basse-Terre.
Commercial center: Pointe-à-Pitre (Grande-Terre).
Geography
According to localcollegeexplorer, Guadeloupe is part of the Leeward Islands and is composed of Basse-Terre, Grande-Terre (separated from Basse-Terre by a narrow channel) and the five islands mentioned above. Basse-Terre has a volcanic landscape, while Grande-Terre is rather flat and consists of chalk rock. The mountain regions have a beautiful tropical and lush landscape.
Government
French overseas department (Départements d’outre-mer) with four members of the French National Assembly and two Senators in the Senate. Internal affairs are handled by the Conseil général (42 members).
Head of state
Head of State: François Hollande, since May 2012. France has been represented by Prefect Jacques Billant since December 2014.
Head of government
Jacques Gillot, since March 2001.
Electricity
220 V, 50 Hz. Adapter mostly not required.
Time zone
Atlantic Standard Time: CET -5
MONEY
Currency
The euro has been the official currency for the French overseas territories (Départements d’Outre-Mer), French Guyana, Guadeloupe, Martinique and Réunion as well as for the local authorities (Collectivités Territoriales) Mayotte and St. Pierre and Miquelon since 1999. For more information on using the euro, see the France chapter. In the French Overseas Zealand (Pays d’outre mer / POM) French Polynesia and in the French overseas territory (Territoires d’Outre-Mer / TOM) New Caledonia, the official currency is the CFP Franc, which is pegged to the Euro.
1 euro = 100 cents. Currency abbreviation: €, EUR (ISO code). There are banknotes in values of 5, 10, 20, 150, 100, 200 and 500 euros, coins in denominations of 1 and 2 euros, as well as 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents.
Credit cards
Major credit cards are accepted in larger hotels, shops and international car rental companies. Details from the issuer of the credit card in question.
ATMs
ec / Maestro card / Sparcard
cards with the Cirrus or Maestro symbol are accepted throughout Europe and worldwide. Further information from banks and credit institutes. ATMs are available in all cities.
Attention: Travelers who pay with their bank card abroad and want to withdraw money should find out about the possibilities of using their card from their bank before starting their journey.
Bank opening times
Mon-Fri 8 a.m.-12 p.m. and 2 p.m.-4 p.m., e.g. T. Sa in the morning.
Foreign exchange regulations
- France.
Currency Exchange
You can withdraw cash with your EC / Maestro card or credit card at numerous ATMs. Exchange offices are available in most towns.
LANGUAGE
Overview
The official language is French, Creole and English are also spoken.
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
DUTY-FREE SHOPPING
Overview
- France.
The importation of plants and vegetables of any kind is prohibited, as well as food of animal origin and animals of all kinds from Haiti.
ECONOMY
Business etiquette
Light summer suits or summer dresses or light costumes. The best time to travel on business is January to March and June to September. Business relations exist mainly with France.
Business hours: Mon-Fri 8 a.m.-12 p.m. and 2 p.m.-6 p.m.
Economy
Chambre de Commerce et d’Industrie de Pointe-à-Pitre (Chamber of Commerce and Industry)
Hôtel Consulaire, Rue Félix Eboué, 97159 Pointe-à-Pitre.
Tel: (05) 90 93 76 00.
Internet: www.cci-pap.org
Business contacts
Chambre de Commerce et d’Industrie de Pointe-à-Pitre (Chamber of Commerce and Industry)
Hôtel Consulaire, Rue Félix Eboué, 97159 Pointe-à-Pitre.
Tel: (05) 90 93 76 00.
Internet: www.cci-pap.org
COMMUNICATION
Phone
International direct line. The national telephone network is good, no area codes. The local telephone booths are mostly equipped for telephone cards, many also work with credit cards, and very rarely are payphones. Telephone cards can be obtained from post offices.
Cellphone
GSM 900. Network operators are France Telecom and Améris. Cell phones can be rented from Baggage Plus at the airport. The transmission / reception area extends over the French Antilles and French Guiana. St. Martin and St Barthélemy: digital analog network (system B). The network operator is St Martin Mobiles (Internet: www.stmartinmobiles.com). The German cellular networks D1 and D2 are fully functional in Guadeloupe.
Internet
The main providers are Wanadoo (Internet: www.wanadoo.fr) and Antilladoo (Internet: www.antilladoo.com). There are internet cafes in Saint-François, Mare-Gaillard, Pointe-à-Pitre and other cities. Internet access is also available in some post offices and other public offices.
Post Office
Airmail to Europe takes about a week. You can buy stamps in post offices and some newsagents.
Radio
Since the use of shortwave frequencies changes several times over the course of a year, it is advisable to contact Deutsche Welle customer service directly (Tel: (+49) (0228) 429 32 08. Internet: www.dw-world.de) to request.
SHOP
Overview
French imports such as perfume, wine, spirits and Lalique crystal are inexpensive. Popular souvenirs are the local rum, bamboo hats, straw articles and voodoo dolls. Those who pay with travelers checks sometimes receive a 20% discount. Shop opening times: i. A. Mon-Fri 8.30 a.m.-6 p.m., Sat 8.30 a.m.-1 p.m.
NIGHTLIFE
Introduction
Local music and dance are offered in numerous restaurants, bars and discos. The famous island dance Beguine is still danced in colorful and richly decorated Creole costumes.
CULINARY
ACCOMMODATION
Hotels
There is a good selection of hotels in Guadeloupe, ranging from top hotels to friendly country inns. The accommodations on more remote islands are sometimes a pleasant surprise, but are often quite simple. There are currently over 4000 rooms available. Hotel tax is usually included in the price, but 15-30% service tax is added depending on the season. Many hotels charge a standard fee. The Relais de la Guadeloupe offers a central booking service.
Categories:3 and 4 star hotels with sports facilities and entertainment. There are also two separate hotel categories: Hibiscus (H) and Alamandas (A). The hibiscus hotels are roughly 2 or 3 stars and are mostly family businesses; Alamandas hotels are good 1 or 2 star hotels. Most hotels offer different combinations:
Full American Plan (FAP): rooms with full board (including afternoon tea).
American Plan (AP): Room with three meals.
Modified American Plan (MAP): room, breakfast and dinner, in some hotels also afternoon tea.
Continental Plan (CP): Bed and breakfast.
European Plan (EP): overnight stay only.
Camping
There is currently only one campsite in Guadeloupe. Further information from the Office du Tourisme (see addresses).
CULTURE
Religion
Mostly Roman Catholic (95%); Protestant minority (1%) and others.
Social rules of conduct
The atmosphere is calm and informal. Everyday clothing is accepted, but more elegant clothing is expected for going out in the evening. Tip: 10%.
CLIMATE
Best travel time
Warm all year round with temperatures between 24 ° and 30 ° C; at times humid, rainy season from June to October. Rainfall all year round.
COUNTRY DATA
Area code +590 Area (km2) 1705 Population 403 750 Population density (per km2) 237 Population in 2014 Member of the EU No main emergency number 15
