Verified Facts
The internet in French Guiana is relatively well-developed, with average speeds and coverage that cater to the needs of tourists and residents alike, although there may be some limitations in rural areas.
Quick Facts
Internet Overview
The internet quality in French Guiana is generally good, with average download speeds of 10 Mbps, which is sufficient for basic online activities such as browsing, emailing, and social media. However, there is a noticeable urban-rural divide, with faster speeds and more reliable connections available in urban areas like Cayenne, while rural areas may experience slower speeds and more frequent outages. The reliability of the internet connection can also vary depending on the provider and the location, but overall, it is possible to stay connected and get work done.
The government of French Guiana has been investing in improving the telecommunications infrastructure, including the deployment of fiber-optic cables and the expansion of mobile networks. As a result, the internet has become more accessible and affordable for the local population, with many households and businesses having a reliable connection. However, there are still some challenges to be addressed, particularly in rural areas where the infrastructure is less developed.
Getting a SIM Card
To get a SIM card in French Guiana, tourists can visit one of the main carriers' stores, such as Orange or SFR, and purchase a prepaid SIM card for around 20 USD. To buy a SIM card, you will need to provide a valid passport and proof of address, and the process is relatively straightforward. The recommended carriers for tourists are Orange and SFR, which offer a range of prepaid plans with different data allowances and prices. It's also possible to buy a SIM card at the airport or at some convenience stores.
| Carrier | Tourist Plan | Data | Price (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Orange | Prepaid | 1 GB | 10 USD | Valid for 7 days |
| SFR | Prepaid | 5 GB | 20 USD | Valid for 14 days |
| Digicel | Prepaid | 10 GB | 30 USD | Valid for 30 days |
| Free Mobile | Prepaid | 2 GB | 15 USD | Valid for 7 days |
WiFi Availability
- Hotel WiFi quality is generally good, with many hotels offering free WiFi to their guests
- Cafe WiFi culture is not as widespread as in other countries, but some cafes and restaurants in urban areas do offer free WiFi
- Coworking spaces are becoming more popular, especially in Cayenne, and often offer reliable and fast WiFi
- Public WiFi is available in some areas, such as parks and public buildings, but the coverage can be limited
- Some shopping malls and supermarkets also offer free WiFi to their customers
For Remote Workers
- Coworking spaces like Regus and WeWork offer reliable and fast WiFi, as well as other amenities like meeting rooms and printers
- Reliable cafe chains like Cafe de la Paix and Le Grand Cafe offer good WiFi and a comfortable working environment
- Backup internet options like mobile hotspots and portable WiFi routers are available for purchase or rent
- VPNs are not strictly necessary, but they can be useful for accessing certain websites or services that are blocked in French Guiana
- Some cafes and restaurants also offer outdoor seating areas with WiFi, which can be a good option for remote workers who prefer to work in a more relaxed environment
Tips & Warnings
- Internet censorship is not a major issue in French Guiana, but some websites may be blocked due to copyright or other restrictions
- Some online services like Netflix may not be available in French Guiana due to geo-restrictions
- Using a VPN can help to bypass these restrictions and access blocked websites or services
- Roaming alternatives like eSIMs and portable WiFi routers can be a good option for tourists who want to stay connected without incurring high roaming charges
- It's also a good idea to check the coverage and speeds of different carriers before purchasing a SIM card or data plan.