Paying in Guyana: cash, cards and MMG
A practical guide for short stays · Guyanese dollar (GYD)
How to pay in Guyana as a visitor
- Make cash your base layer.Use Guyanese dollars across the country, especially outside Georgetown and for small merchants, services and transport.
- Use cards selectively.International Visa and Mastercard work at many hotels and larger urban businesses, but acceptance drops sharply outside the capital.
- MMG can work with preparation.Nonresidents can apply with passport and proof of address, but also need a Guyana-network number, approval and a working funding route.
Payment apps and QR in Guyana
MMG is the only researched wallet with direct nonresident language and a credible merchant route. The other named digital systems should not drive a visitor's payment plan.
| App | Sign up | Fund from | Payment cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| MMG official payment guide | Passport + proof of address18+, Guyana-network number and approval | Cash agent, card or local bankForeign-card authorization not guaranteed | Shown in appComplete public tariff not found |
| Kanoo official payment guide | Phone/email; higher KYC uses IDPublic pages mix Guyana and Bahamas | Cash agent in general FAQGuyana visitor path not established | Not establishedDo not rely on it before arrival |
| G-FASPay official payment guide | Participating bank accountScotiabank route is for Guyana clients | Guyanese bank balanceNo international payment | GYD 100 each directionScotiabank's current published price |
What exactly does MMG require?
The current terms require an adult with an active service from a licensed Guyana mobile network, passport or national ID, email, recent proof of address and MMG approval. Government risk-assessment material expressly says nonresidents may use MMG with valid ID and proof of address. Cash loading at an agent is the least ambiguous funding route after approval.
Which digital products should I avoid relying on?
Kanoo's current public information does not cleanly establish Guyana-specific visitor funding or merchant coverage. CariPay/Be! remains on an older regulator list, but credible April 2026 reporting described apparent closure and inaccessible customer funds. G-FASPay is a domestic bank-client transfer rail, not a tourist QR.
Using foreign cards
- Best in Georgetown.Major cards are most useful at hotels, supermarkets and larger formal businesses in Georgetown and other urban centres.
- Confirm before committing.Ask a hotel, tour operator or merchant whether your card type is accepted when the payment is material.
Cash and ATMs
- Carry GYD outside the capital.Cash is the dependable option in the interior, on minibuses and at small businesses and local services.
- Use ATMs early, not as your only plan.Protected ATMs that accept foreign cards exist in Georgetown but are scarce elsewhere and can be unavailable. Read each fee and limit before confirming.
Sources
Cash and card context
Digital payment products
Continuing your trip?
Check payment access again when you cross a border. A wallet or QR code that works here may have different requirements elsewhere.