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Guadeloupe Car Rental, Getting Around

Guadeloupe is a large island with many interesting places to visit so renting a car may be the way to go. A Guadeloupe car rental can be arranged in advance by contacting one of the international companies which operate from the airport. There are also local rental car companies operating from the airport and other locations in Guadeloupe. Most larger hotels offer car rental services to their clients as well.
Car rental, Guadeloupe, French, Caribbean, Island
Roads are generally good on Guadeloupe and vehicles drive on the right. Drivers are skillful but, as in most of the world, everyone seems to be in a hurry, and tailgating is common. When entering roundabouts (traffic circles), always yield to others and stay to the right until you see your exit. If you miss the turn, simply continue around the circle and take it the second time!

If you have a specific appointment, always allow extra time for slow-moving trucks or groups of bicyclists (cycling is a major sport on the island), since many roads are only two lanes. Traffic can be heavy and slow near towns at rush hour, which is generally earlier in the morning and afternoon than you may expect. Be alert for animals in the road and, at night, for two-wheeled vehicles with no lights.

Guadeloupe traffic rules and signage are the same as in France. For stays of 20 days or less, a valid driver's license is needed. For longer stays, an international driver's permit is necessary.

TAXI / BUS
Taxis are generally available at the airport when flights are due as well as in larger cities. Check with the driver for the fare before entering the cab. Fares are usually significantly higher from 21:00 in the evening to 7:00 in the morning, daily, as well as on Sundays and holidays. There is regular bus service throughout Guadeloupe; buses arrive at most areas approximately every 15 minutes. Buses run from 5:00 until 18:00. There are bus-stop signs and shelters, but a wave to the driver from the roadside will usually get you aboard. The bus is inexpensive and can be fun, but is often time-consuming because of all the stops. Don't expect the driver to speak anything other than Créole or French.

BIKES / SCOOTERS
Bicycles, scooters and motorbike rentals are an option in Guadeloupe, but given the unfamiliar (and in Basse-Terre, mountainous) terrain and the volume of traffic in Guadeloupe, two wheel rentals are recommended only for the most experienced riders. Check regarding a scheduled bicycle tour by contacting the
Association Guadeloupéen de VTT. All foreign driver's licenses are honored for motorized vehicles and major credit cards are often accepted for rentals.
Car rental, Guadeloupe, French, Caribbean, Island
Guadeloupe is a large island with many interesting places to visit so renting a car may be the way to go. A Guadeloupe car rental can be arranged in advance by contacting one of the international companies which operate from the airport. There are also local rental car companies operating from the airport and other locations in Guadeloupe. Most larger hotels offer car rental services to their clients as well.

Roads are generally good on Guadeloupe and vehicles drive on the right. Drivers are skillful but, as in most of the world, everyone seems to be in a hurry, and tailgating is common. When entering roundabouts (traffic circles), always yield to others and stay to the right until you see your exit. If you miss the turn, simply continue around the circle and take it the second time!

If you have a specific appointment, always allow extra time for slow-moving trucks or groups of bicyclists (cycling is a major sport on the island), since many roads are only two lanes. Traffic can be heavy and slow near towns at rush hour, which is generally earlier in the morning and afternoon than you may expect. Be alert for animals in the road and, at night, for two-wheeled vehicles with no lights.

Guadeloupe traffic rules and signage are the same as in France. For stays of 20 days or less, a valid driver's license is needed. For longer stays, an international driver's permit is necessary.

TAXI / BUS
Taxis are generally available at the airport when flights are due as well as in larger cities. Check with the driver for the fare before entering the cab. Fares are usually significantly higher from 21:00 in the evening to 7:00 in the morning, daily, as well as on Sundays and holidays. There is regular bus service throughout Guadeloupe; buses arrive at most areas approximately every 15 minutes. Buses run from 5:00 until 18:00. There are bus-stop signs and shelters, but a wave to the driver from the roadside will usually get you aboard. The bus is inexpensive and can be fun, but is often time-consuming because of all the stops. Don't expect the driver to speak anything other than Créole or French.

BIKES / SCOOTERS
Bicycles, scooters and motorbike rentals are an option in Guadeloupe, but given the unfamiliar (and in Basse-Terre, mountainous) terrain and the volume of traffic in Guadeloupe, two wheel rentals are recommended only for the most experienced riders. Check regarding a scheduled bicycle tour by contacting the
Association Guadeloupéen de VTT. All foreign driver's licenses are honored for motorized vehicles and major credit cards are often accepted for rentals.
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