Hurricanes
Hurricanes may occur any time from June through November and, historically, the most likely time is during September. Progressive technology brings more sophisticated storm warning systems every year. It is unusual for any one island to be severely affected more than once or twice every 10 years and your actual odds of experiencing a hurricane are very low. Some travelers purchase trip cancellation insurance in advance of travel, particularly during the most active period of the hurricane season.

Time Zone
The French West Indies are in the Atlantic Time Zone (GMT-4). When the eastern US is on Eastern Standard Time, the time in the islands is one hour later. When the eastern US switches to Eastern Daylight Time, the time in the islands is the same. Local time is usually indicated in the 24-hour format (1:15 p.m. is 13:15 or 13h15). As with most of the Caribbean, there is also something called "Island Time". This means that things may actually take a lot longer that one expects. The best way to deal with Island Time is to simply relax and enjoy yourself while you are waiting.

Telephone Codes
To call Guadeloupe from the US, dial 011-590-590 + the local 6-digit number. If you are trying to reach a cell phone in Guadeloupe, dial 011-590-690 + the local 6-digit number. When you are in Guadeloupe, dial 0-590 + the local 6-digit number for local calls and 0-690 + the local 6-digit number for local calls to cell phones.

Cell / Mobile / Portable Phones
Before you travel to the islands, check with your service provider to determine if your phone will work in the island. You may be also be able to purchase an adaptor chip for your phone or rent a portable phone from one of the local companies during your stay.

Public Telephones
To phone from the island, a Télécarte (phone card) makes local and international calls easier and less expensive. Télécartes are sold at Post Offices and other outlets marked Télécarte en Vente Ici. They are used in special booths marked Télécom found all over. There are no coin phones. Many phones will now accept VISA, MasterCard or other credit cards for long distance calls. Operator-assisted calls are higher in cost.

Internet
Instant internet connection is becoming more available in the islands. Some hotels allow guests to check their e-mail from a central hotel computer, usually located near the reception desk. Certain hotels and accommodations may also provide in-room internet access. There are a growing number of businesses that provide internet access on a fee per minute basis.

Mail
Postage stamps can be purchased at post offices (hours are irregular and lines can be long and slow), cafés-tabacs (tobacco stores) and at hotel newsstands or souvenir shops. Mail can take up to six weeks between the French West Indies to the US. If you want to send something quickly, it is better to use an express shipping service such as FedEx.

Currency
The local currency is Euros but U.S. dollars, traveler's checks and major credit cards are widely accepted.

You will often get a better rate of exchange at the local banks or ATMs ((there's one near La Mairie) ) than you will at hotels. Major banks are in Pointe-à-Pitre and open 8:00-12:00 and 14:00-16:00, Monday-Friday. Some also open Saturday mornings. Although there is not a lot of crime on this island, visitors should not leave cash or essential items unattended. Most hotels have a place to store important documents or valuables in rooms or at the front desk.

Electricity
Voltage is in the French West Indies is 220 AC, 50 cycles. Appliances designed for other voltages require a transformer. A few hotels and villas include 110 AC outlets in the bathrooms. All appliances require standard two-prong French plugs or appropriate adaptors.

Enry & Customs
In addition to local entry requirements, your air or sea carrier may request additional documentation for passengers. Please check with your carrier in advance of travel.

Valid passports are required for all US, Canadian traveling as tourists to the French West Indies. For European Union citizens, the same requirements apply as traveling to France.

For citizens of other countries, a visa may be required in addition to a passport.
A return or ongoing ticket is required of all visitors.
No vaccination papers are required unless arriving from an endemic area.

Items for personal use (e.g. tobacco, cameras and film) are admitted without formalities or tax if not in excessive quantity. For other items, French regulations apply. "Rien à déclarer" marks the entry point for travelers with nothing to declare.

Cats and dogs over three months old may be admitted temporarily with certificates of origin and good health (or proof of anti-rabies inoculation), issued by a licensed veterinarian from the country of shipment. Please check with hotels and accommodations in advance regarding their policies on pets.

Please Note: Entry and customs regulations are subject to change.

Health & Safety
Probably the greatest danger to travelers in the French West Indies is overexposure to the sun. Remember to work on your tan gradually and use plenty of sunscreen. Of course, it's also a good idea to take along some mosquito repellent. In shallow water, watch out for sea urchins, sharp coral and jellyfish. Always wear fins (palmes) when snorkeling and ask the locals about swimming and diving conditions before you go in the water.

Outside of the rarely seen fer-de-lance snake on Martinique, there is not much in the way of really dangerous land critters in these islands. However, the Manchineel tree (le Manceniller) puts out a highly toxic sap. You should never stand under one in the rain or taste its little green berries. These trees are usually marked with red paint by the locals. The tap water is drinkable in most places and excellent local bottled water is available in stores and restaurants.

Language
French is the official language but islanders often use the local Créole among themselves. English is typically spoken only in the larger hotels and tourist areas. For non-French speakers, a mini-phrase book or a small dictionary may prove to be invaluable. Bookstores also carry inexpensive learning media that can assist in the proper pronunciation of a few basic phrases. Please don't expect others to speak or understand your language, you are in France. If you make some efforts to speak a little French, it will be greatly appreciated. If you make some mistakes, don't worry. They will just make your attempts at French more charming. Of course, a smile is the easiest and most universal form of communication.

Local Etiquette
It's important to remember that you are a guest in another culture. If you treat others with respect and kindness, they generally reciprocate. If you want to take someone's photo, always ask their permission first. And don't forget that everything moves at a slower pace in the tropics, so you shouldn’t expect or demand speedy service. If you can downshift and relax, you will blend right in and have a great time doing so.

Travel Tip
In the US, making a circle with the thumb and index finger means "OK". In France, it can be taken as an insult. It means "worthless". A raised thumb gesture (one thumb up) will work better and avoid misunderstandings.

Weddings
Documents required for foreigners to wed: original birth certificate (or copy with raised seal); certificate of good conduct (including certification of "single status"); residency card (one of the couple must have resided on the island at least one month prior to the ceremony); medical certificate (including blood test) issued within 3 months of marriage; French translation of English language documents. A Bulletin de Mariage and Livret de Famille are delivered at the ceremony.

If it is not possible to meet the above requirements, couples often choose to be legally married elsewhere and then follow up with an unofficial wedding ceremony, reception and celebration on the island.

Links & Sources:

• Frommers
• Frenchcaribbean.com