Guadeloupe is an archipelago with two “main” islands and a number of smaller islets. But its large, lush Basse-Terre is perfect for a quiet but rich retirement. The centerpiece? The beach town of Deshaies, a hidden gem that's equal parts fishing village and foodie destination.
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Some of the safest islands to venture to in the Caribbean include Antigua and Barbuda, Anguilla, The British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, Martinique, Montserrat, and St Barts. Check out our article: Living in the Caribbean – The Pros and Cons You Need to Know.
What is the cost of living in Guadeloupe? The cost of living for expatriates in Guadeloupe as at July 2023 is average in comparison to other places in the world, with an overall Cost of Living Index (COLI), for all 13 basket groups, of 69.33 (New York =100).
Guadeloupe: a French region at the heart of the AmericasGuadeloupe has one of the highest GDP per inhabitant in the Caribbean area and the highest human development index (HDI), under which it is ranked 38th in the world.
Both islands are beautiful, but I liked Guadeloupe more. The island seems to be more pleasant than Martinique, maybe because there are relatively less French people from Europe. Native people are very kind and friendly. As Guadeloupe is bigger there is a lot of to do on that island, especially on Basse Terre.
Haiti and Dominica are both known for being some of the cheapest islands to live on in the Caribbean, but there are other islands that can offer similar affordability without sacrificing quality of life. One option is the Dominican Republic, which is located on Hispaniola, the same island as Haiti.
Locals of Guadeloupe are known for their warm, open demeanor. They welcome tourists in with wide smiles and open arms. The official language is French so there can sometimes be the issue of a language barrier, but the people of Guadeloupe are known to go above and beyond when it comes to being friendly and hospitable.
Antigua and Barbuda may not be 100% free of poverty, but can be a beacon of hope towards its neighbors. At 12% they have the lowest poverty rate in the Caribbean and Central America.
As the Caribbean islands are generally quite small, there are a limited number of entertainment options, such as restaurants, bars, clubs, and theaters. Individuals may also find the activities available a bit repetitive, as life on the islands tends to revolve around typical island activities.
Is Guadeloupe safe to visit? The crime rate is low in this country, and most travellers find no problems. However, small crimes can happen, such as thefts that can occur in any tourist area. You should always be vigilant for your safety so keep your valuables out of sight to avoid being an easy target.
The country's art, music, dance, and culinary traditions have been influenced by France, Africa, India, and its neighbors in the Caribbean. The majority of the locals are Roman Catholic, with a predominantly Evangelical Protestant minority. People here are informal and relaxed, making casual clothes appropriate.