Everybody and Dem Mudda Geh Visa: A Guyanese's First Trip to America

First Time Traveling to the U.S. from Guyana: What to Expect (and Laugh About)

If you’re Guyanese and finally get your U.S. visa, congratulations—you’ve just earned a badge of honor. Because let’s be real, at some point, we all hear the phrase: “Everybody and dem mudda geh visa.” It’s true. When that blue passport is in hand, your neighbor, your cousin’s cousin, and even that quiet church lady start dropping casual lines like: “Yuh now going? Me been deh since Obama time.”

But jokes aside, traveling to the United States for the first time is a big deal. Whether you visit family, shop, or explore new opportunities, the experience can be exciting, overwhelming, and a little nerve-wracking. This blog is here to help you feel more prepared—and maybe even laugh a little.

The Moment You Get “The Call”

Let’s rewind to that golden moment: you check your email or answer your phone and find out your U.S. visa has been approved. Suddenly, you’re pacing the house. The next thing you know, the entire yard know yuh flying out. Your auntie already start planning what snacks to sneak into your suitcase, and your friends expect Walmart souvenirs before you even book your ticket.

It’s real now. You’re going to the States!

Booking Your First Flight

Flights from Guyana to the U.S. go through Timehri’s Cheddi Jagan International Airport. Depending on your destination, you’ll fly through Miami, New York, or a Caribbean hub like Trinidad or Barbados. It’s a good idea to book early for a reasonable price, and always double-check your baggage allowance—Caribbean people like to overpack—one suitcase for clothes, one for food, and one just for curry powder.

If you’re a nervous flyer, don’t worry. The first takeoff is always the scariest. Just grab a window seat and enjoy the view of our green land getting smaller as you rise above the clouds.

The Airport Hustle: What to Expect

Arriving in the U.S. for the first time can be overwhelming. The airport might look like a small city, with moving walkways, endless announcements, and security officers everywhere.

Here’s what to expect:

• Immigration & Customs: Be calm and honest. U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers are straightforward but can seem intimidating. Answer their questions clearly: where you're staying, how long you're staying, and who you're visiting. No jokes or long stories—this is not the time to explain how your cousin used to live in Queens but now lives with a man in Atlanta.
• Baggage Claim: Look out for the carousel number on the screen. And for the love of pepperpot, don’t take someone else’s suitcase because it “look like yours.”
• Customs Declaration: If you carry food, money over USD 10,000, or anything unusual, declare it. It’s better to be safe than sorry—or detained.

Your First Days in the U.S.

After you’ve survived immigration and picked up your bags, the real adventure begins. Whether you’re greeted by relatives in the parking lot with hugs and Guyanese-style juice or taking an Uber to your hotel, your eyes will be wide open.

• Everything’s Bigger: From highways to supermarkets, the U.S. loves size. You’ll walk into a Walmart and wonder if it’s a mall. Don’t be surprised if you lose track of time just looking around.
• The Weather Might Surprise You: Depending on the time of year and the state you visit, you might be shocked. If it’s winter, brace yourself. Cold in America isn’t like rain in GT. It’s “your ears hurt when you breathe” kind of cold. Dress warm, or yuh gon freeze like a chicken in the back of the freezer.
• Transportation Culture Shock: Public transport isn’t as reliable or common as in Guyana in many U.S. cities, especially outside of New York. You might need to learn to use ride apps like Uber and Lyft. And yes, everything is far. You can’t just walk down to the corner for bread like at home.

Shopping, Food & Life

Let’s be honest—shopping is part of the excitement of going to America. Whether it's for clothes, electronics, or just snacks from Target, you’ll quickly learn to love those big retail chains.

But a word of caution: everything adds up. What starts as “lemme just pick up one jeans” turns into a $200 bill at checkout. Keep track of your spending.

Food in the U.S. is diverse, and you’ll find everything from fast food to international cuisine. But you’ll miss your home cooking quickly. After a few days of burgers and pizza, you’ll be craving cook-up and fried plantain. If you’re staying long enough, try to find a West Indian grocery or cook something from home.

Homesickness and Culture Shock

It’s okay to feel a little out of place. The pace, the accent, and the constant “Have a nice day!” from strangers can all feel a bit much. You might miss the loud laughter from your yard, the smell of rain on the zinc roof, or how your neighbor calls out when she sees you passing.

Just remember—it’s normal. You’re not alone, and eventually, things begin to feel familiar.

Staying Connected

Thanks to WhatsApp, Facebook, FaceTime, and TikTok, you’re never really far from home. Your family will want updates—photos, videos, and voice notes. You’ll likely be in someone’s phone status by the end of the day, captioned “Cousin finally reached!”

Take time to explore, but don’t feel pressured to do everything. It’s okay to rest. America isn’t running away.

Going Back Home (Yes, You Will)

Eventually, it’s time to head back. You’ll return with suitcases full of things, stories of long subway rides, confusing street signs, and your new love for Chick-fil-A or Dunkin’ Donuts.

But best of all, you’ll come back with perspective. You’ll realize that while America offers opportunities and experiences, there’s no place like home.

And don’t worry—once you land, someone will repeat it:

“Everybody and dem mudda geh visa.”

Smile. Because now, you’re part of the story.