Welcome to Guatemala 😊

Quick Facts About Guatemala

Money and Finances

The currency in Guatemala is the Guatemalan quetzal (GTQ). Coins come in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 25, and 50 centavos. Notes come in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200 quetzales.

ATM Network

ATMs are widely available and can be found in most cities and towns in Guatemala. However, it is recommended to withdraw cash during the day from inside a bank or shopping center to avoid any potential safety issues.

Credit Cards

Credit cards are accepted at some hotels, restaurants, and tourist attractions in Guatemala City and Antigua, but may not be as widely accepted in other parts of the country. Visa and Mastercard are more commonly accepted than AMEX.

Internet and Phones

In Guatemala, the average internet speed for downloads is around 10 Mbps, while for uploads it is approximately 1 Mbps. The government does not interfere with internet use, but access to the internet in rural areas can be limited.

Phone Plans and SIM Cards

There are several telco companies operating in Guatemala, including Claro, Tigo, and Movistar. The average cost of a mobile phone plan is around $15-25 per month. Sim cards are widely available and there are no compatibility issues.

Dialling to Guatemala

To call Guatemala from another country, dial +502 followed by the relevant phone number. Within the country, use the area codes 2, 4, 5 or 7 depending on the location.

Transport Around Guatemala

Air Travel

Guatemala has one international airport, La Aurora International Airport, located in Guatemala City. It also has several smaller domestic airports throughout the country.

Train Travel

There is no inter-city train network in Guatemala.

Metro / Local Trains

There are no metro systems in Guatemala.

Buses

Buses are the main mode of transportation in Guatemala. There are several bus companies operating throughout the country, with varying levels of comfort and price. A typical bus journey from Guatemala City to Antigua (a popular tourist destination) takes around 1 hour and costs around 10-15 Quetzales (approximately $1.30 - $2.00 USD).

Rideshare

The rideshare company Uber operates in Guatemala City.

Driving by Car

Driving in Guatemala can be challenging due to poor road conditions and heavy traffic. The speed limits are generally 60 km/h in cities and 80 km/h on highways, but they are not always strictly enforced. Guatemala uses right-hand drive.

Local Customs

In Guatemala, tipping is expected in most service industries, with 10-15% being the norm. Locals typically greet each other with a handshake or a kiss on the cheek among women. When speaking with strangers, it is polite to use formal titles such as 'Señor' or 'Señora'. Men generally address each other with 'Señor' or 'Don', while women use 'Señora' or 'Doña'.

Health and Diseases

Medical System

The health system in Guatemala is divided between private and public sectors. The private healthcare system is more expensive, but generally provides better quality care. The public healthcare system is considerably less expensive, but may have longer wait times and lower quality of care. A typical visit to a doctor costs around $50 in the private sector and $10 in the public sector, but prices may vary depending on the specific doctor and location.

COVID Situation

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Guatemala implemented strict lockdown measures to try and prevent the spread of the virus. The country currently has moderate rates of coronavirus, with around 130,000 confirmed cases and 4,600 deaths as of August 2021.

Common Health Risks

Malaria is a common health risk in Guatemala, especially in rural areas and during the rainy season. Dengue fever and Zika virus are also prevalent. Food poisoning from contaminated water and food is a risk, so it's important to take precautions such as drinking bottled water and avoiding street food.

Laws and Regulations

Alcohol Consumption

In Guatemala, the legal drinking age is 18 years old. Alcohol sales and consumption are prohibited during the national elections. Additionally, there are restrictions on purchasing and consuming alcohol near schools and universities.

Recreational Drugs

Drug laws in Guatemala are very strict. Possession, use, and trafficking of illicit drugs, including cannabis, are illegal and can result in severe penalties such as imprisonment for several years or even life in prison.

Pre-Marital Relationships

Guatemala does not have laws specifically prohibiting pre-marital relationships. However, sexual activity with children under the age of 14 is considered statutory rape and is punishable by imprisonment.

LGBTQ and Same-Sex

Homosexuality is legal in Guatemala, but same-sex marriages are not recognized by law. Discrimination against LGBTQ individuals still occurs frequently, and hate crimes have been reported.

Firearms / Guns

Gun ownership in Guatemala is legal but tightly regulated. Anyone who wishes to own a firearm must apply for a license and undergo a background check. The carrying of firearms is only permitted by authorized individuals such as security personnel or law enforcement officers.