Guatemala Travel Tips

The national currency of Guatemala is the quetzal (GTQ). One quetzal is equal to 100 centavos. Notes can be found in denominations of GTQ100, 50, 20, 10 and 5; while coins come in denominations of GTQ1, and 50, 10, 5 and 1 centavos. The US Dollar became an official currency in 2001.

The Quetzal is extremely difficult to obtain outside of Guatemala or exchange once you have left the country and because of this, you are strongly advised to exchange local currency before you leave. You may not be able to use notes that are torn, so always check when you are given change and be careful with your money. Unused local currency can be exchanged at the bank at the airport. American Express and Visa are widely accepted and ATMs are common throughout the country. Traveller's cheques are accepted by most banks, although visitors may experience occasional problems. You are advised to take traveller’s cheques in US Dollars.

Banks are open from 09:00 until 1700 Monday to Friday although some of the larger branches will stay open until 19:00. Most banks are open on Saturdays, 09:00 until 13:00.

The import and export of local currency is strictly forbidden. The import and export of foreign currency is however unlimited.

The following goods may be imported into Guatemala by persons over 18 years of age without incurring customs duty: 80 cigarettes or 100g of tobacco; 1.5 litres of alcoholic beverages and two bottles of perfume. Ammunition, drugs and pornography are strictly prohibited.

115-125 volts AC, 60Hz, two pin plugs are in use.

If you are thinking about visiting Guatemala, you should be aware that there are some risks to health. Typhoid occurs across the country and Malaria is present in areas lying below 1500 metres. Onchocerciasis (river blindness) has been diagnosed in rural areas along with cases of dengue fever. Dysentery and diarrhoeal diseases are common, while Myiasis (botfly) is endemic right across Central America. Hepatitis A occurs and inoculation is strongly recommended. Booster vaccinations for tetanus-diphtheria and measles as required. Rabies does occur, especially in the jungles. You should get a vaccination if you feel that you are highly at risk. If you are bitten, seek medical advice without delay.

Bottled water can be found everywhere and should always be drunk as other water sources could be contaminated. Milk may be unpasteurised and should always be boiled. Powdered or tinned milk is available and is advised. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish while vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.

There are public and private medical facilities in many of the bigger cities, but treatment is expensive and comprehensive travel and medical insurance is strongly recommended. Some hotels offer doctor’s services to their guests, although treatment is limited. While the private hospitals fall in line with international standards, this is not the case everywhere. If you do fall ill, you should try and make your way to the nearest city where better medical facilities can be found.

Guatemala is slowly recovering from the devastating effects of Hurricane Stan, which hit the country in October 2005. The Guatemalan Government was forced to declare a national emergency. The Southern coast from Mexico to El Salvador, the highland departments of Quetzaltenango and Huehuetenango and the Soloa/Atitlan area were most affected. Roads are being rebuilt, but delays can still occur as many roads and bridges have been swept away and many of the main highways are impassable. Some of the country is still without electricity and telephone services.

Travellers should be exercise great caution when visiting the country as violent crime is common and has been known to affect tourists. You should always avoid travelling at night or visiting badly lit places on your own. You should also avoid driving on certain roads because of the numbers of car crime.

The hurricane season in Guatemala normally runs from April to November and if you are unfortunate enough to be in the country during a major hurricane, you should make sure you heed all advice that may be given.

Guatemala is the most populated of all of the countries in Central America and is the only one which is still home to a significant number of local Indians. Full names should always be used when you address an acquaintance or business associate. Dress is conservative although casual wear is normally suitable. Locals are often suspicious of foreigners taking photographs, particularly of young children so always make sure you ask an adult before taking a photo of anybody. You may be asked to pay a small amount of money to take photographs of both children and adults.

The usual amount for tipping in restaurants is 10 per cent, unless service is included. Taxi drivers can be tipped if you feel they have given particularly good service while porters at hotels can be tipped small change. Duty-free shopping is available at the international airports.

The country code for Guatemala is +502. The Internet is available in large towns and you will find an increasing number of Internet cafés opening up across the country.

GMT - 6

If you are a citizen from the UK, US, Australia, Canada or Europe, a visa is not required. You can stay for up to 90 days without a visa, but if you require an extension, you must visit immigration. You should however make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months. If you are from a country where a visa is required, you should contact your nearest embassy to check visa requirements.