Essential Tips and Information For Your First Trip to Guatemala

Guatemala is a unique and vibrant country, also known as the land of eternal spring. It’s home to lush rainforests, ancient Mayan ruins, vibrant indigenous cultures, and breathtaking landscapes. The people here are of the friendliest I have ever met, and the views are unmatched. Did you know there are 37 volcanoes in Guatemala, three of which are still active!

Whether you’re an adventurous soul seeking volcanoes to conquer, a history enthusiast eager to explore ancient mysteries, or simply looking to spruce up your instagram feed with some colourful snapshots, Guatemala has something for everyone.

Below are some general tips and information to help you plan your trip to Guatemala:

Language

The official language of Guatemala is Spanish, although many people also speak indigenous languages such as Kaqchikel and Quiché. It’s helpful to brush up on your Duolingo before catching your flight, as many of the locals populations don’t speak English.

Most restaurants will have an English version of the menu, but generally the staff is Spanish speaking. It’s a good idea to bring a Spanish phrasebook or download a language translation app to help you communicate with locals.

Money

The currency of Guatemala is the Quetzal (GTQ). The notes come in denominations of Q200, Q100, Q50, Q20, Q10, Q5 and coins of Q1, Q0.50 and Q0.25. It’s a good idea to order cash from your bank before arriving in Guatemala, as credit cards aren’t widely accepted. If you have the option, order a variety of denominations, often times people and businesses don’t have change to break a Q100. 

Avoid exchanging money in the airport or on the street, as you’ll lose money on the exchange rate they offer.

ATMs are plentiful, but often times people have troubles with their bank card, and can only get money out of certain machines. Also, be aware of fees—they can be quite high! From my experience, the yellow 5B are often more expensive than the blue BI machines.  

The best option for withdrawing money I have found is an app called WorldRemit. They allow larger transfers of money which can be picked up at a local bank or pharmacy. Be sure to have the reference number and your passport when you go to pick up the transfer. The reference number always starts with an R. Sometimes you’ll get a confirmation number that is only numerical which the bank won’t recognize.

Change can be a bit of a hassle sometimes as well, so break your Q100 notes whenever you get the chance!

SIM Cards

If you plan on using your phone in Guatemala, consider purchasing a local SIM card to avoid expensive roaming charges. SIM cards are widely available at phone shops and convenience stores (tiendas), and can be used in unlocked phones. Top-up cards for data and calls can also be purchased at these tiendas.

Look for the Claro or Tigo signs outside of tiendas, both companies have phone packages from 1 day to 30 days, with data, calls and messaging. A 30 day “todo incluido” which includes 10GB plus unlimited WhatsApp + Facebook + Messenger + Twitter + Instagram + TikTok will run you around Q100 ($13USD)

Street Dogs

Street dogs are a common sight in Guatemala, and while most are friendly, it’s important to be cautious around them. Most will run right up to you and beg for a pet and maybe a snack. These dogs rely on people to feed them and will be very happy to snack on some dog food you can buy at most tiendas.

Once in a while, some of the street dogs can be more aggressive. With these ones, it’s best to avoid making eye contact or approaching them, especially if they are sleeping or eating. If you do encounter an aggressive dog, try to remain calm and walk away slowly.

Safety

While Guatemala is generally a safe country for tourists, it’s important to take precautions to ensure your safety. The most common crimes targeted at tourists is theft. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash or wearing expensive jewelry, especially in crowded areas. Keep your valuables in a secure location, such as a hotel safe or a money belt. Chicken buses are notorious for claiming cell phones of unsuspecting victims–even taking straight from fanny packs!

Lanchas

Lanchas are small boats used for transportation on Lake Atitlán. They’re used as water taxis to travel between the different villages that surround the lake, and are a fun and scenic way to explore the different towns. Depending on how far you want to travel, a lancha ride will cost anywhere from Q15-30.

Sometimes tourists fall victim to lancha captains taking advantage of them, so it’s best to have exact change on hand, and ask for the price before you get in the boat. It’s important to note that lanchas aren’t very big, and can be crowded and bumpy, so it’s a good idea to bring a rain jacket or poncho in case of bad weather.

Private launches are available for tours or to rent for a day (around Q1000). If you’re travelling with a group of friends, this is a great option!