CLOTHES TO BRING
While in Guatemala City and the highlands area wear spring clothing and a sweater at night.
Comfortable walking shoes are suggested. While at archeological sites and the lowlands,
light-colored, lightweight, cotton clothing is recommended. Sunglasses and a hat are recommended
while on tours or at the beach. NOTE: add a bottle of sunscreen to your bag, as many lowland visitors
are not accustomed to the intensity of the sun in the highlands.
COMMUNICATIONS
Direct-dial service to the U. S. is available throughout the country. Telex, fax, cable,
radio, TV and internet are all easily found. NOTE: there are many internet cafes.
CREDIT CARDS
Most major credit cards are accepted by hotels, restaurants, and shops in Guatemala City
and most of the tourism areas. Traveler's checks can be exchanged at most banks.
CURRENCY
The local currency is the Quetzal, named for the national bird. The rates fluctuate, so check
with your hotel for the current exchange rate. NOTE: as of the end of August 2001 it was $1 = Q7.8 to Q7.9.
CUSTOMS REQUIREMENTS
These requirements change often without notice. Check with your travel agent or a local Guatemalan
consulate. NOTE: as of the 3rd of August, 2001, import duty on a vehicle you wish to bring in is more than
double the value of the vehicle! Think twice. Luggage you bring with you is usually O. K.
Shipped boxes may have problems.
DEPARTURE TAX
Air passengers pay US $30 or Q234 as of August 2001. Land and sea departure taxes vary according to
the area of the country you are exiting.
ELICTRICITY
110 volt AC is found throughout most of the country. A few locations still have 220 volts.
NOTE: most houses, apartments and hotels are wired with 2-prong outlets. Those with 3-prong may
not have the third wire to ground. Three-to-two-prong adapters are often useful.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
These requirements change at times without public notice so check with your travel agent or a
local Guatemalan consulate. Passports are required for visitors from outside the Central American
region.
FIREARMS
To enter with firearms you must have a permit signed by the Ministry of Defense. It is recommended
that you visit a Guatemalan consulate prior to travel.
GEOGRAPHY
Guatemala covers 42,000 square miles. About the size of Kentucky or Tennessee, it is at the northern
end of the Central American isthmus. It is bordered by Mexico to the north and west, Belize and
the Caribbean Sea to the east, Honduras and El Salvador to the southeast, and the Pacific Ocean to
the south. The country is comprised of towering mountains and majestic volcanoes (some lightly
active), temperate plateaus, tropical lowlands, desert-like river valleys, lowland jungles, and swamps.
GOVERNMENT
Guatemala is a democratically elected government with elections every four years. NOTE: there is only
one house of Congress.
HEALTH CARE
Modern, clean, and sanitary condtions and facilities can be found in most parts of the country.
NOTE: "farmacias" carry standard medicines, although the prices may be high for some things.
Bottled water, "Agua Pura", is readily available usually for less than $.45. Drinking unfiltered
tap water is not recommended.
LANGUAGE
The official language is Spanish, but English is spoken in the popular tourism areas. Over 20
indigenous languages are spoken.
PETS
Most pets require a certifcate of vaccination from a Guatemalan Consulate.
POPULATION
The population is approximately 10.1 million. Guatemalans are a mix of indiginous, Ladinos (these are
Spanish/indiginous), and Garífunas (descendants of African slaves). There is also a population of U. S.,
Canadian, and European residents.
RELIGION
As in all of Central America, Catholic churches are plentiful throughout the country. Most other
denominations are represented. Check with your hotel concierge for more information.v NOTE: there is an
English-speaking Protestant church called the Union Church on 12th Calle in Zone 9 a block from Reforma Ave.
that serves many business and embassy people.
TAXES
Goods and services are subject to a 12 percent value-added tax (IVA). Hotels also have an
additional 10 percent tourism tax.
TIME ZONE
Guatemala is in the Central Standard Time zone and does not observe daylight-savings time.
TIPPING
Generally, a 10 percent tip is appropriate for restaurants. Ask if the tip is included, since
some establishments add it to the bill.