Guatemala is known for its diverse terrain, culture, and vestiges of the Mayan civilisation, making it a popular tourist destination. Lake Atitlan, the landscapes of San Pedro la Laguna, Antigua, the volcanoes of Acatenango, and many other fascinating places that many travellers simply cannot pass by.
1. Guatemala Quick Facts
Language Spanish
Religion Christianity
Currency Q quetzales (GTQ)
Visa Visa-free agreements with most countries
Power Plugs 120 V 60 Hz (A/B Type타입)
Capital Guatemala City
ATM You cannot withdraw money from regular rocal ATM in Guatemala, only from Cajero 5B ATMs. The fee is 33 kyat.
Use card
In general, the cards are not universally accepted, so you have to be careful about using them in restaurants and shops where they are accepted.
Useful APP
Google Maps
2. Packing for your trip
Air plain Ticket
Dollar Flight Club has made it easier and cheaper to buy flights to the Airport.
SIM card
Airalo is the world’s first eSIM store that solves the pain of high roaming bills by giving you access to 200+ eSIMs (digital SIM cards) globally at affordable prices.
New member one-time use 15% discount coupon
10% discount coupon for multiple use by all members.
Pacsafe Pro safe 800 Luggage Lock
Good protection against snatchers or impulse thieves.
Universal Power Adapter
One of the most essential but most forgotten items in your travel gear? A power adapter!
Travel insurance
Prepare for risky situations Travel insurance can be a big help in the event of an emergency
GoPro HERO11
If you want to capture your own memories of your travels, GoPro is the way to go. It’s small, has great image quality, and is easy to carry around
Bug spray
Laos has a tropical climate and lots of bugs like mosquitoes. Pack bug spray and use it.
3. Transportation
Travelers often use intercity or express buses for long-distance travel.
When travelling by taxi within the city, it is safer to use a call-taxi (Taxi Amarillo in Guatemala City).
It is not recommended to use city buses at all (there have been a number of robberies of bus passengers and murders of bus drivers).
There are no trains, subways, or trams in Guatemala.
4. Safety
Guatemala is a high-crime country, and Guatemala City in particular is known for its insecurity.
Criminal gangs are active in some areas and traveller safety may be compromised. Caution is advised and travellers are advised to avoid high crime areas.
Emergency phone numbers
Police: 110
Ambulance: 120
Fire department: 123
National dialling code: 502
5. Climate
The average temperature in Quatemala City is around 20°C (68°F).
The dry season runs from December to April and the rainy season from May to November.
Although the weather is mild throughout the year, heavy rainfall and flooding can occur during the rainy season, so keep this in mind when planning your trip
6. price
Tourist destinations are said to be 10%-15% more expensive than in Mexico.
Gas(Petrol ) 1 liter: 8.40 GTQ
McDonald’s combo meal:45 GTQ
Water (1.5 litres): 8.00 GTQ
Milk (1 litre) 13 GTQ
7. Travel precautions
Quatemala City is located at high altitude, and altitude sickness is possible. We recommend that you get plenty of rest and stay hydrated before travelling.
Guatemala is a country with endemic diseases such as dengue, malaria, yellow fever, and Japanese encephalitis, so it’s a good idea to get vaccinated if you’re planning a trip to Guatemala.
8. Etiquette & Service Tip
Guatemalans are generally friendly and polite, and it is important to follow common customs and etiquette. In Guatemala, people greet each other with physical contact, such as a handshake or a light hug, and make eye contact when talking.
Tip
There is a strong tipping culture. Tipping in hotels, restaurants, hairdressers, taxis, etc. is typically around 10-15%.
9. Holidays
Public Holidays in 2024 inclusive Holidays
1 Jan Mon New Year’s Day
28 Mar Thu Maundy Thursday
29 Mar Fri Good Friday
30 Mar Sat Easter Saturday
1 May Wed Labour Day
1 Jul Mon Army Day Holiday
15 Sep Sun Independence Day
20 Oct Sun Revolution Day
1 Nov Fri All Saints’ Day
25 Dec Wed Christmas Day
2025 National Public Holidays:
Wednesday, 1 January : New Year’s Day
Thursday, 17 April : Maundy Thursday
Friday, 18 April : Good Friday
Saturday, 19 April : Easter Saturday
Thursday, 1 May : Labour Day
Monday, 30 June : Army Day
Monday, 15 September : Independence Day
Monday, 20 October : Revolution Day
Saturday, 1 November : All Saints’ Day
Thursday, 25 December: Christmas Day