Entry Requirements
Visa requirements for Guatemala depend on which passport you hold. Check the Traveller visa tool to see whether your passport needs a visa and, if so, how long you can stay.
Check if you need a visa for GuatemalaEmergency Numbers
- General
- 110
- Police
- 110
- Ambulance
- 128
- Fire
- 122
Currency
- Name
- Guatemalan Quetzal
- Code
- GTQ
- Symbol
- Q
ATMs in major cities and Antigua. Cards accepted at tourist hotels and restaurants; carry cash for villages, markets, and lake communities. USD widely accepted in tourist areas.
Power Outlets
- Outlet types
- Type A, Type B
- Voltage
- 120V
- Frequency
- 60Hz
Time Zone
CST (UTC−6) — no daylight saving
Best Time to Visit
November–April is the dry season — best for Tikal (sunrise over the jungle is unforgettable), Antigua, and Lake Atitlán. May–October is rainy; the Pacific lowlands receive particularly heavy rain. Semana Santa (Holy Week) in Antigua is a spectacular cultural experience — book months ahead.
Tipping Customs
| Venue | Typical | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurants | 10% | Check if included — many tourist restaurants add it automatically |
| Taxis | Agree fare before | No meters — always negotiate first |
| Tour guides (Tikal, Antigua) | $5–10 USD per tour | — |
| Boat trips (Lake Atitlán) | Q10–20 | — |
Dress Code
- Casual throughout
- Modest dress in Maya villages and at churches — many Maya communities prefer visitors not to expose bare shoulders or shorts
- Climbing active volcanoes (Pacaya, Santa María) requires practical outdoor gear
- Antigua's cobblestone streets require comfortable shoes
Social Etiquette
- Guatemala has the largest proportion of Maya people in Central America — 40+ Maya communities with distinct languages and textiles
- Always ask before photographing indigenous people or ceremonies — many dislike being photographed
- Guatemalans are soft-spoken and formal — aggressive bargaining is not appreciated
- The 36-year civil war (1960–1996) and its aftermath shape many communities — be sensitive about Guatemalan history
Local Laws
Laws change. Verify current rules with your country's official travel advisory before departure.
- Drug trafficking carries extremely severe sentences
- LGBTQ+ activity is not criminalised but social attitudes are conservative — exercise discretion
- Armed robbery is a real concern in some areas — check travel advisories, use registered tour operators, and avoid night travel on isolated roads
- Carry your passport or a certified copy — police checks occur
Common Phrases
| English | Local | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | Hola / Buenos días | OH-lah / BWEH-nohs DEE-ahs |
| Thank you | Gracias | GRAH-syahs |
| You're welcome | De nada / Con gusto | deh NAH-dah / kon GOOS-toh — con gusto is typically Guatemalan |
| How much? | ¿Cuánto cuesta? | KWAHN-toh KWES-tah |
| Beautiful (Quetzal-country) | Qué bonito | keh boh-NEE-toh |
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