 FACTS AND TIPS |
Animals Most pets need a certification of vaccination stamped at a Guatemalan Consulate.
Churches As in all of Central America, Catholic churches are plentiful anywhere in the country. Most other denominations are represented. Check with your hotel front desk for more information.
Climate Weather conditions vary from season to season and from region to region. The dry season is from October to early May and the rainy season lasts from late May until the end of September. Temperatures are usually very mild and vary little during the year. The average high temperature is 77F and the low 55F for the Central Valley. Keep in mind that temperatures dip low after sunset in areas found in the higher altitudes.
Clothing While in Guatemala City and the highlands area wear spring clothing and a sweater at night. Comfortable walking shoes are a must. At archaeological sites, beaches and the lowlands, light-colored, lightweight, all-cotton clothing is recommended. Sunglasses and a hat are recommended while on tours or at the beach.
Customs Requirements These requirements change often without notice so check ahead with your travel agent or a local Guatemalan consulate.
Communications Direct dial service to the U.S. is available. Internet, fax, cable television, and radio are all easily accessible.
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.
Credit Cards Most major credit cards are accepted by hotels, restaurants and shops in Guatemala City and most of the tourism areas. Travelers checks can be exchanged at most banks and are accepted in the larger establishments.
Departure Tax Air passengers pay US$30 or the equivalent in local currency at the time of publication. Land and sea departures vary according to the area.
Electricity 110 volt AC is found throughout most of the country. A few locations have 220 volts.
Entry Requirements In an effort to modernize the immigration system, the Guatemalan government is revising many of the present day laws. Check your information at the nearest Guatemalan Consulate or Embassy. Citizens of the following countries are given 90 days in the country: Australia, Brazil, Canada, Costa Rica, El Salvador, France, Greece, Honduras, Ireland, Mexico, Nicaragua, New Zealand, Panama, Paraguay, Spain, Taiwan, the United Kingdom and Venezuela.
Firearms The possession of firearms is strictly prohibited without the proper permit issued by the Ministry of Defense and the DECAM (Department of Arms and Munitions).
Government Guatemala has a democratically elected government with elections every four years. The president cannot be elected to consecutive terms.
Hospitals Modern and sanitary facilities can be found in the capital city of Guatemala and some parts of the country.
Language The official language is Spanish, but English is spoken in tourism sections of the country. More than 20 indigenous dialects are still spoken.
Population The last official census was taken in 1995. The census figures came in at approximately 10.7 million. Guatemalans are a mix of indigenous, Ladinos, and Garífunas. There is also a population of U.S., Canadian, and European residents.
| Taxes Most goods and services are subject to a 10% value-added tax (IVA). Hotels also have an additional 10% tax.
Time Zone Guatemala is in the Central Standard Time Zone and does not observe daylight-savings time.
Tipping Generally, a 10% tip is appropriate for restaurants. Some add the tip to the bill so check before tipping.
| Foreign Embassies and Consulates |
Argentina
332-6419 | France
337-3639 | Norway
366-5908 | Austria
368-2324
| Germany
337-0028 | Panama
333-7176 | | Belguim
337-0321 | Haiti
334-1321 | Peru
331-8558 | | Belize
334-5531 | Holland
331-3505 | Phillipines
337-0384 | | Bolivia
232-6156 | Honduras 337-4337 | Portugal
334-7863 | | Brazil
337-0949 | Hungary
337-0229 | Romania
332-6890 | | Canada
333-6102 | Israel
333-6951 | South Africa
334-1531 | | Czechoslavakia 369-0465 | India
368-2271 | Spain
334-3757 | | Columbia
335-3602 | Italy
337-4557 | Sweden
333-6536 | | Costa Rica
331-4604 | Jamaica
334-1528 | Switzerland
331-3725 | Chile
334-8273 | Japan
331-9666 | Thailand
368-2092 | China
339-0711 | Jordan
365-9107 | Turkey
592-2141 | Denmark
238-1091 | Korea
334-5480 | United Kingdom 332-1601 | | Dominican Rep. 369-3580 | Malta
332-2451 | Uruguay
337-0229 | Ecuador
337-2902 | Mexico
333-7254 | United States 331-1541 | Egypt
331-5315 | Monaco
333-6665 | Vatican
332-4274 | El Salvador
366-6147 | Nicaragua 368-0785 | Venezuela
334-1332 | Finland
365-9270 | | |
| Airlines |
 Airlines - Domestic |
| Aeroquetzal 334-7689 | Aéreas Maya 331-1827 | | Aeorvias 332-7470 | Tapsa 331-4860 | | Aviateca 334-7722 | Tikal Jets 334-5631 | | Comerciales 331-5821 | |
| International |
| American 334-7379 | Lacsa 334-7722 | | Aviateca 334-7722 | Ladeco 331-8564 | | Continental 335-3341 | Sam 334-6797 | | COPA 361-1567 | TACA 334-7722 | | Iberia 332-0911 | United 332-2995 | | KLM 361-5638 | Mayan World 334-2067 |
All these informations are provided by courtesy of Destination Guatemala and Sol y Luna |
