LANGUAGE: Spanish is the official and most spoken language in Guatemala. However, there are a total of 25 languages spoken due to the Mayan and indigenous dialects. You will find that the majority of locals speak Spanish in addition to their Mayan/indigenous dialect. Some of the more educated Guatemalans speak a little bit of English, but you should definitely learn a few common words and phrases to get around. Don’t be nervous trying to use Spanish since Guatemalans appreciate the effort individuals make to utilize it (they will not judge someone for the attempt and may even encourage you).
CURRENCY: The currency in Guatemala is called a Quetzal. 1USD is equivalent to about 7.70 GTQ. Guatemala overall is an inexpensive destination to travel to when comparing prices to typical US prices. The more indigeous and less touristy the place, the less expensive it gets. A lot of people retire or move to Guatemala because the cost of living is outstanding. In most of the tourist destinations, there are a variety of prices to choose from. That means you have the option to visit trendier resorts and restaurants that are more expensive and modern like the United States, or you can choose to eat and sleep at smaller locally owned establishments very inexpensively that honestly are more culturally relevant. Depending on your choice of trip, there is an option for everyone!
BANKS & ATMS: In the bigger cities and more touristy destinations such as Antigua, Guatemala City, and Panajachel, you won’t have an issue finding an ATM. Foreigners tend to have different opinions on whether or not use of local ATM’s is safe due to theft, but personally I have not had any issues. However, exchanging money in local banks is the safest with the best exchange rates. Banks may not be the quickest or most convenient, but I believe this is the best option in Guatemala.
CASH OR CARD: This question is a bit more tricky. It fully depends on where you are headed in Guatemala. I have found it to be much easier to have local currency, quetzales, on me at all times since some places will not accept cards. In locations like Guatemala City or Antigua, cards are generally accepted everywhere. However, the more rural or smaller cities the less locations accept a card. Moral of the story…always have some quetzales on you because you never know when you’ll need it.
SAFETY: Areas of Guatemala are known for a lot of crime/violence/gangs etc. There are definitely certain places, specifically in Guatemala city, that you do not want to enter. Guatemala is divided into 21 different zones essentially like states in the US. Definitely look at the zone’s crime level before traveling to a specific location. As far as everyday safety in Guatemala, just stay aware of your surroundings as you should anywhere you visit. The places I have traveled to in Guatemala have never given me any safety trouble, but I always take precautions. Some tips to stay safe in Guatemala:
- Keep a low profile. Don’t wear flashy or expensive looking jewelry. A starving, desperate person can easily justify stealing from a wealthy gringo (white person).
- Keep your passport on you at all times. A passport carrier or money belt is recommended concealed on your person to hold your passport and money.
- Split up your money and only carry what you need for that day. Keep the rest in a safe at the hotel or somewhere you feel is inconspicuous. That way if your wallet or bag is stolen, you have a backup plan. Plus, the thief gets just enough to hopefully move on peacefully.
- Bring a travel wallet. If for some reason your wallet is lost or stolen, you don’t want someone getting your information from cards or information you would keep in your day-to-day wallet.
- If you ride the local chicken bus, go with a travel partner and be extremely aware of your surroundings because of pickpockets! This is one of the most common places in Guatemala for pickpockets.
- If you go out after dark, try to stay in the general vicinity of your hotel and limit walking through allies or uncrowded places in the dark.
PEOPLE/CULTURE: The Guatemalan people and their culture are amazing! It’s what keeps me going back to Guatemala. They are so kind and have the biggest hearts. A few things that you should know about their culture is that
- Being punctual is not considered important. It is one of the biggest things I have to understand while I am there. They are in no rush, and if you have something scheduled don’t be alarmed if they are late. Don’t be upset. They simply don’t see being late as rude especially if they are engaged in another social activity that has run over a little.
- They are much more modest. It is not a requirement to wear pants, but to be culturally respectful, I think at least wearing shorts to your knees or pants is appropriate. The indigeonous women wear long skirts and blouses, and the men wear pants. This is just a suggestion, however, I have seen tourists wear whatever they want.
- Ask permission to take photos/videos of locals. Many do not like this. Out of respect, it is important to ask first!
- Be aware that people will constantly ask you to buy their crafts or weavings while walking around on the streets. Sometimes, the Guatemalans can seem very pushy or annoying when they ask you over and over again to buy their souvenirs. Teenagers and kids often work the streets and make it hard to resist. They know how to push hard too. However, you just have to remember this is how they make their money, and they have to work really hard at it! If you are not interested in buying anything from them, just kindly say “no, gracias”. Even if you don’t buy, they enjoy small conversation, and you never know what friendships could come out of it! Five of my closest friends I met when they sold me things on the street!
CELL PHONE/INTERNET:
As for almost all international travel, I suggest getting an international plan or buying a phone with packaged minutes when you arrive. Having an international plan or prepaid phone is extremely important because, in case of an emergency, the Wifi like any other underdeveloped country is unreliable. The power may also occasionally go on and off. If you are using Wifi, I would suggest using the following smartphone apps Viber, Whatsapp,Snapchat, and Facetime to communicate with loved ones. I will say that Guatemala does have very good internet cafes so you can get things done or communicate with loved ones.
