Language: The official language is Spanish but English is understood in hotels and tourist destinations. Many indigenous languages are also spoken.
Currency: The official currency is the Quetzal (GTQ) divided into 100 centavos. In 2001 the US Dollar became the second official currency alongside the Quetzal and both are accepted. Travelers cheques and major credit cards are accepted, though some more than others. It is recommended to take travelers cheques in US dollars. Cash exchange is easier, but more risky. Visitors are not advised to exchange money at the informal booths
on the street. There are ATMs in the towns and cities, which accept
American Express and Visa.
MasterCard and
Diners Club have a more limited acceptance.
Time: Local time is GMT -6.
Electricity: Electrical current is 110 volts, 60Hz. A variety of plugs are in use including the flat two-pin, flat three-pin and the UK-style three-pin.
Communications: The international access code for
Guatemala is +502. The outgoing code depends on what network is used to dial out on (e.g. 13000 for
Telefonica or 14700 for Telgua), which is followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 1300044 for the
United Kingdom). City codes are not required. There are generally surcharges on calls made from hotels and it is cheaper to use calling cards. Rates are generally less expensive after 7pm. Mobile phones work in the major towns and cities on a GSM network, but check that your network operator has a roaming agreement covering Guatemala. Internet cafes are available in the main tourist areas.
Duty Free: Travelers to Guatemala over 18 do not have to pay duty on 80 cigarettes or 99g of tobacco; 500ml of liquor or spirits (equivalent 2 bottles); and perfume.
Tourist OfficeGuatemala
Tourist Commission: +502 331 1333 or www.visitguatemala.com
EmergencyEmergencies: 110 (Police); 123 (Ambulance).
Embassies
Guatemalan Embassy,
Washington DC,
United States: +1 202 745 4952.
Guatemalan Embassy,
London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7351 3042.
Guatemalan Embassy,
Ottawa,
Canada: +1 613 233 7237.
Guatemalan Consulate-General,
Sydney, Australia: +61 (0)2 9264 9130.
Guatemalan
Honorary Consulate,
Cape Town,
South Africa: +27 (0)21 418 2020.
United States Embassy,
Guatemala City: +502 2326 4000.
British Embassy, Guatemala City: +502 2367 5425.
Canadian Embassy, Guatemala City (also responsible for
Australia): +502 2363 4348.
Honorary South African Consul, Guatemala City: +502 2332 6953.
Irish Honorary Consul, Guatemala City: +502 2384 9446.
New
Zealand Consulate, Guatemala City: +502 431 3742.
