Information

Language

Spanish is the official language of Guatemala. However, this will only take you so far. The country has over 23 indigenous groups that all have their own language. These groups make up almost half of the countries population.

Name

The Spanish name for Guatemala is, República de Guatemala. Or, the Republic of Guatemala.

Time Zone

Guatemala is in the Standard time zone: UTC/GMT -6 hours and has no daylight saving time in 2008.

Electricity and plugs

Guatemala uses standard U.S.-style two- and three-prong electric outlets with 110-volt AC current.

Currency

The unit of currency in Guatemala is the quetzal. As with any currency, the exchange rate fluctuates daily. On average, there are 7.6 quetzales to the US Dollar.

For an up to date exchange rate, check this conversion tool.

Banks and ATMs

Banks in Guatemala are usually open Monday through Friday from 9am to 4pm.

Credit cards aren’t accepted as widely as you are used to in US and Europe. However, Mastercard and Visa are accepted on a larger scale than American Express. Many companies would make a 5% extra charge on credit card transactions which might just make you want to use cash.

There are ATMs in every major tourist city and location but not all cards are accepted.

Some ATM’s will only allow for four digit PIN numbers.

Traveler’s cheques are also accepted (US$, Euro or Pound Sterling). At exchange houses you’ll get a better exchange rate than at the hotel or bank.

Make sure to check with your bank before leaving and decide which the best alternative to use is.

Using the telephone

If you’re calling Guatemala from the United States:

1. Dial the international access code: 011.
2. Dial the country code 502.
3. Dial the number. The whole number you’d dial for a number in Guatemala would be 011-502-XXXX-XXXX.

Useful telephone numbers

US Embassy – 502-2326-4000
UK Embassy – 502-2367-5425
Canada Embassy – 502-2363-4348
Emergency – 1500 or 911
Red Cross – 125