Organize your stay Guatemala
Money Guatemala
Currency: created in 1924, the quetzal - Q - is Guatemala's currency.
Exchange rate: in March 2024, one quetzal was worth €0.12 and €1 was equivalent to 8.50 quetzals. Rather than going to an exchange office, it's better to withdraw cash directly from an ATM - cajero.
Credit cards: ATMs are available almost everywhere in the country, with the exception of a few isolated spots - mentioned in this guide - such as El Paredón, on the Pacific. Instead of the cajeros you'll see on the street, you'll find ones in banks, shopping centers and pharmacies. It's also possible to pay by card in many establishments, although bear in mind that some charge a commission, especially in remote areas. In any case, before you leave, ask your bank about withdrawal and payment rates and limits abroad: for stays of several weeks, it may be worth taking out an international option. One last tip: take two cards with you and keep them in separate locations. This will save you time and effort in the event of loss or theft.
Budget & Tips Guatemala
With an average monthly salary set at around Q2,849.50 - €335 - you'd be forgiven for thinking that Guatemala is a cheap country. Not so, especially since the Covid-19 pandemic. Without skipping out on excursions, but spending your nights only in dormitories and limiting the number of restaurants, you should expect to spend an average of around thirty euros a day. A more comfortable budget can easily climb to €80. More affluent visitors will spend between €100 and €120 per day. Of course, these figures are subject to change depending on the time of year: it's more expensive to explore the region during the high season and during popular events such as Semana Santa.
To save money, don't hesitate to bargain for all the tourist services on offer, especially in low season, when customers are scarce. That said, if you use a quality tour operator that works with local communities and ensures that the professionals it employs are remunerated commensurate with their work, it's normal to pay more.
Passport and visas Guatemala
A valid passport is required to enter Guatemala. Make sure your passport is valid for the duration of your stay.
A visa is onlyrequired for a stay of more than three months. It should be requested from the Guatemalan Embassy in France, located at 7 avenue Niel, in the 17th arrondissement of Paris. It can be contacted on Tel. 01 42 27 78 63 or by e-mail at [email protected]. Once this stage has been completed, you will need to apply to the Guatemalan immigration authorities for a residence permit. Please note that these formalities can take several months.
If you are transiting through the United States, you will need to obtain an ESTA, a kind of pass required to enter the country, even for a simple transit. At least 72 hours before your departure, go to https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/ (and only there!) to fill in the form and pay US$21.
Driver's license Guatemala
Although it is not the most convenient way to visit the country, it is possible to rent a car in Guatemala. All you need is a valid driver's license. To avoid any inconvenience, it may be a good idea to also get an international license or, failing that, an official translation.
Mandatory vaccination Guatemala
No vaccinations are required to travel to Guatemala. Nevertheless, it is more prudent to leave with an up-to-date vaccination schedule. In addition, the Institut Pasteur systematically recommends vaccination against hepatitis A, caused by a virus transmitted by water and food contaminated with faeces. In case of long and repeated stays, it is recommended to be vaccinated against hepatitis B. Finally, the rabies vaccine is relevant when spending time in isolated areas, while the typhoid vaccine makes sense in case of prolonged travel or in precarious hygiene conditions.
Malaria: transmitted by infected mosquitoes, there is no vaccine for this disease. However, the risk of catching it is high in the tourist departments of Alta Verapaz - which includes Cobán, Lanquín and Semuc Champey - and Escuintla - partially located on the Pacific coast, with villages like El Paredon. In addition to the use and abuse of repellents, it may be necessary to take preventive treatment. If you develop a fever during your stay or in the months following your return, consult a doctor as soon as possible.
Security Guatemala
Kidnappings, assaults, armed robbery... Guatemala is considered to be a country where insecurity is king, so much so that it sometimes discourages travelers from visiting. While this bad reputation is exaggerated, it's worth remaining vigilant and taking several precautions on the spot. For the latest information on the subject, visit the "Conseils aux voyageurs " section of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs website: www.diplomatie.gouv.fr. Bear in mind that the exhaustive list of potential dangers may give an alarmist picture of the country, different from its actual situation.
Time difference Guatemala
Between the end of March and the end of October, there is an eight hour time difference with Guatemala. Thus, when it is 2 pm in France, it is 2 pm there. The rest of the year, being set on winter time, there is only a seven hours difference.
Spoken languages Guatemala
While the "official" language of Guatemala is Spanish, it is not uncommon to hear locals speak one of the 22 Mayan dialects that exist in the country. However, don't worry: most of the people involved in tourism are fluent enough in English to understand each other. Some are also French-speaking. If possible, make an effort to express yourself in Spanish, even if you only have a few basics or make mistakes: it is the intention that counts. Guatemalans are relatively easy to understand, and the country is particularly well known for its language schools, especially in Antigua and Quetzaltenango. This is a good opportunity to get started!
Electricity and measurements Guatemala
The plugs are of type A and B. It will be necessary to buy an adapter before leaving or on the spot.
Distance and temperature measurements are the same as in France. Guatemalans use the metric system and degrees Celsius.
Luggage Guatemala
Unless you're only staying in fancy hotels and traveling exclusively by private vehicle, consider an ergonomic backpack instead of a large suitcase. Also, consider carrying a smaller backpack - which you'll wear on the front during transfers where you'll need to carry your backpack - for hikes and day trips. Also pack a tote bag: it won't take up much space and will come in handy if you go to the beach or out at night.
Clothes: The country is made up of a multitude of microclimates, so it is advisable to take both warm and light clothes. So, take most of your summer clothes, but also jeans, a few long-sleeved shirts, a cotton shirt, a cardigan and a thin jacket. If you plan to go through cool areas like Quetzaltenango and climb at least one volcano, two fleeces and a pair of hiking pants will not be too much. One last piece of advice: do not take clothes that wrinkle too easily. Also, even if you are traveling "roots style", it is always nice to have one or two dressy outfits.
Footwear: If you are planning to trek, it is essential to bring quality walking shoes - and the socks that go with them. Also pack a pair of city sneakers and comfortable sandals. Finally, even if you don't go to the beach, flip-flops will always come in handy, especially if you're staying in a hostel and sharing a bathroom with other travelers.
Books: if you're a book lover, you'll be tempted to bring a lot of books... They should refrain from doing so, especially if they are traveling in a backpack. Limit yourself to one or two books and trade them as you meet new people or in the designated areas of hostels and some cafes. If you don't mind reading on a screen, take a reader.
Accessories: don't leave without a medical kit, sunscreen, sunglasses, insect repellent, a K-way or rain cape, a mini French-Spanish dictionary, two or three small padlocks - aim high, you're bound to misplace one - earplugs, a sleep mask and headphones. Photography enthusiasts will not forget their camera and, if they only have room for one lens, will choose a wide angle one. Optional but practical: your old phone, in case your smartphone is lost or stolen.
