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Spanish is the official language, but many people in hotels and tourist spots speak English. There are also several indigenous languages.
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Guatemala’s official currency is the Quetzal, and the US dollar is the second official currency. Don’t exchange money on the street. Traveler’s checks and major credit cards are accepted, but cash exchange is easier. You can use Visa and MasterCard in ATMs found in towns and cities.
Guatemala’s international country code is 502. To call another country from Guatemala, you’ll need to check what network you’re using first. Each network has a different code. The main tourist areas have Internet cafes.
Tip waiters 15 percent if there isn’t any service charge added to your bill. You don’t need to tip taxi drivers, but hotel staff and tour guides expect a small tip for their services.
Guatemala has a very high rate of violent crime, which affects tourists in remote areas and the capital city. Be extremely cautious at night and in Guatemala City’s central Zone 1 where most of the cheap hotels and bus terminals are.
You will need a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you’re coming from an area with yellow fever. Check with your doctor at least three weeks before leaving for Guatemala. Malaria, dengue fever, rabies, typhoid, Hepatitis A, cholera, dysentery and other diarrheal diseases are common. Watch what you eat and stick to bottled water. Make sure you’re covered by your health insurance, as hospitals often hold back treatment without proof of insurance or payment up front. Stick to the private clinics if you need health care.
Guatemala’s electrical current is 110 volts, 60Hz and uses several different kinds of plugs.
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