General Information

Currency

The monetary unit is the Guatemalan Quetzal (GTQ), and the international symbol is Q. Q1 = 100 centavos. Currency is issued in denominations of notes of Q200, Q100, Q50, Q20, Q10, Q5, Q1, and coins. Please visit www.xe.com to convert your local currency.

Value Added Tax

Value-added tax (VAT) is included in the price of most goods and services. Visitors are required to pay VAT on purchased goods. However, VAT refunds are not available for foreign visitors on goods purchased within the country.

Banking

Banks are found in most towns and are generally open from 09:00 to 16:00 on weekdays and 09:00 to 12:00 on Saturdays (Closed Sundays and Public Holidays). Most of them offer foreign exchange services with cash, bank & credit cards, as well as travelers’ cheques. You can also obtain cash from automatic teller machines (ATMs). Several international banks have branches in the main city centers. Always advise your bank that you are traveling outside the country as they might block your purchases if they are not informed.

Climate

December in Guatemala City is generally cool and dry. The average temperature is around 18 °C (64 °F), with a minimum of 12 °C (54 °F) and a maximum of 24 °C (75 °F). Nights can be cooler, with temperatures sometimes dropping to around 10 °C (50 °F). Daytime temperatures are usually pleasant, often reaching around 25 °C (77 °F).

Time

Guatemala is GMT-6 (6 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time).
Example: 12:00 midday in Guatemala is:

06:00 in London, UK
07:00 in Paris, France
15:00 in Sydney, Australia
05:00 in New York, USA

Tipping / Gratuities

A 10% gratuity on the bill generally applies in restaurants and is normally at the discretion of the diner and dependent on the standard of service experienced. Tipping is not obligatory and can be given if desired.

Electricity

The electricity supply in Guatemala is 120 volts AC, 60Hz. Appliances of different voltage require a transformer (especially those with a heating element such as hairdryers). Adapters are obtainable locally and, in most cases, available from your hotel concierge. There are 2 types of adapter:

• Type A: This plug has two flat parallel pins.
• Type B: This plug has two flat parallel pins and a grounding pin.

Water

Guatemalan tap water is generally not recommended for drinking. Bottled water is widely available from room service, restaurants, and retail outlets.

Safety / Security

Delegates are advised to take the usual safety precautions. Do not walk alone in quiet streets after dark. Use a taxi/Uber at night and only those from a reputable company. Check with your hotel concierge as to the safety of a specific area should you be unsure. Do not attract attention by displaying expensive items such as cameras and expensive watches and jewelry when sightseeing. Make use of the hotel safety deposit box or your room safe to safeguard valuables and passports.

Smoking

Smoking is prohibited by law in public areas throughout Guatemala, including airports, shopping malls, and restaurants. Most public spaces have specially designated smoking areas.