Travel advice for Guatemala.

Here you will find important tips and useful information for Guatemala.

Travel money:

Prepaid Travel credit card

in Swiss francs (CHF)

  • For ATM cash withdrawals

  • For cashless payments in shops, restaurants, hotels, and online

ATM Search

Banknotes

in US dollar (USD)

  • Change cash in local currency when outside larger urban areas

Local currency / ISO Code

Quetzal GTQ

Further Information

Credit cards

 

  • Die gängigen Kreditkarten werden in begrenztem Umfang akzeptiert. Für detaillierte Informationen wenden Sie sich bitte an den Aussteller der betreffenden Karte.

ATM Search

Find out more about Travel

Useful tips from our experts:

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Practical Information:

Time difference with Switzerland

- 7 h / - 8 h during our summer time

National language

Official language

Spanish

Language capabilities

English

Capital

Guatemala City

Country code for calling Switzerland

00 41 (disregard '0' preceding Swiss area codes)

Voltage

110 volt / adapter required

Travel documents for Swiss citizens

Passport still valid 6 months or more after arrival, return or onward travel ticket and proof of sufficient funds for stays up to 3 months.

Opening hours

Banks

8.30 - 12.30 h and 14.30 - 16.30 h (Mon - Fri)
9.00 - 12.30 h (Sat)

Stores

9.00 - 19.30 h (Mon - Sat)

Driving
  • Swiss driver's license accepted for car rentals if obtained at least 1 year previously, varies by rental company.

  • International driver's licence recommended.

  • Minimum age for car rentals: 25 (varies by rental company).

  • CH sticker and breakdown triangle mandatory.

Health situation
  • Do not drink tap water.

  • Mosquito protection advised.

  • Risk of dengue fever.

  • Year-round risk of malaria below 1500m. No risk of malaria in Guatemala City.

  • Vaccination against diphtheria, tetanus, hepatitis A, polio and measles recommended.

Cultural characteristics

Please observe local customs for dress code and conduct.

Swiss Embassy / Consulate

Guatemala City, Edif. Torre Internacional, 16 Calle 0-55, Zona 10
Tel. +502 2367 55 20

Other information

This country is in an active earthquake zone.

Security

  • Travelers who wish to travel to this country are advised to inquire about current traveler safety prior to departure.

  • Individual journeys not advised.

  • Travelers should pay close attention to their personal security.

  • Walking the streets after nightfall is not advised.

  • Relatively high crime rate, especially in the cities.

  • Do not carry valuables (watches, jewelry, expensive cameras, etc.) on you.

  • Avoid demonstrations and large crowds.

Special legal regulations

Very strict laws to fight illegal drugs.

Ideal for your journey: the Travel card.

Travel is the secure prepaid card for use away from home – without any annual fees. In the event of loss, the card including the balance will be replaced worldwide.

Find out more about Travel

Important

While every precaution has been taken to verify the information provided, Swiss Bankers Prepaid Services Ltd does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of Country Information. Swiss Bankers therefore shall not be held liable for any damage or loss sustained in connection with any errors or omissions contained therein.

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