Guatemala’s currency is the Quetzal (Q.) and which has bill denominations of Q.100.00, Q.50.00, Q.20.00, Q.10.00, and Q.5.00; and coin denominations are Q.1.00, Q.0.50, Q.0.25, Q.0.10, and Q.0.05. More information and pictures of bills and currency in circulation visit The Central Bank Website.
The easiest currency to exchange in Guatemalan banks is the US dollar. Traveler’s Checks can also be cashed in major banks. However, dollars are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants and with tour operators, but expect a bad exchange rate. The exchange (Jan. 2007) is US$1.00 = Q7.60.
Euros are also accepted in most banks and with some tour operators. If you need to exchange your Euros for Quetzales head to an agency of Banco Uno. The exchange (Jan. 2007) is €1.00 = Q9.50.
There are plenty of ATMs in all the major destinations of the country. 5B and Bancared are the largest and most common networks. However you must take note that you’ll be charged $US1 for each transaction.
Guatemala is a country rich in natural resources and its main economic activities are agriculture, cattle, manufacturing and commerce. Among the country’s main exports are: coffee, sugar cane, bananas, vegetables, cattle, fruit, tobacco, textiles, and handicrafts.
Guatemala is also considered a great option for real estate investment.
Taxes
In Guatemala prices in general include VAT or IVA, as it’s known in the country, which is 12%.
All hotels will charge a 22% tax, which should be added to the fare.
The common tip to leave in restaurants, bars and nightclubs in Guatemala City and Antigua is of 10%, which is generally not included in the bill, so check before you leave!
Comment by Edgar Carias at Apr 2nd, 2007 3:10 pm ↑
Some hotels and restaurants in Antigua and the area of Tikal already include the tip on the bill. Make sure to read your check carefully since more often than not, they prescribe themselves with an over 20% tip.
Remember, while most of the workers in that business - not only in Guatemala - depend mainly on tips, that fact does not mean you are obliged to give a tip or a large tip. Quality of service and/or food should be a good pointer as to the percentage of the tip to leave.
Just don’t demand that what is not there in order to leave a tip or as an excuse not to leave one.
Comment by Tabitha Joyner at Apr 22nd, 2008 6:59 am ↑
This web-site is the coolest.Thing ever my freind and I love it. It must be cool to live in Guatemala. My freind and I wan’t to go to Guatemala when we are older. My freind said “Guatemala is my favrite country in the hole world.
From,Tabitha Joyner
Comment by lydia at May 6th, 2008 1:15 pm ↑
guatemala is the most beautifull place to visit
Comment by melissa at May 15th, 2008 4:15 pm ↑
put information about how money is made and why it was made the way its made/
Comment by Barbara Rodriguez at Oct 16th, 2009 3:30 pm ↑
I am in need of a good road map of Guatemala. My husband and I will be driving through Guatemala in February 2010. I’ve tried to find a map online with no success.
Comment by Jack at Feb 19th, 2010 10:16 pm ↑
Use Mapas internacionales de viaje ( Guatemala) it is the best