Capital city, Guatemala
Guatemala City
The capital and main airport: good restaurants, museums and private hospitals in the south zones, but heavy traffic and crime make most travelers move on to Antigua quickly.
At a glance
- Safety3/5Take real precautionsDetails
- Monthly budget$1,310–2,090Comfortable, one person · Q10,000–16,000Details
- Value for money42/100Better value than 41% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goNov–AprWarmest: Apr, 28°CDetails
- Air quality14 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2019) · ModerateDetails
- Internet100 MbpsFixed broadband, Guatemala medianDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledDrink bottled or garrafón water; hotels usually provide it.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel3/5English: common in tourist areasDetails
- Doctor's visit$39–79Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundUberYou'll need transportDetails
- Cash or cardMixed: cards and cashCards are accepted in malls, hotels, upscale restaurants and chains; use cash for markets, buses and small shops.Details
Where to stay in Guatemala City
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Zona 10 (Zona Viva) | Hotels, restaurants and nightlife, the safest tourist base |
| Zona 14 | Upscale residential, good for longer stays |
| Zona 4 / 4 Grados Norte | Cafés, galleries and weekend markets, safer by day |
| Zona 1 (historic center) | Day visit only: markets and museums |
Apps that work in Guatemala City
Ride-hailing
- Maps: Google Maps, Waze
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- Taxis: Street taxis are unsafe; use Uber or taxis ordered by your hotel or restaurant. Airport taxis should be prepaid.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Guatemala.
- Mixed: cards and cash Cards are accepted in malls, hotels, upscale restaurants and chains; use cash for markets, buses and small shops.
- Currency: Quetzal (GTQ). US$1 ≈ Q7.64 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Use 5B (Banco Industrial) or BAC ATMs inside banks or malls; expect a local fee per withdrawal and occasional skimming.
- Tipping: Restaurants often add a 10% 'propina sugerida'; otherwise leave about 10%. Tip guides and shuttle drivers; taxis aren't tipped.
- Paying by phone: Contactless cards and Apple/Google Pay work in chains and upscale places; local wallets need a Guatemalan account.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Complete the online traveller declaration before arrival and before departure and keep the QR code; airport terminals for it are slower.
- CA-4 rule: one combined stay limit covers Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua; crossing between them doesn't reset it.
- Check your passport is stamped on entry; a missing stamp means a fine and delays when you leave.
Emergency numbers
Police 110 · Ambulance 122 · Fire 122 · Tourist police 1500
Plugs
Type A, B · 120 V, 60 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Tigo or Claro SIMs from their stores, malls and airport kiosks with your passport; prepaid monthly data bundles are cheap. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Guatemala
Going to Guatemala City solo?
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.