Mexico & Central America
Money, cards and tipping in Guatemala
GTQQuetzal
Money in Guatemala
Mostly cash Quetzales needed for markets, tuk-tuks, shuttles and Atitlán villages. Cards work in Antigua and Guatemala City restaurants, hotels and malls; dollars rarely used. US$1 ≈ Q7.64 (03 Oct 2026).
Key facts
- Tipping: Restaurants often add a 10% 'propina sugerida'; otherwise leave about 10%. Tip guides and shuttle drivers; taxis aren't tipped.
- ATMs: Use 5B (Banco Industrial) or BAC ATMs inside banks or malls; expect a local fee per withdrawal and occasional skimming.
- Paying by phone: Contactless cards and Apple/Google Pay work in chains and upscale places; local wallets need a Guatemalan account.
- Price level: about 43% of US prices (World Bank PPP).
Cash or card, by place
| Place | Cards | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Antigua Guatemala | Mixed: cards and cash | Cards work in many restaurants, hotels and tour agencies; markets, tuk-tuks, buses and cheaper eateries want quetzales. |
| Lake Atitlán | Mostly cash | Panajachel has bank ATMs and card-friendly hotels; other villages run on quetzales, so withdraw in Pana before heading on. |
| Flores | Mostly cash | Few ATMs on the island; withdraw in Santa Elena. Cards are accepted in some hotels and restaurants, but small places want quetzales. |
| Semuc Champey | Cash only | Bring quetzales from Cobán, Antigua or Guatemala City: Lanquín has one unreliable ATM, and cards are rarely accepted outside some hostels. |
| San Pedro La Laguna | Mostly cash | Cash rules; ATMs exist but run out at weekends. Some hostels and restaurants accept cards, so bring quetzales. |
| Guatemala City | Mixed: cards and cash | Cards are accepted in malls, hotels, upscale restaurants and chains; use cash for markets, buses and small shops. |
| Quetzaltenango | Mostly cash | Cards work in Zona 9 malls and a few hotels; Zona 1 restaurants, cafés, buses and markets mostly want quetzales. |
Quick answers
Do you tip in Guatemala?
Restaurants often add a 10% 'propina sugerida'; otherwise leave about 10%. Tip guides and shuttle drivers; taxis aren't tipped.
Is Guatemala cashless?
Mostly cash. Quetzales needed for markets, tuk-tuks, shuttles and Atitlán villages. Cards work in Antigua and Guatemala City restaurants, hotels and malls; dollars rarely used.
What currency does Guatemala use?
The Quetzal (GTQ). US$1 ≈ Q7.64 (03 Oct 2026).
Sources
- ExchangeRate-API open rates
- US State Department travel advisory
- GOV.UK foreign travel advice: Guatemala
- Government of Canada travel advice: Guatemala
- Instituto Guatemalteco de Migración
- SAT traveller declaration form
- Speedtest Global Index: Guatemala
- World Bank open data
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