Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Tipping
A 10% tip is expected at restaurants and automatically added to your bill in places such as Antigua - a practice that is
spreading to other tourist towns as well. In small comedores (basic, cheap eateries) tipping is optional, but follow local
practice and leave some spare change. Tour guides are generally tipped, around 10%, especially on longer trips.
Traveler's Checks
If you're not packing plastic, a combination of Amex US-dollar traveler's checks and some US dollars is the way to go.
Take some of these as a backup even if you do have a card. Many banks change US-dollar traveler's checks, and tend to
give the best rates. Amex is easily the most recognized traveler's check brand. Few businesses will accept traveler's
checks as payment or change them for cash.
Opening Hours
Guatemalan shops and businesses are generally open from 8am to noon and 2pm to 6pm, Monday to Saturday, but there
are many variations. Banks typically open 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday (again with variations), and 9am to 1pm
Saturday. Government offices usually open 8am to 4pm, Monday to Friday. Official business is always better conducted
in the morning.
Restaurant hours are typically 7am to 9pm, but can vary by up to two hours either way. Most bars open from 11am to
midnight. The Ley Seca (dry law) stipulates that bars and discotecas must close by 1am, except on nights before public
holidays. It is rigidly adhered to in large cities and universally laughed at in smaller towns and villages.
If restaurants or bars have a closing day, it's usually Sunday. Typical shopping hours are 8am to noon and 2pm to 6pm
Monday to Saturday.
Photography
Ubiquitous film stores and pharmacies sell film, though you may not find the brand you like without a hunt. There are
quick processing labs in the main cities. Most internet cafes have card readers (lectores de tarjeta), so you can upload
your digital photos or burn them onto CD. For tips on taking professional-grade travel pics, hunt down a copy of Lonely
Planet's Travel Photography .
Photographing People
Photography is a sensitive subject in Guatemala. Always ask permission before taking portraits, especially of Maya wo-
men and children. Don't be surprised if your request is denied. Children often request payment (usually Q1) in return for
posing. In certain places such as the church of Santo Tomás in Chichicastenango, photography is forbidden. Maya cere-
monies (should you be so lucky to witness one) are off-limits for photography unless you are given explicit permission
to take pictures. If local people make any sign of being offended, put your camera away and apologize immediately,
both out of decency and for your own safety. Never take photos of army installations, men with guns or other sensitive
military subjects.
 
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