Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
painless and routine, though you'll probably be asked to show your passport or at least a
photocopyofitforidentification.You'llalsonoticethatbanks,likeconveniencestoresand
other businesses, are heavily guarded by armed watchmen.
In border areas, you'll typically be approached by money changers offering slightly bet-
ter rates than local banks. It's perfectly safe to change your money with them, though it's
probably a good idea to exchange only what you might need for the first day or two in the
new country. Try not to pull out a wad of bills for all to see.
Travelers Checks
This is still the safest way to carry money during your travels, though you'll be able to ex-
change them only in urban areas and tourist destinations with full-service banks. There's
also a bit more bureaucracy involved in exchanging travelers checks and you might be
asked to show your original purchase receipt. American Express is by far the most widely
acceptedtypeoftravelerscheck.ThelocalAmericanExpressrepresentative isClarkTours
(7a Avenida 14-76, Plaza Clark, Zona 9, Guatemala City, tel. 2412-4700,
www.clark-
Wire Transfers
BecauseofthewidespreadphenomenonofremittancessenthomebyGuatemalannationals
living abroad, several companies have set up shop all over Guatemala. This may be your
best bet if you happen to run short of cash during your travels. Many local banks and
businesses are Western Union affiliates. For a list of these affiliates in Guatemala, visit
the website at
www.westernunion.com
.
You can also send money via American Express
MoneyGram. Keep in mind these companies make their money off exorbitant fees charged
for their services in addition to a poor exchange rate for the money, which you'll end up
getting in local currency.
Credit Cards and ATMs
CreditcardshavebecomemoreandmorecommonplaceinGuatemala,thoughtheyarestill
accepted mainly in urban centers, major tourist attractions, and luxury hotels or expensive
restaurants and shops. Some smaller merchants may charge a fee, usually 7 to 10 percent
of the transaction amount, the justification being that they are charged this amount by the
credit card companies and can't afford to absorb the cost because of their smaller sales
volume. Visa and MasterCard are the most widely accepted.
ATMs in Guatemala are hooked up to international networks and most travelers have no
problems accessing their bank accounts in this way. It's always a good idea to keep an eye
ontransactionsonlinewhileyou'reontheroadifyou'reabletoandreportanyinconsisten-
cies immediately. You will never be required to enter your pin number on a pad to enter an
ATM kiosk, a common scam to steal card and PIN numbers that has fooled some travelers.
