Nowadays many people prefer to carry cards over cash, but in Guatemala, it just doesn’t work that way. Very few establishments accept cards, and those that do charge a high fee for the card processing, anywhere from 5% – 20%, with the average being 15%. Most places don’t mention the fee beforehand, if at all, you will just see it on your receipt.

If you are only here for a few days, using a card in some places may work for you, but if you live here, it isn’t the best option. Those fees add up! In addition, it is only the major stores, tourist places, and a few random establishments that accept cards at this point, making it inconvenient if you don’t have cash.

While crime is an issue here, as it is in any country, it is best to carry cash, and carry it on you. The likelihood that you will get robbed on the street is less than that of the hotel maid rifling through your stuff.

If you need to use an ATM to take out cash in Guatemala, make sure you plan ahead. The limit on a machine is 2000Q, so if you need more than that plan to head to a couple of different machines. You will also want to avoid ATMs around the 1st of the month, which is when everyone gets paid. The lines are IMPOSSIBLE!

Another problem with ATM machines is that they are frequently out of service. This can be frustrating, yes, but what is even worse is that while they don’t actually give you the cash, they alert your home bank in the States that the money has been withdrawn. So, even though you have never gotten it, you may see it reflected as a withdrawl on your account. The best advice I can offer is to make a note of any problems you have, including the date, time and location of the machine, and call your home bank to give them a heads up. This can save a lot of trouble down the road, and help to get things worked out quickly.