Travel to Guatemala

Guatemala: arrival and transport

How do you get to Guatemala?

La Aurora Airport is not far from the center of the city. There is no public transport connection into the city, but taxis are available. For the onward journey to Antigua there is the possibility of using the shared taxis that are already waiting for about 10 US dollars. There is no direct connection from Germany to Guatemala, but Iberia, Delta, Continental Airlines, United Airlines, American Airlines, Mexicana and Taca fly to Guatemala City. Often you have one or two stopovers.

Travel in the country

Air connections Local airlines include: Inter (Taca), Tikal Jets, Avaiteca and Jungle Flying.

Inter offers most of the short routes. It flies to the main cities of Guatemala.

In addition to Guatemala City, there are flight connections to Mexico (Cancun) from Tikal (Flores, Peten).

Railroad

The railroad could not establish itself in Guatemala, there is no passenger transport network.

Bus

The bus is the most important form of transport in Guatemala. The line network is correspondingly widely branched. In the big cities there are bus stations, in the rural areas you stand by the road and wait for a bus to come. You can change trains at certain major crossings in the country. There is a “luxury line”, Pullmann, which is very comfortable. The other buses are mostly discarded school buses from the USA or old coaches that are already getting on in years. The latter are very inexpensive, but you should bring a portion of patience and trust in God.

There is a confusing bus system in Guatemala City that doesn’t operate according to any discernible timetable. In the rural areas, shared taxis are used, which travel a set route and where the passenger can get on and off at will.

Roads

The country is crossed by three major roads, the CA 1, coming from Mexico through the highlands of Guatemala through the east of the country to the Salvadoran border. The CA 2, also connects the southern coastal cities from Mexico to the border of El Salvador. The CA 9 connects the capital with the Atlantic coast. At the same time, the CA 5, which leads north to the Petén area, and the CA 18 from Lake Izabal via Poptún to Flores in the east.

Most of the roads are poorly paved and have lots of potholes. Petrol stations are widespread and also offer unleaded gasoline. There is no breakdown service.

Taxi

there in all towns, one is the price but previously made.

Rental cars

Some of the common companies are located at Guatemala City Airport and in the capital itself. Inland, however, it is difficult or impossible to rent a car.

Ferry connections

From Puerto Barrios there is a ferry connection to Lívingston and back several times a day. Small boats from Puerto Barrios and Lívingston drive to Punto Gorda in Belize. From Lívingston there is a boat connection to Honduras about twice a week.

Emergency numbers

Fire department: 122

Police: 120, 110

Ambulance: 128

Tourism authority

Instituto Nacional de Turismo (INGUAT) 7a. Ave. 1-17, zona 4Ciudad de GuatemalaTel: 331-1333 to 47

Traffic rules

In Guatemala it is well known that traffic is on the right. In order to avoid trouble with the police or even the courts, one should strictly adhere to the traffic rules applicable in the country. The maximum speeds shown can of course be reduced or increased by traffic signs. Regardless of the information given here, it is advisable to obtain the AvD from the ADAC prior to departure.

Maximum speeds

In addition to the general speed limits shown, the speed limits indicated by signs must be strictly observed.

  • Urban: in built-up areas there is a speed limit of 40 km/h
  • Country roads, expressways: there is a speed limit of 90 km/h on country roads or expressways

Special regulations

A warning triangle must be taken with you.

Blood

alcohol limit In Guatemala there is a blood alcohol limit of 0.1 parts per thousand for drivers of motor vehicles.

It should be pointed out, however, that almost no one adheres to these rules!

International license plate

According to Abbreviationfinder, Guatemala’s international license plate is:

GCA

Guatemala: Embassies, Consulates and Tourist Office

Visit Countryaah for a full list of Guatemala embassies and consulates in each country around the world.

Representations of Guatemala in Germany

The Embassy of Guatemala is located in a new building on Joachim-Karnatz-Allee and Paulstraße. The Embassy of El Salvador is in the same building. The building is part of a whole new housing estate that was built for the members of the German Bundestag, among others. Incidentally, the official seat of the Federal President, the “Bellevue Palace”, is located nearby. The 187 bus stop is very close to the embassy.

Embassy of the Republic of Guatemala in Berlin

Joachim- Karnatz- Allee 45-47

10557 Berlin

Tel: 0049 – (0) 30 – 20 64 363

Fax: 0049 – (0) 30 – 20 64 36 59

Email: embaguate.alemania@t-online.de

Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Guatemala in Düsseldorf

Grafenberger Allee 277-287

40237 Düsseldorf

Tel: 0049 – (0) 211 – 67 06 45 90

0049 – (0) 211 – 62 68 96

Fax: 0049 – (0) 211 – 67 06 45 99

0049 – (0) 211 – 62 25 18

Email: knaak@nehm-coll.de

Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Guatemala in Hamburg

Esplanade 6

20354 Hamburg

Tel: 0049 – (0) 40 – 34 51 94

Fax: 0049 – (0) 40 – 34 23 59

Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Guatemala in Munich

Grafinger Strasse 2

81671 Munich

Tel: 0049 – (0) 89 – 40 62 14

Fax: 0049 – (0) 89 – 41 32 200

German representations in Guatemala

Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Guatemala City

Avenida La Reforma 9-55, Zona 10, Edificio Reforma 10, Nivel 10

Ciudad de Guatemala

Tel: 00502 – 23 64 67 00

Fax: 00502 – 23 65 22 70

Email: info @ guatemala-stadt.diplo.de

Web: www.guatemala.diplo.de

The German embassy in Guatemala is still responsible for Belize.

Honorary Consul of the Federal Republic of Germany in Panajachel

Calle Principal 0-93

Panajachel, Solola, Guatemala.

:

Cónsul Honorario de la República Federal de Alemania

Calle Principal 0-93

Panajachel, Solola, Guatemala, CA

Tel: 00502 – 77 62 10 15

Fax: 00502 – 77 62 20 25

Email: juekatt@hotmail.com

Austrian representations in Guatemala

Embassy

The embassy in Mexico is responsible (see here >>>).

Austrian Honorary Consulate General in Guatemala

Edificio Multimédica Blvd. Vista Hermosa I; Zona 15 Nivel 12, Oficina 12-18

Tel: 00502 – 23 85 35 84

00502 – 23 85 35 85

00502 – 23 32 15 06

Fax: 00502 – 23 34 83 39

Email: consuladodeaustria.gua@gmail.com

Representations of Guatemala in Austria

Embassy of the Republic of Guatemala in Vienna

Landstrasse Hauptstrasse 21/Top 9

1030 Vienna

Tel: 0043 – (0) 1 – 714 35 70

Fax: 0043 – (0) 1 – 714 35 70-15

Email: embajada@embaguate.co.at

Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Guatemala in Innsbruck

Schmerlinstrasse 2 Top1

6020 Innsbruck

Tel: 0043 – (0) 512 – 58 77 78

Fax: 0043 – (0) 512 – 57 12 74

Email: wolfgang.walser@ra-kanzlei.co.at

Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Guatemala in Vienna

Kantgasse 3

1010 Vienna

Tel: 0043 – (0) 1 – 713 07 13

Fax: 0043 – (0) 1 – 713 07 13

Swiss representations in Guatemala

Swiss Embassy in Guatemala City

Edif. Torre Internacional, 16 Calle 0-55, Zona 10

01010 Ciudad de Guatemala

Tel: 00502 – (0) 2 – 367 55 20

Fax: 00502 – (0) 2 – 367 58 11

Email: gua.vertretung@eda.admin.ch

Web: www.eda.admin.ch/guatemala

The Swiss embassy in Guatemala is still responsible for:

  • El Salvador
  • Honduras

Representations of Guatemala in Switzerland

Embassy

The embassy in Paris is responsible.

Embassy of the Republic of Guatemala in Paris

Rue Villebois Mareuil 2

75017 Paris

Tel: 0033 – (0) 1 – 42 27 78 63

Fax: 0033 – (0) 1 – 47 54 02 06

Email: embaguatefrancia@wanadoo.fr

Tourist office

Instituto Guatemalteco de Turismo

7 av. 1-17 zona 4

P.O. Box: 01004

Centro Civico, Ciudad de Guatemala

Tel: 00502 – 24 21 28 00

Email: info@inguat.gob.gt

Web: www.visitguatemala.com

Tourist Office of Guatemala in Germany

Guatemala Tourist Commission

c/o Embassy of the Republic of Guatemala

Joachim-Karnatz-Allee 47

10557 Berlin

Tel: 0049 – (0) 30 – 20 64 363

Fax: 0049 – (0) 30 – 20 64 36 59

Also responsible for Austria and Switzerland.

Guatemala: entry and exit regulations

Formalities, visas

No visa is required for Guatemala. The passport must be valid for at least six months. A residence permit of 90 days is usually issued upon entry.

Issuing of visas in Germany

Visa department of the Embassy of the Republic of Guatemala

Joachim- Karnatz – Allee 45-47

10557 Berlin

Tel: 0049 – (0) 30 – 2064363

Fax: 0049 – (0) 30 – 20643659

Email: embaguate.alemania@t -online.de

Issuing of visas in Austria and Switzerland

See under Representations of Guatemala in Austria and Representations of Guatemala in Switzerland.

Import and export of foreign currency

  • Local currencyThe import and export of the quetzal is permitted within reasonable limits. What exactly this means is not clearly defined and should therefore be inquired about on site.
  • Foreigncurrencies Foreign currencies can be imported and exported without restrictions.

Departure fee

There is an airport fee of approximately 30 US dollars for leaving the country by plane.

When leaving the country by land, a “fee” is often required, which is often set a little arbitrarily.

Import and export of goods The import and export of weapons, ammunition or explosives is strictly prohibited.

In addition, the import and export of plants and animals protected under the Washington Species Protection Act is prohibited. Violation can result in severe penalties.

In order to prevent the spread of BSE and the foot-and-mouth disease, all products of animal origin (e.g. meat and sausage products, dairy products, raw wool, etc.) must be declared at the airport (competent authority: Servicio Nacional de Cuarentena Animal).

The export of archaeological finds is prohibited.

Entry with pets

A health certificate is required for the animals to enter Guatemala, which confirms that the animal is healthy. This health certificate must be signed and certified by an official veterinarian.

When entering Guatemala, pets must be vaccinated against rabies. This rabies vaccination must have taken place at least 30 days before entry, but must not be more than a year ago. Dogs must also be vaccinated against parvovirus. All vaccinations must be documented in a veterinary vaccination certificate.

Guatemala: Travel Medicine, Vaccinations and Warnings

In the event of accidents, acts of violence or illness, good medical care is often life-saving, but at least it is of crucial importance for the course of the disease and the subsequent prognosis.

Infectious Diseases

In Guatemala, the following infectious diseases are to be expected, which are not or less common in Germany or Central and Northern Europe:

  • Malaria, the country is at risk of becoming infected with malaria all year round, with the exception of Guatemala City. About 5% to a maximum of 10% of the infections occur with the very dangerous malaria tropica, the rest with malaria tertiana. In areas above 1,500 m there is no or only a very low risk of malaria infection
  • Amoebic dysentery
  • Bacterial agitation
  • Chagas disease
  • Cholera, an infection risk only exists for travelers who can come into contact with contaminated water or contaminated food
  • Dengue fever disease
  • Intestinal infections from contaminated food or water, including amoeba, lamblia, salmonella, shigella and worm infestation, as well as all kinds of viruses and bacteria
  • Filariasis
  • Hepatitis A and B, an infection with hepatitis B, is only to be expected in people who can come into contact with blood or in those who seek sexual contact.
  • Kala Azar disease
  • Leishmaniasis Disease
  • Polio, polio
  • rabies
  • Typhoid fever, an infection risk only exists for travelers who come into contact with polluted water or contaminated food
  • Tick bite fever

Recommended vaccinations

when traveling to Guatemala, the following vaccinations recommended:

  • Cholera, but only among travelers who can come into contact with polluted water or contaminated food
  • Diphtheria, a vaccination against diphtheria should always exist in your home country
  • Hepatitis A and B, a vaccination against hepatitis B, is only required for people who may come into contact with blood or for those who seek sexual contact.
  • Polio, polio, a vaccination against polio should always exist, also in the home country
  • Tetanus, a vaccination against tetanus should always exist in the home country
  • Rabies, but only in high-risk travelers who can come into contact with the vector animals
  • Typhoid, but only in travelers who may come into contact with polluted water or contaminated food

Compulsory vaccination

For all persons older than one year and arriving from a yellow fever infection area designated by the WHO, there is a compulsory vaccination against an illness with yellow fever.

Yellow fever vaccination for children

In most countries where a yellow fever vaccination is mandatory, this also applies to children over 1 year of age, in some countries even from 6 months. It should be noted that

vaccination against yellow fever had a number of side effects, such as encephalitis. Around two thirds of those affected were children under 6 months. Therefore, under no circumstances should children under this age be vaccinated. But children under one year of age should also not be vaccinated if possible. If in doubt, yellow fever infection areas must then be avoided.

Any vaccination against yellow fever may only be carried out in specially authorized yellow fever vaccination centers!

Malaria prophylaxis

When traveling in the country, it is strongly advised to undergo malaria prophylaxis. If the side effects seem questionable to you, you should at least have a “stand-by preparation” with you.

Who pays for vaccinations in Germany?

Most people in Germany are vaccinated against a number of infectious diseases at an early age. However, the vaccination protection only lasts up to 10 years, in some cases even shorter. Therefore, before traveling abroad, you should carefully consider against which infectious diseases a vaccination is necessary or useful in the country concerned and whether the vaccination protection, if applicable, was not too long ago.

Most statutory health insurances have been reimbursing the costs for the following vaccinations since June 2007.

There is even no 10 € practice fee – but the insured usually have to pay the statutory co-payment, which is 10% of the vaccine price – that is at least 5 € and a maximum of 10 €. Under these conditions, the following vaccinations are free of charge:

  • cholera
  • diphtheria
  • Early summer meningoencephalitis (TBE)
  • Yellow fever
  • Hepatitis A and B
  • Meningococcal meningitis
  • Pneumococci
  • Polyo (polio)
  • Tetanus (tetanus)
  • rabies
  • typhus

Some health insurance companies also reimburse the cost of malaria prophylaxis.

As a rule, private health insurance companies (inquire beforehand) also cover the costs mentioned.

Current warnings

Foreign Office (AA) of the Federal Republic of Germany

Citizens’ Service

D-11013 Berlin

Tel: 0049 – (0) 30 – 5000 – 2000

Fax: 0049 – (0) 30 – 5000 – 51000

Current warning

notices from the AA: www.auswaertiges-amt.de

According to human rights activists, hundreds of girls and young women are not only raped but brutally tortured to death in the country every year. The perpetrators come from all walks of life, including politicians, business people, judges and police officers. In order to master these gruesome murders, a special commission was set up, but its clearance rate is around zero! It is no exaggeration to describe the majority of the country’s police force as “uniformed criminals”

Guatemala: currency and exchange rate

The national currency of Guatemala is the

Quetzal = 100 Centavos.

The following banknotes are valid and in circulation in the country:

  • 10
  • 20th
  • 50
  • 100 quetzals

Exchange rate

The exchange rate to the euro and other currencies can be determined with the help of the following currency converter:

http://www.infos-finanzen.de/service/finanz-rechner/waehrungsrechner/index.html

Bank opening times

Monday-Friday: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Shop

Shop opening times

Monday-Sunday: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

/ 8:00 p.m. Large supermarket and chain stores are open until 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. respectively.

In the rural areas, the siesta is observed from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Inexpensive or country-specific goods, souvenirs

The most fun is of course to shop in the colorful indigenous markets and of course it is also cheaper. But also in the shops in the cities you can find nice and inexpensive souvenirs.

  • Fabricscan be found in different types and in a great variety.
  • PotteryMany pottery is made in the shape of angels, churches and brightly painted Mayan figures.
  • Wooden masksAn ancient tradition in Antigua inherited from the Spanish, they are carved and painted.
  • CandlesAll classes of candles can be found in Antigua among others. They are used in large quantities for decoration.
  • Jade, jewelry (gold and silver)Guatemala is the second largest producer of jade and specializes in masks and high-quality jewelry. There are some jade workshops in Antigua that you can also visit.

Travel to Guatemala