Antigua Guatemala Travel Tips. Money, Safety, Culture

Local SIM Cards & Mobile Providers

Tigo and Claro are main providers with good coverage.

Acquisition & Usage

Inexpensive SIM cards (Q25-Q50) at airport or official stores.
Passport needed for registration.
Affordable prepaid data, call, and text packages ('paquetes').

Internet Access & Wi-Fi Availability

Wi-Fi is widely available and reliable in most establishments.

Connectivity Options

Free Wi-Fi standard in hotels, cafes, restaurants.
Limited public Wi-Fi hotspots, usually in central squares.
Local SIM data portrays consistent internet on the go. Solis Wi-Fi is a portable option for continuous internet access via Solis Wi-Fi.

Language Barriers & Translation Resources

English common in tourist areas, less so locally.

Language Support

Download Spanish for offline use on Google Translate. Purchase on Amazon.
A physical Spanish phrasebook can be useful.
Antigua excels for Spanish language immersion at schools.

Essential Phrases

Even a few words in Spanish show respect and are appreciated.

Common Utterances

Hello: Hola (OH-lah)
Thank you: Gracias (GRAH-see-ahs)
How much?: ¿Cuánto cuesta? (KWAHN-toh KWEHS-tah?)

Further Language Learning

Advanced Options

Consider a language school for intensive one-on-one lessons.
Practice daily with locals to enhance fluency.
Utilize online platforms like Rosetta Stone for structured learning before or after your trip.
Focus on showing effort; it is appreciated.

Pronunciation Guide

Goodbye: Adiós (ah-dee-OHS)
Yes/No: Sí/No (SEE/NOH)
I don't understand: No entiendo (NOH en-TYEN-doh)
Water: Agua (AH-gwah)

Mobile Connectivity

Acquiring get a LOCAL sim card when you arrive is a straightforward way to maintain consistent internet access and communication during your stay in Guatemala.

Business Hours & Schedules

Familiarize yourself with typical operating hours to plan your days.

Retail & Finance

Shops typically open 9 AM - 6 PM; smaller ones may close for siesta (1 PM - 3 PM). Banks open weekdays 9 AM - 5 PM, some Saturdays.

Food & Attractions

Lunch 12 PM - 3 PM; dinner from 6 PM. Cafes open earlier for breakfast. Museums/attractions 9 AM - 5 PM.

Market Schedules

Markets operate from early morning until late afternoon, often closing before sunset, offering fresh produce and crafts.

Banking & ATMs

Major banks like Banrural, G&T Continental, and BAC Credomatic have branches.

ATM Advice

ATMs are widely available outside banks or in retail districts.
Use ATMs during daylight hours in secure, well-lit locations.
Be aware of withdrawal limits and potential fees.

Holiday Considerations

holidays influence services and city conditions.

Major Observances

Semana Santa (Easter Week): Limited business, city is crowded.
Christmas & New Year: Reduced hours for many businesses.
All Saints' day' Day (November 1) and National Day of independence (September 15) are public holidays.

Airport Services

Lounge Access

Access independent airport lounges worldwide with Priority Pass.
Benefit from comfortable waiting areas and amenities.
A calm space before or after your flight.

Flight Compensation

For flight delays or cancellations, Compensair assists with compensation claims.
Secure potential financial reimbursement for disrupted travel.
Understand your passenger rights for disruptions.

Planning Ahead

Checking specific dates for public holidays is prudent as they affect transport, business hours, and services. Planning in advance is advised.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms

Greeting Customs

Always greet people when entering a shop or starting a conversation.

Basic Politeness

Use "Hello," "Buenas tardes," "Buenas noches."
A handshake is standard.
Light kiss on cheek (women-to-women, women-to-men) common among friends.

Appropriate Attire & Dining

Everyday wear is generally fine. Modest dress is valued.

Dress & Dining

Cover shoulders and knees at churches/religious sites.
A 10% gratuity standard in restaurants if excluded.
Keep hands visible at table during meals.

Photography Ethics

A polite "¿Puedo tomar una foto?" is appreciated. Respect "no".

Photo Guidelines

Be discreet during religious ceremonies; avoid flash.
Mindful of vendors in markets not wanting stalls photographed.
Not everyone wishes to be photographed; respect privacy.

General Cultural Advice

Politeness and understanding cultural differences cultivate positive exchanges.

Interaction Tips

Approach cultural interactions with humility.
Be patient; things operate at a different pace.
Bargain politely and fairly in markets.

Taboos & Sensitivities

Difficult Subjects

Exercise caution discussing local politics or social issues.
Avoid making assumptions about poverty or taking exploitative photos.
Do not treat local people as tourist attractions.

LGBTQ+ Context

Antigua is progressive, but society is conservative outside tourist zones.
Discretion for public displays of affection may be advisable.
Same-sex marriage is not recognized.

Language Effort

Foster Positive Bonds

Learn basic Spanish phrases like "Hello," "Please," and "Thank you."
This shows respect and helps bridge communication gaps.
Effort to speak Spanish is well-received.

Religious Site Etiquette

Dress modestly: Ensure shoulders and knees are covered.
Remove hats upon entering churches.
Be quiet and respectful; do not disrupt services or prayers.

Respectful Travel

Adopting local customs and showing respect for cultural norms enriches your experience and fosters positive connections with residents.

Accessibility Information

Antigua's historic charm has challenges for travelers with mobility needs.

Infrastructure Challenges

Antigua's cobblestone streets and uneven sidewalks present challenges.

Navigation Barriers

Uneven surfaces are difficult for wheelchair users.
Many old buildings lack ramps, elevators, or accessible restrooms.
Cobblestone streets are ubiquitous.

Accessible Attractions & Transport

Some main squares are relatively flat. Public transport is not accessible.

Access Points

Central Park is relatively flat; other sites have steps.
Public chicken buses and tuk-tuks are not accessible.
Private transfers can be pre-arranged for wheelchair-accessible vehicles.

Sensory Impairments

Limited formal services for visually or hearing impaired travelers exist.

Support Gaps

Braille signage is rare.
Auditory cues for navigation are not widespread.
Reliance on companions or pre-arranged assistance.

Resources & Planning

Contact places to stay or tour providers directly to confirm features.

Information Sources

Research hotels or tour operators advertising accessibility features.
Online forums for disabled travelers offer first-hand accounts.

Preparation is

Thorough planning and direct communication with service providers are necessary for travelers with specific mobility needs in Antigua's historic environment.

Antigua Guatemala Travel Tips