Money & duty free for Guatemala
Exchange rates:
QuetzalC$1 = Q5.62
€1 = Q7.89
£1 = Q9.38
US$1 = Q7.54
Currency & Money
Guatemalan Quetzal (GTQ; symbol Q) = 100 centavos. Notes are in denominations of Q200, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1. Coins are in denominations of Q1 and 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 centavos.
US dollars are accepted by some hotels, tour operators and other businesses in major tourist areas, but change is usually given in quetzales, and the exchange rate offered by a business may be less favourable than the official rate.
Visa and Mastercard are accepted at most hotels, restaurants, supermarkets, shopping centres and larger tourist businesses. American Express is accepted less widely. Cash remains necessary at markets, small shops, food stalls and businesses in rural areas.
Some businesses impose a minimum transaction amount or add a fee for card payments. If a card terminal or ATM offers conversion to the cardholder's home currency, choosing to pay in quetzales usually avoids the less favourable dynamic currency conversion rate.
Contactless mobile payments, including Apple Pay and Google Pay, can be used at businesses with compatible card terminals, particularly in Guatemala City and larger tourist centres. Local banking apps and QR-code payment systems are also available, but these may require a Guatemalan bank account. Travellers should carry a physical card and some cash, as mobile payments are not accepted everywhere.
ATMs are widely available in Guatemala City, Antigua, Quetzaltenango, Flores and other towns and tourist centres. Most accept international Visa and Mastercard cards and dispense quetzales. Machines are less common in rural areas and smaller communities, so travellers should obtain sufficient cash before visiting remote destinations.
Withdrawal limits vary between banks and individual machines, and fees may be charged by both the Guatemalan bank and the card issuer. Use ATMs inside banks, shopping centres, hotels or other secure locations where possible. Check the machine for signs of tampering and shield the keypad when entering a PIN.
Mon to Fri: 09:00 to 17:00. Some branches open on Saturday mornings or offer longer hours inside shopping centres.
There are no restrictions on the import or export of local or foreign currency. However, travellers carrying US$10,000 or more, or the equivalent in another currency or monetary instruments, must declare it when entering or leaving Guatemala. They may be asked to explain the source and intended use of the funds.
Foreign currency can be exchanged at banks, authorised bureaux de change and some hotels. US dollars are the easiest currency to exchange, while euros and other currencies may only be accepted at larger banks or exchange offices in Guatemala City and major tourist centres.
Banks may request a passport when exchanging money. US-dollar notes should be clean and undamaged, as torn, marked or worn notes may be refused. Airport and hotel exchange facilities are convenient but may offer less favourable rates. Money should only be exchanged at banks or authorised exchange offices; avoid changing money with individuals on the street.
The quetzal is freely convertible but is not widely available outside Guatemala. Travellers should exchange any unwanted quetzales before leaving the country.
Guatemala duty free
Travellers may import the following without paying customs duty:
• Personal clothing and belongings appropriate to the purpose and length of the visit.
• Medicines for personal use in quantities appropriate to the traveller's needs.
• Up to 500g of manufactured tobacco in any form, for travellers aged 18 or over.
• Up to 5 litres of wine, spirits or other alcoholic drinks, for travellers aged 18 or over.
• Up to 2kg of sweets.
• Other non-commercial goods with a total value not exceeding US$500.
The US$500 allowance applies to travellers who have spent at least 72 hours outside the Central American customs territory. It is personal, cannot be transferred or combined with another traveller's allowance and applies only to goods that are not intended for sale.
Duty-free allowances are subject to change, sometimes at short notice due to policy updates or external factors. Information is correct at the time of writing; travellers should verify current allowances with official customs authorities before departure. We accept no liability for any inconvenience or loss arising from changes to these regulations.
Prohibited imports include illegal drugs, counterfeit goods and obscene material. Firearms, ammunition and explosives require prior authorisation.
Meat, dairy products, fruit, vegetables, plants, seeds, soil, live animals and other products of animal or plant origin may require an import permit or health certificate. Undeclared items may be confiscated.
This list is not exhaustive. Travellers should consult the official customs website or contact the embassy or consulate near you for the most up-to-date information.
The export of archaeological objects, colonial artefacts and other protected cultural property is prohibited without authorisation from the Guatemalan cultural authorities. This restriction may apply to apparently ordinary pottery, carvings, textiles and religious objects, so travellers should obtain a receipt and proof that valuable handicrafts or antiques may be legally exported.
Protected plants, wildlife and products made from endangered species may not be exported without the appropriate permits.
This list is not exhaustive. Travellers should consult the official customs website or contact the embassy or consulate near you for the most up-to-date information.
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