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Money & duty free for Guatemala

Currency information: 

Quetzal (GTQ; symbol Q) = 100 centavos. Notes are in denominations of Q100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1, and 50 centavos. Coins are in denominations of Q1, and 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 centavos. The US Dollar also became an official currency in 2001.

Credit cards: 

American Express and Visa are accepted, whilst Diners Club and MasterCard have a more limited acceptance. ATMs are common throughout the country.

ATM: 

ATMs are common throughout the country.

Travellers cheques: 

Accepted by most banks and good hotels, although visitors may experience occasional problems. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller's cheques in US Dollars.

Banking hours: 

Opening times vary, but generally Mon-Fri 0900-1900; Sat 0900-1300.

Currency restriction: 

The import and export of local currency is prohibited. The import and export of foreign currency is unlimited.

Currency exchange: 

The Quetzal is extremely difficult to obtain outside Guatemala or exchange after leaving Guatemala, and visitors are strongly advised to exchange local currency before departure. It may be difficult to negotiate notes which are torn. Unused local currency can be exchanged at the bank at the airport.

Guatemala duty free

The following goods may be imported into Guatemala by persons over 18 years of age without incurring customs duty:

• 80 cigarettes or 100g of tobacco.
• 1.5L of alcoholic beverages.
• Two bottles of perfume.

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