Questions?

Question

Are children allowed?

Answer

YES ABSOLUTELY We want you to enjoy this just as much as we do, so bring your cutie babies! Let us know if you plan on bringing an extra family member (just in case you want a babysitter).

Question

Can I drink the water?

Answer

NO ABSOLUTELY NOT. You will find that everyone drinks from water bottles. The restaurants will serve you water in bottles and Porta Hotel will have drinkable water in all the rooms. We also suggest not eating anything that needs to be washed and/or isn't cooked. Ie: salads, ceviche, fruit without skins (berries) Avocados, bananas, grapefruits, and cooked foods should be safe. Don't let your guard down in the airport, the verdict is still out on their water.

Question

Is Guatemala a 3rd world country?

Answer

Areas of Guatemala are still developing, however Antigua is known for their wedding tourism. You will find that the city is above what you expect, the hotel is absolutely beautiful, the venues are stunning, and the people are wonderful. Many places in Antigua accept Visa & Mastercard, there are some familiar places like Starbucks and Taco Bell, Uber works if you're not comfortable taking the local tuktuks, and while the dominant language is Spanish- many people speak English (or at least try!)

Question

Where are we registered?

Answer

We're planning a trip around the globe for our honeymoon. Please share with us your favorite international place/restaurant/adventure so we can experience it too! Your presence is our present, we do not have a gift registry. See you in Guatemala!

Question

What should I wear?

Answer

We have decided to make this an experience for everyone. We're requesting black tie attire. Dark suits or tux's for men and floor length or tea-length dresses for women. Due to the cobblestone streets, we suggest block heels or flats for women. And we think dark colors will look best with the light-color backdrop of the venues, but feel free to wear whatever colors you'd like.

Question

What clothes do I pack?

Answer

Comfortable summer clothes, walking shoes, sandals, a swimsuit, a travel bag/pack (think fanny pack, crossbody, or sling bag), phone chargers (US plugs will work), and your sense of adventure!

Question

What will the weather be?

Answer

March is the beginning of Summer but not their rainy season yet. Daytime is sunny and in the 80s and nights are in the 60s (usually).

Question

How much money do I bring?

Answer

We suggest ordering Quetzales from your bank to bring with you (this allows for the best exchange rates). However you should also bring some USD with you too. Many vendors take both but you will likely get a better rate with one over the other. (We asked for the price in both and did fast math to chose which one we wanted to pay with) Another option is a credit card with no travel/currency exchange fees. Most of Antigua is catered to tourists, so you will find many places accept VISA. However there are still small shops and restaurants and markets that prefer cash. Things like tuktuk rides and street vendors require Quetzales. We suggest bringing about 1,000Q per person and maybe $500 cash per person. This will also depend on how long you're staying and how much you want to adventure.

Question

What is the exchange rate?

Answer

Your bank will offer the exact exchange rate: 1 USD is approximately 7.76 Guatemalan Quetzal. If you exchange money in the Airport, you will get about 6 Guatemalan Quetzales for 1 USD If you exchange it at a tourist spot in Antigua, you will get about 7 Guatemalan Quetzales for 1 USD. (We experienced that bigger USD bills will get you a better rate)

Question

What do I do when I get off the plane?

Answer

Walk through Customs and DO NOT stop at the currency exchange bank before you exit customs (CAMBIO EXCHANGE). They have the worst exchange rates in the whole country (maybe an exaggeration but maybe not). There will be a little bank right outside of customs but still in the airport with better rates (BANCO CHN). Once you're past Customs and BANCO, there will be a wall of vendors before you exit the airport. They speak enough English to get you to Antigua. You have four options for travel (and I believe their prices are in USD cash): 1. A Shared Shuttle- the cheapest option but you may need to wait a little for the driver to find other travelers. A good option if you are traveling with a larger party (6-8 people) 2. A private shuttle- the next cheapest option 3. A rental car- The most expensive option. I don't personally recommend this because Antigua is pretty walkable, the driving can be crazy, the streets are very bumpy with cobblestone, and I believe there is a parking fee with the hotel. Gas prices are comparable to Florida. 4. Uber- Price depends on the time of the day, but expect a Surge price for the airport. Pricing will be in Quetzales & we suggest only doing this if you're using a credit card with no travel exchange fees. We usually choose option 1. We've shuttled all around the country with no problems, sometimes the vans are full & sometimes they're not. They may ask to put your luggage on the rooftop luggage rack if the van is full. Tell the shuttle drivers you're going to Porta Hotel Antigua and they'll give you a price and know exactly where to drop you off. The drive is about an hour.

Question

Is it customary to tip?

Answer

It's not expected to tip, but of course it's always appreciated. You can ask the server/bartender if tip is included- sometimes they include tip and sometimes they don't.

Question

What is the Guatemalan currency?

Answer

Guatemalan currency is the Quetzal, named after their national bird- the resplendent quetzal. PRONUNCIATION: "Ket-zall" or "ket-zall-es" (It does not rhyme with pretzel, lol)

Question

What airport do I fly into?

Answer

Guatemala City, Guatemala (GUA) La Aurora

Question

What hotel should I stay at?

Answer

Porta Hotel Antigua is where we will be staying. There are many other hotel options in Antigua that are close and beautiful. Not all the hotels have air conditioning, however the weather should be cooler at night and they all have windows that can be opened.

Question

Guatemala Tuxedo Rentals

Answer

There are a couple places in Guatemala City (where you'll be flying in) that offer tuxedo rentals. Our wedding planner recommended Saul Etiqueta. We're not familiar with the process but they seem to have a variety of options and appear to be approximately $100 or 700 QTZ https://gt.saulemendez.com/moda/etiqueta/

Question

Immigration/Customs Form

Answer

https://farm2.sat.gob.gt/declaDelViajeroGt-web/pages/public/declaracionViajero.xhtml#no-back-button