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WEATHER IN GUATEMALA

Answer

Spring year-round! Guatemala enjoys weather in the 70's and 80's throughout the year. Lows can drop into the 60's at night, so we recommend you have a light jacket or cardigan. February is during dry season, so we do not expect rain.

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MEDICAL INFORMATION

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If you need a pharmacy, Antigua has several options that should have any over the counter medicines that you might need, including Cruz Verde, Batres, and Meykos (they will also delivery to your hotel, reception can help with this). If you are feeling ill and need to see a doctor, Guatemalans treat emergency rooms a bit like we treat Urgent Care. You could go to the VITALMED. Additionally, both of our families have several doctors, please let us know and we can get you the help you need! If it is something very serious, we recommend you go to Guatemala City, which has very good health care. There are two hospitals that have US-trained doctors with great reputations, and are recommended by the US Embassy; Hospital Herrera Llerandi & Centro Médico. Here's the addresses: 1) Hospital Herrera (Private Hospital): 6a. Avenida 8-71, Zona 10, Phone: 2384-5959, Emergency: 2334-5955, Healthinfo@herrerallerandi.com 2) Centro Médico (Public Hospital) 6a. Avenida 3-47, Zona 10, Phone: 2279-4949, Fax: 2331-7533, mercadeo@centromedico.com.gt

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CURRENCY AND MONEY EXCHANGE

Answer

Guatemala's currency is the Quetzal (Q). While you could still use dollars (USD), we recommend using a local ATM to get Quetzales. We always use a debit or credit card without foreign transaction fees and always notify our bank in advance of our travel. Most establishments accept cards, but it's always recommended to have some cash available in Antigua. If you're coming for less than a week, you will probably be fine exchanging $40-$50 USD and paying the rest with your card (make sure to notify your bank!). Most hotels have ATMs, or can point you in the right direction if needed. DO NOT exchange USD at the airport as those are not the best rates. You can exchange at your hotel, please make sure to bring crisp, new bills. At the airport and within the city of Antigua & Guatemala City, you can use your credit card for restaurants, hotels, cafes, ticket booths, etc. Keep Quetzales on hand if you buy souvenirs or food from street vendors, otherwise you can pretty much rely on your credit card. For our non-Spanish-speaking amigos: card = tarjeta; cash = efectivo.

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WATER SAFTEY

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To avoid traveler’s tummy, please avoid drinking tap water during your visit. Hotels should provide you with at least one bottle of water a day, but you will likely want to buy more bottled water at a bodega. You will also see water tanks called EcoFiltros in hotels and restaurants. These have free, filtered water, so feel free to fill up your bottle with this water at any time. You should also feel confident to drink water from restaurants in Antigua (it will be filtered), but when in doubt, you can always ask. If you want to order a sparkling water, just ask for an “agua mineral.” We’ve never had an issue.

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CELLULAR SERVICE AND DEVICE CHARGING

Answer

Guatemala uses the same plugs as the US! While you will easily be able to find WiFi at most places in Antigua (hotels, restaurants, bars and cafes), we recommend that you talk to your cell phone service provider before travel. International plans are usually very affordable (such as $10 a day) and they will cover your data, texting, and even calls. You can also purchase an e-SIM plan like AirArlo. You will always be connected when you want to use maps, Uber, etc.

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STRAY STREET DOGS

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Please don't pet the stray dogs! Guatemala does have some cases of rabies, which is quite serious. If you get bitten by a street dog (it doesn’t happen often unless you entice them- similar to India) you will need to go to the ER to start a series of vaccines. If you don't go near them, they should also leave you alone, so no worries!

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PACKING LIST

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Besides your finest formal wedding attire, we would recommend keeping it pretty casual. Linen pants and dresses are great; but truly anything you would wear during the spring/summer is perfect. We recommend a light jacket or sweater for the mornings and evenings. It can get very sunny during the day, so be sure to pack sunscreen and sunglasses. Antigua is also filled with cobblestone streets, so you will want to walk around with comfortable shoes!

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TIPPING CULTURE

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You don't have to; it isn't customary. In restaurants, 10% is automatically included. At the hotel, at your discretion. You can tip the bell hop and other staff, but it is not necessary.

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LANGUAGE BARRIER AND SPEAKING SPANISH

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Most people in Guatemala speak Spanish. Make sure you know the basics. We highly highly recommend you Download Spanish as an offline language from Google Translate. This will allow you to always have access to the app, even if you're without WiFi or your service is spotty. It's a great backup!

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MUST HAVE APPS BEFORE THE TRIP

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Google Maps Maps.me Google Translate SayHi or iTranslate Uber DUOLINGO XE Currency Splitwise WhatsApp Airalo or Holafly AccuWeather Smart Traveler (by U.S. State Department)