Guatemala Travel Guide

Guatemala — Shopping

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Shopping

Special purchases include textiles, handicrafts, jewelry, jade carvings, leather goods, ceramics and basketry. Markets are best for local products and bargaining is necessary. Ceramics can be purchased cheaply in many places including Villa de Chinautla, San Luis Jilotepeque and Rabinal. Cobán is the cheapest place to buy silverware. The Central Market in Guatemala City and the Craft Market provide a range of crafts combining traditional and modern styles.

Guatemala City contains many modern shopping centers. Gran Centro Comercial Los Proceres, Galerias La Pradera, Plaza Cemaco and Geminis International Mall are all located in Zone 10. Other malls include Tikal Futura, Peri-Roosevelt Shopping Mall and the Century Shopping Center.

Shopping hours: Mon-Sat 0930-1930. Malls are also open on Sunday.

Currency

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.

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.

Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and ATMs

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

Travelers Checks

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