Guatemala

Quick Start

Country Code	502 (Code used to call Guatemala from another country) To call Guatemala dial your International Access Code + 502 + local number Examples From USA 011 + 502 + local number From UK 00 + 502 + local number From Hong Kong 001 + 502 + local number
International Access Code	00 (Prefix used to make an international call from Guatemala) To call a country from Guatemala dial 00 + country code + area code + local number Examples To USA 00 + 1 + area code + local number To UK 00 + 44 + area code + local number To Hong Kong 00 + 852 + area code + local number
Domestic Access Code	None (Prefix used to make a call between cities in Guatemala) To call between cities in Guatemala dial local number Examples To Guatemala City from outside the city, just dial local number
Ring Tone	Long equal on and off tones
Busy Tone	Short equal on and off tones
Capital	Guatemala City
Predominant Language	Spanish (official)
Online Directory	Business Directory: www.paginasamarillas.com/pagamanet/guatemala/home.aspx Residential Directory: http://paginasblancas.publicar.com/, http://www.centramerica.com/

Dialing Guide

How To Call Guatemala	Calls Within Guatemala	International Calls From Guatemala
Dial your country's IAC + country code for Guatemala + local number	Local Calls: Dial local number Long Distance: Dial local number.	Dial Guatemala's IAC + country code of country being dialed + area code + local number
Example A call from the USA to Guatemala City, Guatemala. 011 + [502] + local number	Example Long Distance A call to Guatemala City from outside the city. Dial the local number	Example A call from Guatemala to San Francisco, USA. 00 + [1] + (415) + local number
IAC (International Access Code) Prefix to get international access from a country. DAC (Domestic Access Code) Prefix to call between cities within a country.

City/Area Codes

There are no area codes in Guatemala. All subscriber numbers are seven digits.

Emergency and Assistance Numbers

Police	110
Fire	123
Ambulance	123
Directory Assistance	124
Red Cross	125
Time	126

Unusual Calling Features

Area codes are not used in Guatemala.
Subscriber numbers in Guatemala contain seven digits.
When calling between cities within Guatemala, there is no Domestic Access Code prefix; simply dial the subscriber number regardless of the origin or destination of the call.
Cell phone numbers in Guatemala contain seven digits.
Toll-free numbers start with the prefix '1-800'.
Guatemala currently does not provide premium number services.
Dial '9' to get an outside line when calling from a business or other self-contained (PBX) telephone system.
Subscribers may sign up for call waiting and call forwarding; these services are available for both fixed phones and cell phones.

Calling Within

International Calls

Guatel/Telgua runs the telephone system here, providing telecommunications offices in all towns for domestic and international calls. Once you announce your call along with pertinent information to the operator, wait for the clerk to announce your name and direct you to a booth. Pay upon exiting and expect large sums, sometimes up to US$25 for three minutes. However, hotels may plunge the dagger even further, with a possible 400 percent surcharge! Furthermore, the hotel operator may block efforts to reach the access number of one of the other long distance companies. An international operator may assist more readily; but if not, you can attempt to call your phone company directly. If all else fails, go to a pay phone. Rates fall between 7p.m. and 7a.m. daily.

AT&T Direct phones exist at the airport and the Guatel office in Guatemala City. At other phones dial:

British Telecom	99-99-044
U.S. AT&T	99-99-190

*AT&T reminds callers that public phones require local coin payment through the call duration.

Cell Phones

Fixed line to Cell Phone	Cell Phone to Fixed line	Cell Phone to Cell Phone
Local Calls: Dial the local seven-digit number (all numbers are local numbers). Example A call from a fixed line in Guatemala City to a cell phone in Guatemala City: Dial the local seven-digit number	Local Calls: Dial the local seven-digit number (all numbers are local numbers). Example A call from a cell phone in Guatemala City to a fixed line in Guatemala City: Dial the local seven-digit number	Local Calls: Dial the local seven-digit number (all numbers are local numbers). Example A call from a cell phone in Guatemala City to a cell phone in Guatemala City: Dial the local seven-digit number
Long Distance: Dial the local seven-digit number (all numbers are local numbers). Example A call from a fixed line in Guatemala City to a cell phone in Livingston: Dial the local seven-digit number	Long Distance: Dial the local seven-digit number (all numbers are local numbers). Example A call from a cell phone in Guatemala City to a fixed line in Livingston: Dial the local seven-digit number	Long Distance: Dial the local seven-digit number (all numbers are local numbers). Example A call from a cell phone in Guatemala City to a cell phone in Livingston: Dial the local seven-digit number
International Calls: Dial Guatemala's IAC + country code of country being dialed + area code + local cell phone number.* Example A call from a fixed line in Guatemala to a cell phone in San Francisco, USA: 00 + [1] + (415) + local seven-digit cell phone number	International Calls: Dial Guatemala's IAC + country code of country being dialed + area code + local number.* Example A call from a cell phone in Guatemala to a fixed line in San Francisco, USA: 00 + [1] + (415) + local seven-digit number	International Calls: Dial Guatemala's IAC + country code of country being dialed + area code + local cell phone number.* Example A call from a cell phone in Guatemala to a cell phone in San Francisco, USA: 00 + [1] + (415) + local seven-digit cell phone number
*Note: Some countries have a unique dialing sequence for incoming calls to cell phones. Refer to the Cell Phone Dialing Guide for the country you are calling.

Cell phone numbers in Guatemala contain seven digits.
When calling a cell phone from within Guatemala, simply dial the local number. There is no preceding access code.
When making an international call to a cell phone in Guatemala, dial: Guatemala's country code [502] + the local seven-digit number.

Traveling Cell Phones

1. Will My Cell Phone Work in Guatemala?
Yes, if your home country service provider has a roaming agreement with a carrier in Guatemala and your phone is compatible; check with your home country service provider on these two issues before you leave. Click here to find out how. Note: Guatemala's cell providers offer only AMPS analog and digital CDMA technology. There are no GSM networks in Guatemala.

2. Receiving Calls
Provided your home country service provider has a roaming agreement with a service provider in Guatemala and your cell phone is compatible with a network in Guatemala, your cell phone number travels with you. Your calls get through even if people don't know your location.

3. Making Calls
Dialing procedures are the same as for local cell phone users. Refer to the Cell Phone Quick Start.

4. Local SIM Cards
Guatemala currently has no GSM cellular networks, and therefore the cell phones do not use SIM cards. Click here for details on how SIM cards work.

U.S. Service Providers

Due to the dynamic nature of the cellular communications industry, this information changes rapidly. Always confirm service with your provider prior to departure.

Company	Service in Guatemala	Details	Contact Information
AT&T	No	Not applicable	Tel. (U.S. service center): [1] (916) 843-4685 Toll free in U.S./Canada/Mexico: 800-888-7600
Cingular Wireless	No	Not applicable	Tel. (U.S. service center): [1] (209) 381-2345 Toll free in U.S./Canada/Mexico: 866-246-4852
Nextel	No	Not applicable	Tel. (U.S. service center): [1] (201) 531-5202 Toll free in U.S./Canada/Mexico: 800-639-6111
Sprint PCS	Yes	Customers must have an international GSM phone. Phones are available for rent or purchase from Sprint.	Tel. (U.S. service center): [1] (817) 698-4199 Toll free in U.S./Can.: 888-211-4727
Verizon Wireless	Yes	Verizon Wireless customers can use their existing phone.	Tel: TBD Toll free in U.S./Canada/Mexico: 800-256-4646
VoiceStream	No	Not applicable	Tel. (U.S. service center): [1] (505) 998-3792 Toll free in U.S./Canada/Mexico: 800-937-8997

Local Service Providers

Local Service Providers

Renting a Cell Phone
Travelers wishing to rent a cell phone may choose one of two options:

Before departure: Rent a locally compatible phone (short-term rental) before departure and have the advantage of cell service immediately upon arrival.
After arrival: Ask at your hotel for a local cellular phone rental service.

Click for a comprehensive listing of Cellular Rental Services Worldwide.

Setting Up a Local Account
Another option for cellular phone service is signing up with a local provider in Guatemala. This may be the most cost effective option if you intend to stay for an extended period.

Cellular Systems Available in Guatemala

Company (Network)	Digital	Analog	Contact
Comunicaciones Celulares (ComCel)	TDMA	AMPS 800	Calzada Roosevelt 22-43 Zona 11 Tikal Futura Nivel 17 Torre Sol Web: http://www.comcel.com.gt/ Email: sugerencias@comcel.com.gt
Grupo Telefonica (Movistar)	CDMA 1900	n/a	Web: http://www.telefonica.com.gt/
Telgua	CDMA 1900	n/a	Web: http://www.telgua.com.gt/

Phone/Modem Plugs

Illustration © Copyright 2001 by World Trade Press.

Telephone / modem plug adapters are available through iGo Corporation and other suppliers. Please visit the supplier's list found in the sidebar of the Mobile Connectivity Problems and Solutions section of the Global Road Warrior.

Modem users should note that Guatemala uses an RJ-11 system.

Public Phones

Telephones in Guatemala are quite sophisticated and allow for both local and international calls. You can find phones in hotel lobbies, restaurants, Telgua offices, on the main square, and near town halls. Telephones usually have both card and coin capabilities.

Telephone calls cost. 0.95Q for local calls, 1.90Q for long distance, and 6Q per minute for calls to the U.S.

All numbers should have seven digits; if you were given a six-digit number, head over to a Telgua office and somone there should be able to tell you what the number is. If you get a busy signal or no sound at all, just keep trying. You will eventually have success.

Telgua/Guatel Main Office
12 Calle and 8a Av, Zona 1
Guatemala City
Hours: 7a.m. to midnight

Guatel also has an office at the airport.

Card Telephone Instructions

Lift receiver
Insert card
Dial number
Buttons located near the top of the telephone will provide instructions in Spanish, English and German
Telephone will list the amount of time left on card
When call is completed, hang up and retrieve card

Coin/Card Telephone Instructions

Lift receiver
Insert card or coins
Listen for dial tone
Dial number
When call is complete, hang up and retrieve card or any unused coins

Note: Many times the telephone lines will be busy and you will need to dial again.

Card Telephone Instructions

Pick up handset
Choose language desired
Insert card
Dial number
Upon completion, replace handset and remove card

Card Telephone Instructions

Pick up handset
Choose language desired
Insert phonecard
Dial number
Upon completion, replace handset and retrieve card

Note: To place a new call, push the button with the telephone symbol and dial the new number. When you have completed your call, hang up and retrieve card. The 'B/S' button allows you to redial the last number.

Calling Cards

You may purchase Ladatel cards in denominations of Q20, Q30, Q50 in Telgua offices, hotels, and restaurants.

In general, there are three fundamental types of cards:

Local prepaid phonecards
International phonecards
Home operator calling cards

Frequently Asked Questions
Click for more detailed information about phonecards & calling cards.

International Calling Card Suppliers
Click for a comprehensive listing of International Calling Card Suppliers.

Call Back Services

While you are abroad, a callback company connects you to your home country telephone network to take advantage of rates at home, which are often cheaper.

Travelers must designate a specific location (such as a hotel phone number) prior to departure. While abroad, users phone the callback service office, which will call you back at your location. It will then connect you to the telephone network in your home country and you can dial any number you wish to reach.

The process helps you to take advantage of telephone rates at home. Fees for call back services vary widely, depending on the company and the type of service required. Always check rates first; it may, in fact, be cheaper to call direct and have your associates or family call you back at a designated number.

Frequently Asked Questions
Click here to Learn More

Call Back Services Worldwide
Click for a select listing of Call Back Services.

Fax

Faxes are prevalent, but the phone system still does not support them and they can be unreliable. It is best to call ahead and tell the person that you are sending a fax.

Telegrams can be sent from most post offices. They can be sent express at double the normal rate. The telegraph office in Guatemala City is located on the corner 7th Ave. and 12 Calle opposite the post office.

Postal Service

Postal service is efficient for Latin America. Packages and letters generally take about a week to make it to Western Europe or the U.S. There is also an express service that is not overnight delivery but does guarantee a relatively quick service. The post office in Guatemala City is located on the corner of 7th Ave. and 12 Calle in Zone 1 of the city.