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Currency
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The currency of Guatemala is the quetzal (Q).
One Q = 100 centavos.
ISO Currency Code: GTQ
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Denominations
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 Notes: Q500, 100,
50, 20, 10, 1, and 50 centavos.
Coins: 25, 10, and 5 centavos.
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Traveler's
Checks and Credit Cards
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Traveler's checks can be exchanged at banks, exchange shops, hotels,
and international airports at various tourist exchange rates. Larger
banks may offer the best exchange rates. There is both a black market
and a government-tolerated gray market in currency exchange. The latter
will be found at border crossings where no official bank is present,
and the former should be avoided all together.
U.S. dollars are the best foreign currency to bring to Guatemala, as
any other currency can involve bureaucratic hassles during exchange.
Locals will also accept U.S. currency for regular transactions at, or
near, the regular exchange rate. Expect to barter at tourist shops and
markets. However, do not expect the same at Guatemalan Indian markets,
where merchants will rarely barter down even 10 percent.
Major credit cards like American Express, Visa, Diners Club, and
MasterCard are accepted in good hotels and restaurants at the same
exchange rate as cash. Some banks in the capital offer cash advances on
credit cards, but make sure you bring your passport. ATMs are rare even
in the capital. If traveling outside of Guatemala City or major towns,
it is recommended that you carry cash.
American Express
Additional offices exist; locations may be ascertained by inquiring at
a listed office, or by visiting the AmEx website.
Web: http://www.travel.americanexpress.com/travel/personal/resources/tso/
Guatemala City
Clark Tours
Centro Comercial Montufar
12 Calle 0-93 Zona 9
Tel: [502] 339-2888, 331-7422
Hours: Monday to Friday 8a.m. to 5p.m.
MasterCard/Maestro/Cirrus ATM Locations
A new network of Credomatic ATMs is being put into place.
Web: www.mastercard.com/atm
Visa ATM Locations
Guatemala City: about 20 Accesso S.A. ATMs.
Web: www.visa.com/pd/atm/main.html
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Lost or Stolen Cards and Checks
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Most nonlocal telephone numbers are
toll-free or collect; if not, the call is generally reimbursable.
Inquire of your agent.
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American Express
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(905) 474-0870 (Int'l. collect)
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American Express Traveler's Checks
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999-0158 or 1-800-964-6665
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Diners Club
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[502] 231-7955
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MasterCard
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999-1480
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Thomas Cook Traveler's Checks
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1-800-223-7373 or [44] (1733) 294-451
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Visa
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999-0115
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Money
Wiring
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The following contact information is derived from listings by
MoneyGram and Western Union and is not intended to be complete. Inquire
of these agents, or at your hotel or bank, for reference to an agent
most convenient for you.
MoneyGram
Guatemala City: about 20 agents.
Banco del Cafe
Ave. Reforma 9-00 Zona 9
Tel: [502] 331-1311
Banco del Cafe, S.A.
Calle Marti 11-00, Zona 6
Tel: [502] 234-0044
Western Union
Guatemala City : almost 250 agents
Corpobanco
23 Calle 1-32 Zona 1
Tel: [502] 230-4294
Vivibanco Metronorte
Centro Comercial Metronorte; Local 25, Zona 17
Tel: [502] 256-0465
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Banks
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Guatemala City
Banco de Guatemala
7 Avenida 22-01, zona 1
Banco del Agro
9 Calle 5-39, zona 1
Banco del Cafe, S.A.
Avenida La Reforma 9-00, zona 9
Banco de Occidente
7 Ave. 11-15, zona 1
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Banco Internacional S.A.
7 Avenida 11-20, zona 1
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Banco Metropolitano, S.A.
5 Avenida 8-24, zona 1, Edificio Cruz Azul
Banco Nacional de Desarrollo Agricola (Bandesa)
9 Calle 9-47, zona 1
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Banco National de la Vivienda (Banvi)
6 Avenida 1-22, zona 4
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Banco Uno, S.A.
011 Calle 5-07, zona 1
Citibank
Avenida La Reforma 15-45, zona 10
Credito Hipotecario Nacional
7 Avenida 22-77, zona 1
Lloyds Bank Internacional S.A.
6 Avenida 9-51, zona 9
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