Of the metered taxis, the best service is given by Taxis Amarillo (yellow cabs). Be aware that ice for drinks may be made using tap water. WebGuatemala City International Airport (GUA) transfers. Buses are the main method of transportation for most Guatemalans, and many travelers choose to save money by taking buses. Refrain from using a cell phone on the street. Several municipalities lack police presence, and local police may lack the resources to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents. You should drive carefully and expect the unexpected. Guatemala Some of the same companies have an additional presence in either Centra Norte or Centra Sur in addition to their own terminals: The city is divided into 21 zones (zonas). The options vary depending on your budget, timeframe, and expected level of comfort. To protect your safety, it is best to choose licensed taxis or ones that come highly recommended by respectable businesses. Report any crime incidents promptly to the police. The scams come in many forms, and can lead to great financial loss. The only available domestic flights are with Avianca (formerly TACA Regional) and TAG from Flores near Tikal. Shared shuttles usually include an hour of wait time and thus allow travelers to stop and take photos or get lunch. When traveling to Tikal, travel in organized groups that fly into Flores Airport. There are approximately 800 unlicenced and stolen white taxis circulating the city. Particularly in small villages, residents are often wary and suspicious of outsiders. People found driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs will be arrested and may serve jail time. Maritime Travel: Mariners planning travel to Guatemala should also check forU.S. maritime advisories and alerts. Share your bucketlist to get inspiration and local connections. There have been armed attacks on tourists travelling by road to/from major tourist sites like Antigua, Tikal, Petn and Lake Atitlan. The number of arrivals are in parentheses: If you need to change money or withdraw cash from an ATM, do so before exiting customs. Check for hidden costs and taxes (22%) before booking. For recreation, you can visit 4 Grados Norte: pedestrian roads that offer great entertainment, commerce and cultural activities, and Zona Viva, an area of Zona 10 that has become the main center for nightlife. In 2018, approx. Beware of strong currents, riptides, and undertows along Guatemala's Pacific coast beaches, as well as at Lake Atitlan. There has been an increase in armed attacks by local gangs on bus drivers and conductors, often resulting in serious injury or death. Guatemala has one of the highest violent crime rates in Latin America. AllU.S. Missionpersonnel and family membersarerestricted from traveling to Huehuetenango Departmentfor personal travel, with the exceptionof the city of Huehuetenango. Avoid activities that might unintentionally violate a cultural or religious belief. There are daily international arrivals from the US, Mxico, El Salvador, Honduras (San Pedro Sula, Tegucigalpa), Costa Rica (San Jos), Nicaragua (Managua), and Panam and less frequent arrivals from Spain. Luckily, if youre arriving to Guatemala Airport at night, you shouldnt hit much traffic on the drive to Antigua. Is Guatemala Safe? (2023 Safety Guide) - The Broke Use radio-dispatched taxis (Taxi Amarillo), INGUAT-approved taxis from the SAFE stand at the airport, hotel taxis, vetted private drivers, or Uber. Fast food restaurants in Guatemala are very clean and accessible only to the middle class. Is Guatemala Safe as well as Pollo Campero which is the most popular Guatemalan fast food chain. Bottled water and beverages are generally safe, although you should be aware that many restaurants and hotels serve tap water unless bottled water is specifically requested. Whether you are simply making transport connections, or attempting to scratch below the surface of a much-maligned city, the following pointers will help you stay safe. Quetzaltenango I travel to some very 'unique' places and Antigua is very safe in our opinion. Avoid displaying valuable items like laptops, cameras and mobile phones. There are also first-class (primera clase) buses running between major Guatemalan destinations, including Guatemala City, Huehuetenango, Quetzaltenango, Flores, Cobn, and Puerto Barrios. Travelers may also call the police for roadside assistance by dialing 110 or 120, or the fire department by dialing 122 or 123; however, patrols are sporadic. Demonstrations can be unpredictable. There are other bus stations in Zona 10, 11 and in other parts of the city, some of which are in better areas. In terms of airport transfers, try to book your Taxis in Guatemala are generally safe but a little sketchy. You should avoid all demonstrations. See our webpage for moreinformation on insurance providers for overseas coverage. I cant wait for my next Adventure with Anywhere!! U.S. citizens are advised not to hail white-car taxis on the street in Guatemala City. Dec. 20, 2021. Such events could cause increased traffic and disrupt movements, complicating travel. When travelling to remote areas it may be safer to travel with others or take part in a tour with a reputable company. These cookies do not store any personal information. Guatemala isnt a specifically dangerous place in Central America, but it can be if you flash expensive items and wander around at night. 1. Check with the Guatemalan Public Health Ministry to ensure the medication is legal in Guatemala. INGUATs tourist assistance service, PROATUR, offers a service to accompany individual tourists or groups travelling in Guatemala. Narcotics trafficking is widespreadand large portions of the department are under the influence of drug trafficking organizations. There have been reports of disruptions and tensions at the Mexico-Guatemala border. U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration are responsible for rules governing the transport of medication back to the United States. From the return of the citys famous festivals to the introduction of new events, here are five reasons to visit this beautiful city this summer: This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. The retail branch in La Antigua Guatemala is a fine place to bank and perform international transactions. Visit theMinistry of Foreign Affairs website(Spanish only) orcontact the Guatemalan Embassyfor the most current visa information. Markets, public transport, and public processions all bring crowds, and with crowds come easy targets for skilled pickpockets in the area. The call center is staffed with Spanish and English speakers and can be reached 24/7 by calling 1500 or +502-2290-2800. LGBTI rights groups allege that police officers regularly engage in extortion by waiting outside clubs and bars frequented by LGBTI persons to demand protection money or payment to avoid jail. Your risk of contracting COVID-19 and developing severe symptoms may be lower if you are fully vaccinated with an FDA authorized vaccine. Visitors are strongly advised to avoid swimming in the Pacific Ocean, since currents and undertows are strong, and beaches lack adequate lifeguards and emergency response. in Guatemala News stories, speeches, letters and notices, Reports, analysis and official statistics, Data, Freedom of Information releases and corporate reports. Indigenous Areas: Be mindful of local traditional practices when visiting indigenous Maya communities as tensions can rise quickly and locals occasionally take the law into their own hands. Counterfeit medication is common and may prove to be ineffective, the wrong strength, or contain dangerous ingredients. ATM and credit card crime in Guatemala. provide general information regarding the victims role during the local investigationand following its conclusion. You have rejected additional cookies. You can contact them on (502) 2290 2810; an English service is available. Reconsider travel to Guatemala due tocrime. Xanterra Travel Collection invites travelers to celebrate Christmas in July with its sensational summer sale. U.S. citizens should takeappropriate security measures when traveling to and from the airportsuch as only using vetted transportation services, not displaying valuables or other signs of wealth, refrain from using mobile devices in public, and do not linger outside of the airport. Several municipalities lack police presence, and local police may lack the resources to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents. PATRICK FALLA. Transport Options For Guatemala Airport To Antigua At Night I was treated exceptionally well with professionalism and kindn Best vacation of my life! Medication should be for personal use and must be approved for usage in the United States. With Amarillo, every trip is logged, and riding is considered safe. Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. Nationwide elections will take place in Guatemala in 2023 with the first round taking place 25th June and a potential second round on 20th August. A Green Cab radio dispatch service operates in the suburbs near zone 15 and the Cayal entertainment and shopping destination. Although the majority of serious crime involves local gangs, incidents are usually indiscriminate and can occur in tourist areas. All the main highways start at Kilmetro 0, inside Palacio Nacional de la Cultura (National Palace), in Centro Histrico (Historic Center). Wed like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services. Guatemala City became the capital after Antigua Guatemala had been destroyed by an earthquake in 1773. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas. Last Update: Reissued after periodic review without changes. PROVIAL can be contacted by calling 2419-2121. With these you have to negotiate a price, and as you are a foreigner, they most likely will demand more than the normal fare. Please also see Local travel. There have been reports of violent muggings, including rape and assault against foreigners on these buses. Remain in groups, stay on the principal trails leading to the Central Plaza and Temple IV complex, and avoid remote areas of the park. I had hernia surgery last August for less than $2,000 and that include one night in the hospital. Travelers have experienced carjackings and armed robberies upon leaving the airport. The fancy one everybody passes by on the way to/from the gates and one at the end of the terminal behind Gate 11. There may be heightened tensions in the lead up to these, as well as in the immediate aftermath. If you walk, make sure to do so accompanied. Taxis in Guatemala are generally safe but a little sketchy. Make sure you sharpen your street smarts because as with any other big metropolitan urban area, you might be exposed to crime. It is against the law for drivers to operate mobile telephones whilst driving. 4 Tips for Staying Safe While Transporting Passengers It will take only 2 minutes to fill in. Use radio-dispatched taxis (Taxi Amarillo), INGUAT-approved taxis from the SAFE stand at the airport, hotel taxis, vetted private drivers, or Uber. All drivers involved in accidents resulting in injury may be detained and held in protective custody pending investigation and/or payment of alleged damages. Robberies of occupied vehicles are common in Guatemala City, often by two assailants on motorcycles who pull up alongside a car stopped at a traffic light. Some volcanoes are at high altitude with sub-zero temperatures at night. As an affiliate, I receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. Being the national transportation hub there are various bus lines going into and out of Guatemala City in all directions, from around the country, and from neighboring countries at varying distances. WebYes, Uber IS very safe in Guatemala. Should your phone be of the wrong sort to use locally, very cheap prepaid phones with airtime are said to be available for as little as Q150-200. Mudslides and flooding during the May to November rainy season often kill dozens of people and close roads. It is not possible to hail them in the street so you have to call 1766. Dont include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details. Just remember to scope out the one with the best hygiene. If youre going to stay in one area for a longer period of time and need a way to get around, you can often negotiate deals with local taxi drivers for a daily or weekly rate. Editorial: California needs to slow the self-driving taxi expansion You have accepted additional cookies. Youre close to the equator and the heat can be blown away by the cool sea air. Taxi Seguro can be reached at +502-2312-4243. If you wish to remain on travel.state.gov, click the "cancel" message. The buses are set in large luxury coaches. In Guatemala City, there are several radio taxi companies in operation: U.S. Embassy employees are prohibited from using the white taxis. You may also pay fines or have to give them up if you bring them back to the United States. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Private shuttles allow you to go where you want, when you want. Q230 for a 500-watt transformer. They have various models with prices depending on how much power you require. Santa Catarina Pinula (suburb just above Zona 10 and the airport). Cruise Port Weather. Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. For a list of doctors or medical providers in Guatemala City, please visit our website. We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic. For books in English, you get better prices at an online bookstore like Amazon in most cases. Don't just protect yourself on the road during your adventures in Guatemala! Though a little risky, there are great street vendors that offer a variety of good local foods. Seat belts must be worn in Guatemala, but there are no laws If, upon entry, you intend to leave any equipment/tools in Guatemala, you are required to report that to customs authorities and pay import taxes. Avoid areas outside of major roads and highways. I highly recommend this company! Do not attempt to hike walking trails or volcanoes without the services of a qualified local guide. Do not be tempted to take the dilapidated red buses, which are known to be a hotbed of crime, and use taxis as soon as the sun goes down. There is a Visa/MasterCard ATM at the south side of the central plaza 8 Calle 5-36, a Visa-only ATM at 5 Avenida 9-39, and a MasterCard only at the corner of 5 Avenida/11 Calle, all in Zona 1. 2023 Anywhere Inc. All rights reserved.Privacy Policy. citizens are advised not to hail taxis on the street in Guatemala City. You wont feel your skin burn until after the damage is done. I would recommend anywhere to anyone traveling anywhere. Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctors prescription. Review the, For information on what you can do to reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19, please see the. When traveling to Lake Atitln, use certified tourist providers and travel between villages on the lakeshore by chartered boat, as perimeter paths pose a serious crime risk and are not easily accessible by emergency services. 2.4 million registered tourists visited Guatemala. It is quite safe to travel in Guatemala under the right conditions. Whether youre departing from Dohas Hamad International Airport (DOH) or transferring, the airport offers a variety of experiences for passengers that will enrich any journey. Do not display signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive jewelry or watches. Guatemala Safe Guatemala Traffic Laws: Valid U.S. drivers licenses are accepted for the first 30 days of a visit, and international driving permits are accepted for extended stays. With a population of around 3 million people, Guatemala City is the largest and most modern city in Guatemala. To rent a car youll need a drivers license from your home country or an International Driving Permit (IDP). Assisted Reproductive Technology and Surrogacy. Posted February 8, 2015. 16,109 British nationals visited Guatemala in 2018. Medication should be purchased in consultation with a medical professional and from reputable establishments. It is important that visitors not return to their hotels too late, and that they dont walk alone in dark places, but as long as they keep this in mind, they should have a beautiful stay. 9. Book one and check out sights like the Zoologico Nacional La Aurora, a highly-rated zoo, or the Metropolitan Cathedral. safe to travel to Guatemala? [TIPS FROM LOCALS Robberies are commonplace, and emergency response is lacking. Avoid areas outside of major roads and highways. Do not attempt to hike walking trails or volcanoes without the services of a qualified local guide. Road Conditions and Safety: Road hazards are common. A small part of Zona 10 is called Zona Viva (the lively zone) because of its nightlife. La Direccin General de Correos y Telgrafos the government agency overseeing the post office (El Correo de Guatemala) serves as the post office for Guatemala. You could be attacked or arrested. Transmetro by day, taxis by night Locals will probably advise travelers to take taxis at any time of day, but the green Transmetro buses are a good way for budget travelers to save money. Driving etiquette is also quite different in Guatemala its not uncommon to pass on blind curves, for example. Visitors are encouraged to fly to nearby Flores when visiting Tikal. If you do find a white taxi who is decent, the driver will be happy to give you a card and pick you up if you call in advance; many locals who can afford the odd taxi have their favorite "taxista" whom they call, and the drivers themselves can refer you to another reliable driver should they be busy. A. Last Update: Reissued after periodic review without changes. Check ATMs for evidence of tampering, but be aware that affected machines may not be easy to spot. [email protected]. Medication purchased abroad must meet their requirements to be legally brought back into the United States. Zona 10 hosts most of the high class hotels, restaurants, bars, shopping facilities. Editorial: Slam the brakes on Teslas self-driving madness. Theyre more than helpful and they make your trip a time to remember. The equipment/tools must be of a personal, not commercial, quantity. Visit our website for Travel PROVIAL can be contacted by calling +502-2422-7800. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime. WebHotel-associated taxis and yellow cabs (taxis amarillos), which operate in Guatemala City, are considered safe. Taxi in Guatemala Customs: Guatemalan customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning temporary importation into or export from Guatemala of items such as antiquities and other cultural property. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Private hospitals usually require advance payment or proof of adequate insurance before admitting a patient. 70% of all people living with HIV/AIDS live in Guatemala City and the metropolitan region. Local tour organisers tend to underestimate the risks. Country Summary:Violent crime such as extortion, murder, armed robbery, carjacking, narcotics trafficking and gang activity are common in Guatemala. Private inter-city coach services are generally safer, but have been attacked during daylight hours on well-used, main roads. Finding Your Private Taxi in Guatemala: Your Ultimate Guide to There is a significant difference between Guatemala City and the rest of the country. Todos mis empleados viajan seguro, me siento tranquilo si viajan en Taxi Amarillo, su portal institucional es una maravilla. Is Guatemala Safe? Central America [Expert Guide] - Layer Culture safety You can easily flag down a cab on the street or find them at authorized taxi stops (phone: 202-745-4953) or one of Guatemalas consulates in the United States for specific information. And the best part is that they will be available all the time (excepting Uber, I think they stop at like 11pm depending on the day) Those violating the law face a fine of Q1000 (around 100). Secondary roads in those areas are poorly maintained and have experienced higher incidents of robbery, rape, and armed assault. In larger towns cabs can be hailed in upscale, touristy areas; in small towns taxis tend to hang around the central square. GSM frequencies used are 850, 900, and 1900MHz. A stamp for a postcard to Europe costs around Q4. Some areas have increased risk. Guatemala Oceania Cruises simply MORE Program Equals More Free Amenities, Travel to Sicily Like Youre a Star in The White Lotus, Get Tickets for This New Chef-Focused Cruise, Graduate Hotels will Pay You to Travel This Summer, United Airlines Celebrates its First Class of United Aviate Graduates, This Baja Eco-Chic Boutique Resort Offers Unique New Wellness Programming, Making the Best of an Airport Experience: Hamad International Airport, 5 Reasons to Visit Bristol, England, This Summer. Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. While Guatemala City is not as dangerous as many people say, you should stick to your normal safety measures. Chemoprophylaxis is recommended for all travelers even for short stays. Pros and cons of each: Uber: cheaper, but you need to cell/wifi signal (and the free airport wifi doesn't stretch outside that well), and you sometimes need to wait a bit. Guatemalan taxi drivers are helpful and friendly. Guatemala City is the capital of Guatemala, a country in Central America. Safety and security - Guatemala travel advice - GOV.UK Guatemala Armed robbery. WebU.S. There are others north of the airport runway in Zona 9 as well. PROVIAL, a roadside assistance force, patrols most of the major roads in the country. Please visit the U.S. Embassys COVID-19 information page for more information on COVID-19 in Guatemala. The ride hailing service Uber operates also in Guatemala City. Do not be tempted to take the dilapidated red buses, which are known to be a hotbed of crime, and use taxis as soon as the sun goes down. citizens are advised not to hail taxis on the street in Guatemala City. WebFor shorter trips within towns and cities the safest option is to take radio or hotel taxis. World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers in over 100 countries. The "best time to visit Guatemala," unsurprisingly, is its dry season, which ranges from November until early May. The first phase, the North wing, has been finished. Locomotiveman said: Bayjoens, We have found the BEST/CHEAPEST way to get from Puerto Quetzal up to Antigua is by Bus; doing the 'Antigua On Your Own' method. You can visit this tropical nation any time of year, but weather patterns do vary. Open now. WebGuatemala City International Airport (GUA) transfers. Then, get your personalized quote here. Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field. Small motorboats frequently run between the villages, hotels, and attractions in these areas. White taxis operate independently and are considered dangerous. If you are travelling near the affected areas you should seek advice from your travel agent or PROATUR. Both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts of Guatemala are vulnerable to hurricanes and tropical storms from mid-May through November. Stay on main roads when traveling to and from Antigua and Lake Atitlan. Motorcyclists throughout the country must wear an orange vest and helmet with the registration number. There are always taxis at the airport. WebYou can also use Uber in the city, or use yellow taxis that are a bit more formal company and charge by the mille traveled. They can be crowded and you might have to stand for the entire bus ride. If you want to take expensive equipment such as cameras or smartphones, keep them hidden, locked away and in person. I would say all the options you will have are good and easy to get. The following zones in Guatemala City are of elevated concern due to crime: 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 17, 19, 21, and 24. Public buses go virtually everywhere in Guatemala, and offer a cheap and authentic (albeit crowded) option. Guatemala Taxis Telephone: +(502) 2354-0000 Do not take public transportation, including white car taxis. U.S. Mission personnel are prohibited from traveling to/throughout the above-mentioned areas, but are permitted to travel throughout the rest of Guatemala, including Tikal, Antigua, Lake Atitln, and Pacific coast areas in the Santa Rosa and Escuintla departments. If you are involved in an accident, contact the National Police by calling 120 or the fire brigade by dialling 122 or 123 and wait for them to arrive. Information may also be posted to theU.S. Coast Guard homeport website, and theNGA broadcast warnings.

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