ECONOMY
Business etiquette
Business manners are quite conservative and formal. Value is placed on punctuality. Appointments are recommended, business cards are common.
Business hours: Mo-Fr 8 a.m.-6 p.m., Sa 8 a.m.-12 p.m.
Economy
German-Guatemalan Chamber of Commerce and Industry
6 Avenida 20-25, Zona 10, Edif. Plaza Maritima, 3-seater. Nivel, 01010 Guatemala
Tel: (023) 33 60 36.
Internet: http://guatemala.ahk.de/ Latin American Chamber of Commerce in Switzerland c / o DPS Communications, Gessnerallee 28, CH-8001 Zurich Tel: (044) 79 699 54 47. Internet: www.latcam.ch Cámara de Comercio de Guatemala (Chamber of Commerce) 10a. Calle 3-80, Zona 1, Guatemala Tel: 253 53 53. Internet: www.negociosenguatemala.com
Business contacts
German-Guatemalan Chamber of Commerce and Industry
6 Avenida 20-25, Zona 10, Edif. Plaza Maritima, 3-seater. Nivel, 01010 Guatemala
Tel: (023) 33 60 36.
Internet: http://guatemala.ahk.de/ Latin American Chamber of Commerce in Switzerland c / o DPS Communications, Gessnerallee 28, CH-8001 Zurich Tel: (044) 79 699 54 47. Internet: www.latcam.ch Cámara de Comercio de Guatemala (Chamber of Commerce) 10a. Calle 3-80, Zona 1, Guatemala Tel: 253 53 53. Internet: www.negociosenguatemala.com
COMMUNICATION
Phone
Dial-up remote service.
Cellphone
GSM 860/1900. Cell phones can be rented from Ruracel, and some hotels also provide them. The network operators include Comcel (Internet: www.comcel.com.gt), Sercom SA (Internet: www.pcsdigital.com.gt) and Telefonica Centroamerica Guatemala (Internet: www.telefonica.com.gt).
Internet
Internet cafes can be found in Guatemala City and the major tourist centers. Main provider: GuateNet (Internet: www.guate.net).
Post Office
Regular airmail to Europe takes around 12 days.
Radio
Since the use of shortwave frequencies changes several times over the course of a year, it is advisable to contact Deutsche Welle customer service directly (Tel: (+49) (0228) 429 32 08. Internet: www.dw-world.de) to request.
MONEY
Currency
1 quetzal = 100 centavos. Currency abbreviation: Q, GTQ (ISO code). There are banknotes to the value of 200, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1 quetzal, coins to the value of 1 quetzal and 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 centavos.
Credit cards
Visa, MasterCard and American Express are partially accepted. Card payments are not possible in rural areas. Details from the issuer of the credit card in question.
ATMs
ec / Maestro card / Sparcard
cards with the Cirrus or Maestro symbol are accepted throughout Europe and worldwide. Cards with the Cirrus or Maestro symbols are accepted by some ATMs in Guatemala, but not in stores. It is recommended that you only withdraw money from monitored machines. Further information from banks and credit institutes.
Attention: Travelers who pay with their bank card abroad and want to withdraw money should find out about the possibilities of using their card from their bank before starting their journey.
Bank opening times
Mon-Fri 9 am-4pm / 6pm, e.g. T. Sa 9 am-1pm (deviations are possible).
Foreign exchange regulations
Unrestricted import and export of local and foreign currency. Obligation to declare from an amount equivalent to US $ 10,000.
Currency Exchange
The quetzal is rarely available outside the country. All unused Quetzals should be exchanged before departure (amounts up to US $ 100). It is advisable to bring US dollars with you. Damaged banknotes are difficult to change. Banks, exchange offices and larger hotels change US dollars.
DUTY-FREE SHOPPING
Overview
According to areacodesexplorer, the following articles may be imported into Guatemala duty-free (people over 18 years):
80 cigarettes or 100 g of tobacco;
1.5 l alcoholic beverages;
Perfume for personal use.
Import regulations
Food of animal origin must be declared to the competent authority (Servicio Nacional de Cuarentena Animal) upon arrival.
Prohibited imports
Fresh food.
SHOP
Overview
Colorful textiles, handicrafts, silver and jade jewelry, masks, leather articles, ceramics and wicker are particularly recommended. The best local products can be found in the markets. Action is common. You can buy silver in Coban, and the markets of Villa de Chinautla, San Luis Jilotepeque and Rabinal are known for their ceramics and earthenware. There are many shopping malls in Guatemala City.
Shop opening times: Mon-Sat 9.30am-7.30pm; Shopping centers are usually also open on Sundays.
