Guatemala
Guatemala: arrival and transport

How do you get to Guatemala?
La Aurora Airport is not far from the center of the city. There is no public
transport connection into the city, but taxis are available. For the onward
journey to Antigua there is the possibility of using the shared taxis that are
already waiting for about 10 US dollars. There is no direct connection from
Germany to Guatemala, but Iberia, Delta, Continental Airlines, United Airlines,
American Airlines, Mexicana and Taca fly to Guatemala City. Often you have one
or two stopovers.
Travel in the country
Air connections Local airlines include: Inter (Taca),
Tikal Jets, Avaiteca and Jungle Flying.
Inter offers most of the short routes. It flies to the main cities of Guatemala.
In addition to Guatemala City, there are flight connections to Mexico (Cancun)
from Tikal (Flores, Peten).
Railroad
The railroad could not establish itself in Guatemala, there is no
passenger transport network.
Bus
The bus is the most important form of transport in Guatemala. The line
network is correspondingly widely branched. In the big cities there are bus
stations, in the rural areas you stand by the road and wait for a bus to
come. You can change trains at certain major crossings in the country. There is
a "luxury line", Pullmann, which is very comfortable. The other buses are mostly
discarded school buses from the USA or old coaches that are already getting on
in years. The latter are very inexpensive, but you should bring a portion of
patience and trust in God.
There is a confusing bus system in Guatemala City that doesn't operate according
to any discernible timetable. In the rural areas, shared taxis are used, which
travel a set route and where the passenger can get on and off at will.
Roads
The country is crossed by three major roads, the CA 1, coming from
Mexico through the highlands of Guatemala through the east of the country to the
Salvadoran border. The CA 2, also connects the southern coastal cities from
Mexico to the border of El Salvador. The CA 9 connects the capital with the
Atlantic coast. At the same time, the CA 5, which leads north to the Petén area,
and the CA 18 from Lake Izabal via Poptún to Flores in the east.
Most of the roads are poorly paved and have lots of potholes. Petrol stations
are widespread and also offer unleaded gasoline. There is no breakdown service.
Taxi
there in all towns, one is the price but previously made.
Rental cars
Some of the common companies are located at Guatemala City Airport and
in the capital itself. Inland, however, it is difficult or impossible to rent a
car.
Ferry connections
From Puerto Barrios there is a ferry connection to Lívingston and back
several times a day. Small boats from Puerto Barrios and Lívingston drive to
Punto Gorda in Belize. From Lívingston there is a boat connection to Honduras
about twice a week.
Emergency numbers
Fire department: 122
Police: 120, 110
Ambulance: 128
Tourism authority
Instituto Nacional de Turismo (INGUAT) 7a. Ave. 1-17, zona
4Ciudad de GuatemalaTel: 331-1333 to 47
Traffic rules
In Guatemala it is well known that traffic is on the right. In order to avoid
trouble with the police or even the courts, one should strictly adhere to the
traffic rules applicable in the country. The maximum speeds shown can of course
be reduced or increased by traffic signs. Regardless of the information given
here, it is advisable to obtain the AvD from the ADAC prior to departure.
Maximum speeds
In addition to the general speed limits shown, the speed limits
indicated by signs must be strictly observed.
- Urban: in built-up areas there is a speed limit of 40 km/h
- Country roads, expressways: there is a speed limit of 90 km/h on
country roads or expressways
Special regulations
A warning triangle must be taken with you.
Blood
alcohol limit In Guatemala there is a blood alcohol limit of 0.1 parts
per thousand for drivers of motor vehicles.
It should be pointed out, however, that almost no one adheres to these rules!
International license plate
According to
Abbreviationfinder, Guatemala's international license plate is:
Guatemala: Embassies, Consulates and Tourist Office
Visit Countryaah for a full list of Guatemala embassies and consulates in each
country around the world.

Representations of Guatemala in Germany
The Embassy of Guatemala is located in a new building on
Joachim-Karnatz-Allee and Paulstraße. The Embassy of El Salvador is in the same
building. The building is part of a whole new housing estate that was built for
the members of the German Bundestag, among others. Incidentally, the official
seat of the Federal President, the "Bellevue Palace", is located nearby. The 187
bus stop is very close to the embassy.
Embassy of the Republic of Guatemala in Berlin
Joachim- Karnatz- Allee 45-47
10557 Berlin
Tel: 0049 - (0) 30 - 20 64 363
Fax: 0049 - (0) 30 - 20 64 36 59
Email: [email protected]
Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Guatemala in Düsseldorf
Grafenberger Allee 277-287
40237 Düsseldorf
Tel: 0049 - (0) 211 - 67 06 45 90
0049 - (0) 211 - 62 68 96
Fax: 0049 - (0) 211 - 67 06 45 99
0049 - (0) 211 - 62 25 18
Email: [email protected]
Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Guatemala in Hamburg
Esplanade 6
20354 Hamburg
Tel: 0049 - (0) 40 - 34 51 94
Fax: 0049 - (0) 40 - 34 23 59
Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Guatemala in Munich
Grafinger Strasse 2
81671 Munich
Tel: 0049 - (0) 89 - 40 62 14
Fax: 0049 - (0) 89 - 41 32 200
German representations in Guatemala
Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Guatemala City
Avenida La Reforma 9-55, Zona 10, Edificio Reforma 10, Nivel 10
Ciudad de Guatemala
Tel: 00502 - 23 64 67 00
Fax: 00502 - 23 65 22 70
Email: info @ guatemala-stadt.diplo.de
Web: www.guatemala.diplo.de
The German embassy in Guatemala is still responsible for Belize.
Honorary Consul of the Federal Republic of Germany in Panajachel
Calle Principal 0-93
Panajachel, Solola, Guatemala.
:
Cónsul Honorario de la República Federal de Alemania
Calle Principal 0-93
Panajachel, Solola, Guatemala, CA
Tel: 00502 - 77 62 10 15
Fax: 00502 - 77 62 20 25
Email: [email protected]
Austrian representations in Guatemala
Embassy
The embassy in Mexico is responsible (see here >>>).
Austrian Honorary Consulate General in Guatemala
Edificio Multimédica Blvd. Vista Hermosa I; Zona 15 Nivel 12, Oficina 12-18
Tel: 00502 - 23 85 35 84
00502 - 23 85 35 85
00502 - 23 32 15 06
Fax: 00502 - 23 34 83 39
Email: [email protected]
Representations of Guatemala in Austria
Embassy of the Republic of Guatemala in Vienna
Landstrasse Hauptstrasse 21/Top 9
1030 Vienna
Tel: 0043 - (0) 1 - 714 35 70
Fax: 0043 - (0) 1 - 714 35 70-15
Email: [email protected]
Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Guatemala in
Innsbruck
Schmerlinstrasse 2 Top1
6020 Innsbruck
Tel: 0043 - (0) 512 - 58 77 78
Fax: 0043 - (0) 512 - 57 12 74
Email: [email protected]
Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Guatemala in Vienna
Kantgasse 3
1010 Vienna
Tel: 0043 - (0) 1 - 713 07 13
Fax: 0043 - (0) 1 - 713 07 13
Swiss representations in Guatemala
Swiss Embassy in Guatemala City
Edif. Torre Internacional, 16 Calle 0-55, Zona 10
01010 Ciudad de Guatemala
Tel: 00502 - (0) 2 - 367 55 20
Fax: 00502 - (0) 2 - 367 58 11
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.eda.admin.ch/guatemala
The Swiss embassy in Guatemala is still responsible for:
Representations of Guatemala in Switzerland
Embassy
The embassy in Paris is responsible.
Embassy of the Republic of Guatemala in Paris
Rue Villebois Mareuil 2
75017 Paris
Tel: 0033 - (0) 1 - 42 27 78 63
Fax: 0033 - (0) 1 - 47 54 02 06
Email: [email protected]
Tourist office
Instituto Guatemalteco de Turismo
7 av. 1-17 zona 4
P.O. Box: 01004
Centro Civico, Ciudad de Guatemala
Tel: 00502 - 24 21 28 00
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.visitguatemala.com
Tourist Office of Guatemala in Germany
Guatemala Tourist Commission
c/o Embassy of the Republic of Guatemala
Joachim-Karnatz-Allee 47
10557 Berlin
Tel: 0049 - (0) 30 - 20 64 363
Fax: 0049 - (0) 30 - 20 64 36 59
Also responsible for Austria and Switzerland.
Guatemala: entry and exit regulations
Formalities, visas
No visa is required for Guatemala. The passport must be valid for at least
six months. A residence permit of 90 days is usually issued upon entry.
Issuing of visas in Germany
Visa department of the Embassy of the Republic of Guatemala
Joachim- Karnatz - Allee 45-47
10557 Berlin
Tel: 0049 - (0) 30 - 2064363
Fax: 0049 - (0) 30 - 20643659
Email: [email protected] -online.de
Issuing of visas in Austria and Switzerland
See under Representations of Guatemala in Austria and Representations of
Guatemala in Switzerland.
Import and export of foreign currency
- Local currency
The import and export of the quetzal is permitted within reasonable
limits. What exactly this means is not clearly defined and should therefore
be inquired about on site.
- Foreign
currencies Foreign currencies can be imported and exported
without restrictions.
Departure fee
There is an airport fee of approximately 30 US dollars
for leaving the country by plane.
When leaving the country by land, a "fee" is often required, which is often set
a little arbitrarily.
Import and export of goods The import and export of
weapons, ammunition or explosives is strictly prohibited.
In addition, the import and export of plants and animals protected under the
Washington Species Protection Act is prohibited. Violation can result in severe
penalties.
In order to prevent the spread of BSE and the foot-and-mouth disease, all
products of animal origin (e.g. meat and sausage products, dairy products, raw
wool, etc.) must be declared at the airport (competent authority: Servicio
Nacional de Cuarentena Animal).
The export of archaeological finds is prohibited.
Entry with pets
A health certificate is required for the animals to enter Guatemala, which
confirms that the animal is healthy. This health certificate must be signed and
certified by an official veterinarian.
When entering Guatemala, pets must be vaccinated against rabies. This rabies
vaccination must have taken place at least 30 days before entry, but must not be
more than a year ago. Dogs must also be vaccinated against parvovirus. All
vaccinations must be documented in a veterinary vaccination certificate.
Guatemala: Travel Medicine, Vaccinations and Warnings
In the event of accidents, acts of violence or illness, good medical care is
often life-saving, but at least it is of crucial importance for the course of
the disease and the subsequent prognosis.
Infectious Diseases
In Guatemala, the following infectious diseases are to be expected, which are
not or less common in Germany or Central and Northern Europe:
- Malaria, the country is at risk of becoming infected
with malaria all year round, with the exception of Guatemala City. About 5%
to a maximum of 10% of the infections occur with the very dangerous malaria
tropica, the rest with malaria tertiana. In areas above 1,500 m there is no
or only a very low risk of malaria infection
- Amoebic dysentery
- Bacterial agitation
- Chagas disease
- Cholera, an infection risk only exists for travelers
who can come into contact with contaminated water or contaminated food
- Dengue fever disease
- Intestinal infections from contaminated food or water,
including amoeba, lamblia, salmonella, shigella and worm infestation, as
well as all kinds of viruses and bacteria
- Filariasis
- Hepatitis A and B, an infection with hepatitis B, is
only to be expected in people who can come into contact with blood or in
those who seek sexual contact.
- Kala Azar disease
- Leishmaniasis Disease
- Polio, polio
- rabies
- Typhoid fever, an infection risk only exists for
travelers who come into contact with polluted water or contaminated food
- Tick bite fever
Recommended vaccinations
when traveling to Guatemala, the following vaccinations recommended:
- Cholera, but only among travelers who can come into
contact with polluted water or contaminated food
- Diphtheria, a vaccination against diphtheria should
always exist in your home country
- Hepatitis A and B, a vaccination against hepatitis B,
is only required for people who may come into contact with blood or for
those who seek sexual contact.
- Polio, polio, a vaccination against polio should
always exist, also in the home country
- Tetanus, a vaccination against tetanus should always
exist in the home country
- Rabies, but only in high-risk travelers who can come
into contact with the vector animals
- Typhoid, but only in travelers who may come into
contact with polluted water or contaminated food
Compulsory vaccination
For all persons older than one year and arriving from a yellow fever
infection area designated by the WHO, there is a compulsory vaccination against
an illness with yellow fever.
Yellow fever vaccination for children
In most countries where a yellow fever vaccination is mandatory, this also
applies to children over 1 year of age, in some countries even from 6 months. It
should be noted that
vaccination against yellow fever had a number of side effects, such as
encephalitis. Around two thirds of those affected were children under 6
months. Therefore, under no circumstances should
children under this age be vaccinated. But children under one
year of age should also not be vaccinated if possible. If in doubt, yellow fever
infection areas must then be avoided.
Any vaccination against yellow fever may only be carried out in specially
authorized yellow fever vaccination centers!
Malaria prophylaxis
When traveling in the country, it is strongly advised to undergo
malaria prophylaxis. If the side effects seem questionable to you, you should at
least have a "stand-by preparation" with you.
Who pays for vaccinations in Germany?
Most people in Germany are vaccinated against a number of infectious diseases
at an early age. However, the vaccination protection only lasts up to 10 years,
in some cases even shorter. Therefore, before traveling abroad, you should
carefully consider against which infectious diseases a vaccination is necessary
or useful in the country concerned and whether the vaccination protection, if
applicable, was not too long ago.
Most statutory health insurances have been reimbursing the costs for the
following vaccinations since June 2007.
There is even no 10 € practice fee - but the insured usually have to pay the
statutory co-payment, which is 10% of the vaccine price - that is at least 5 €
and a maximum of 10 €. Under these conditions, the following vaccinations are
free of charge:
- cholera
- diphtheria
- Early summer meningoencephalitis (TBE)
- Yellow fever
- Hepatitis A and B
- Meningococcal meningitis
- Pneumococci
- Polyo (polio)
- Tetanus (tetanus)
- rabies
- typhus
Some health insurance companies also reimburse the cost of malaria
prophylaxis.
As a rule, private health insurance companies (inquire beforehand) also cover
the costs mentioned.
Current warnings
Foreign Office (AA) of the Federal Republic of
Germany
Citizens' Service
D-11013 Berlin
Tel: 0049 - (0) 30 - 5000 - 2000
Fax: 0049 - (0) 30 - 5000 - 51000
Current warning
notices from the AA: www.auswaertiges-amt.de
According to human rights activists, hundreds of girls and young women are
not only raped but brutally tortured to death in the country every year. The
perpetrators come from all walks of life, including politicians, business
people, judges and police officers. In order to master these gruesome murders, a
special commission was set up, but its clearance rate is around zero! It is no
exaggeration to describe the majority of the country's police force as
"uniformed criminals"
Guatemala: currency and exchange rate
The national currency of Guatemala is the
Quetzal = 100 Centavos.
The following banknotes are valid and in circulation in the country:
Exchange rate
The exchange rate to the euro and other currencies can be determined with the
help of the following currency converter:
http://www.infos-finanzen.de/service/finanz-rechner/waehrungsrechner/index.html
Bank opening times
Monday-Friday: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Shop
Shop opening times
Monday-Sunday: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
/ 8:00 p.m. Large supermarket and chain stores are open until 8:00 p.m. and
10:00 p.m. respectively.
In the rural areas, the siesta is observed from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Inexpensive or country-specific goods, souvenirs
The most fun is of course to shop in the colorful indigenous markets
and of course it is also cheaper. But also in the shops in the cities you can
find nice and inexpensive souvenirs.
- Fabrics
can be found in different types and in a great variety.
- Pottery
Many pottery is made in the shape of angels, churches and brightly painted
Mayan figures.
- Wooden masks
An ancient tradition in Antigua inherited from the Spanish, they are carved
and painted.
- Candles
All classes of candles can be found in Antigua among others. They are used
in large quantities for decoration.
- Jade, jewelry (gold and silver)
Guatemala is the second largest producer of jade and specializes in masks
and high-quality jewelry. There are some jade workshops in Antigua that you
can also visit.
|