Guatemala
Money in Guatemala: currency, ATMs, cards and tipping
Use the Guatemalan quetzal (Q) for most purchases; keep enough cash for markets, lake villages and shuttles, and rely on cards in hotels and restaurants in Antigua. Tip roughly 10 % in restaurants, adjusting for service quality.
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Key facts
- Currency
- Guatemalan quetzal (GTQ, Q)
- Cash necessity
- 3 (carry cash for markets, villages, shuttles)
- Card acceptance
- Hotels and restaurants in Antigua; limited elsewhere
- ATM locationscheck
- Banks and shopping centres; few in lake villages
- US dollar acceptancecheck
- Some tour agencies, but change given in quetzales at poor rate
- Typical tip
- ≈10 % of bill in restaurants
Quick answer
Currency: Guatemalan quetzal (GTQ, Q).
Cash: Needed for markets, lake villages, shuttles; carry Q200–Q300 per day.
Cards: Work in most Antigua hotels and restaurants; not reliable in rural areas.
ATMs: Inside banks or malls; scarce on lake shores.
Tip: About 10 % in restaurants.
Typical costs (2026 estimate)
| Item | Typical price (Q) |
|---|---|
| Coffee in Antigua | 20–35 |
| Meal (menú del día) | 30–50 |
| Shuttle Antigua–Panajachel | 150–250 |
| ATM withdrawal fee | Check |
| Tip (10 % of a Q100 meal) | ≈10 |
Getting and using money
Exchange a small amount of US dollars to quetzales at the airport or a bank; rates improve in banks.
Withdraw cash from ATMs located in banks, shopping centres, and larger hotels. Expect a local fee and a possible foreign‑card surcharge.
Credit/debit cards are accepted in most mid‑range hotels, restaurants and larger shops in Antigua and Guatemala City. Rural markets, lake villages and shuttle services usually require cash.
Keep a backup of small bills (Q5–Q20) for tips and transport.
- Carry Q200–Q300 daily cash for meals, transport and tips.
- Use ATMs during daylight; some may be out of service after holidays.
- If a card is declined, have a prepaid travel card or extra cash.
Tipping in Guatemala
Restaurants: 10 % of the bill is customary; round up if service is good.
Guides and drivers: Q20–Q50 per day for groups, more for private tours.
Hotels: Small tip (Q5–Q10) for housekeeping if you stay several nights.
Additional notes
US dollars are sometimes accepted by tour operators, but change is given in quetzales at a poor exchange rate.
ATMs in lake villages (e.g., Panajachel, Santiago Atitlán) are limited; plan withdrawals in Antigua or Guatemala City.
Keep an eye on daily withdrawal limits imposed by your bank; they may differ from local limits.
Questions people ask
What currency is used in Guatemala?
The official currency is the Guatemalan quetzal (GTQ, symbol Q).
Should I use cash or a card in Guatemala?
Use cards in hotels and restaurants in Antigua and larger cities; carry cash for markets, lake villages, shuttles and smaller shops.
How much should I tip in Guatemala?
Tip about 10 % of the restaurant bill; round up for good service. Guides and drivers expect Q20–Q50 per day.
Are US dollars accepted in Guatemala?
Some tour operators accept US dollars, but change is given in quetzales at a poor exchange rate. It's better to use quetzales for most purchases.
Where can I find ATMs in Guatemala?
ATMs are located in banks, shopping centres, and larger hotels. They are scarce in lake villages like Panajachel and Santiago Atitlán, so plan withdrawals in Antigua or Guatemala City.
Check live
Prices, schedules, rules and availability change. Open these to confirm today's details before you book.
Deep dive
Every source; changeable facts are marked check
Sources
- officialOfficial Guatemala Tourism Board
Ask about Guatemala
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