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Social Conventions
Guatemala is the most populated of the Central American republics and is the only one which is predominantly Indian, although the Spanish have had a strong influence on the way of life. Full names should be used when addressing acquaintances, particularly in business. Dress is conservative and casual wear is suitable except in the smartest dining rooms and clubs.
Tipping
10 per cent is normal in restaurants where service has not been included.
International Travel:
Air
Guatemala’s national airline is Grupo TACA (website: www.grupotaca.com). American Airlines operates daily flights to Guatemala, via Miami or Dallas. Other airlines serving Guatemala include Aeroméxico, Continental Airlines, Iberia Airlines (regular flights from London via Madrid), Lufthansa and United Airlines.
Approximate flight times
From Guatemala to London is 11 hours (plus stopover time in USA or Madrid), to Los Angeles is six hours, to New York is six hours and to Miami is two hours 30 minutes.
International airports
Guatemala City (GUA) (la Aurora) is 6km (4 miles) south of the city. Airport facilities include car hire (Avis, Budget, Dollar and Hertz), duty-free shop, bar, buffet, post office, restaurant, bank, tourist information, telephones and bureaux de change. A bus to the city runs every 30 minutes (travel time – 30 minutes). Taxi services to Guatemala City are available (travel time – 20 minutes).
Departure tax
US$30. 24-hour transit passengers are exempt.
Sea
There are several international passenger services from North America, the Far East and Europe to Santo Tomás de Castilla and Puerto Quetzal. Cargo services run to the Pacific ports of San José and Champerico. There are also seven direct lines linking Guatemala with the Far East.
Rail
There is no rail service at present. The national railway company is currently being transferred to the private sector.
Road
The Pan-American Highway runs through Guatemala from Mexico in the north and El Salvador in the south covering 511km (318 miles). Access is also possible from Belize. Bus: There are bus services from Mexico and El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama. Border crossings can be subject to considerable delays. The buses used by some companies are comfortable and air conditioned, but it is vital to book as far in advance as possible for every stage of the journey.
The following goods may be imported into Guatemala by persons over 18 years of age without incurring customs duty: 80 cigarettes or 100g of tobacco; 1.5l of alcoholic beverages; two bottles of perfume.
Urban
Guatemala City and major towns have limited, but cheap and regular, bus services. New circulating taxi services have been introduced in the capital.
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