Staying Safe in Guatemala

Local Laws

When you're traveling, it's really important to be aware of the local laws and customs. For instance, possessing or using illegal drugs carries serious consequences, including lengthy jail time. You'll also find that taking pictures of certain government buildings is forbidden, so it's always best to confirm with local officials before snapping any photos.

When it comes to photographing people, always ask for their permission first. This is especially true for women, children, and indigenous individuals, as there have been instances of violence stemming from concerns about child abduction.

Regarding dress code, it's advisable to dress modestly, particularly in areas with a strong Maya presence, where women often wear skirts that reach below the knee. While being on time is generally appreciated in formal situations, you might notice a more flexible approach to time for social events, often referred to as 'Hora Chapina.'

Tipping is a common practice here. Expect to tip around 10% at restaurants, and for guides, $3 to $5 USD per day is customary. Drivers typically receive $2 to $3 USD. When you're shopping in markets or taking taxis, don't be surprised if you're expected to negotiate prices.

A nice touch when entering restaurants or hotels is to greet staff with a friendly 'buenos dias.' Lastly, a practical tip for restrooms: please dispose of used toilet paper in the wastebasket, not the toilet bowl, even in more upscale establishments.

LGBTQ+ Travellers

Guatemala presents a complex environment for LGBTQ+ travelers. While same-sex sexual activity has been legal since 1871, the country lacks comprehensive anti-discrimination laws protecting LGBTQ+ individuals in most areas, and same-sex marriage or civil unions are not legally recognized. Social attitudes are generally conservative, influenced by prevailing religious beliefs, especially outside of major cities.

However, popular tourist destinations like Antigua, Lake Atitlán, and Guatemala City are often more welcoming, with some openly LGBTQ+ friendly establishments and events. Discretion regarding public displays of affection is generally advised to avoid unwanted attention, particularly in rural areas.

Scams

Watch out for a few common tricks people might try. You might see credit card skimmers on ATMs, particularly in Antigua and Guatemala City, as there have been reports of unauthorized charges.

Another scam involves a fake "spilled ketchup" incident; someone will "help" you clean up, while an accomplice uses the distraction to pick your pockets. Be cautious of people pretending to be priests asking for money for fake emergencies, or those posing as police officers who want to check your passport and then demand fees.

It's also a good idea to agree on a taxi fare before you start your journey or use ride-sharing apps if they're an option, to avoid being overcharged or taken on unnecessarily long routes. Some travelers have also encountered situations at the airport where immigration officials claim a passport stamp is missing upon departure and demand payment.

Crime

Even in popular tourist spots, you'll unfortunately find that violent crimes like murder, carjacking, kidnapping, assault, rape, and robbery are quite common. You might even see armed robberies happening regularly on public buses. Be aware that travelers arriving at international airports or driving to hotels in Guatemala City and Antigua can also be targets.

When it comes to smaller thefts, things like pickpocketing and bag-snatching are a frequent problem in busy places. This includes airports, bus stations, public transportation, markets, national parks, and even around volcanoes. If you're hiking on trails or volcanoes without a local guide who knows the area well, you could also be at risk of being robbed.

There's also something called an "express kidnapping," where criminals force people to withdraw money from ATMs. These incidents have been reported at petrol stations and shopping centers. Sadly, there have also been cases where people posing as police officers have committed petty crimes, and some actual officers have unfortunately been implicated in sexual assault cases.

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