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To book a Spanish
Course in Guatemala
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Full Name
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Republic of Guatemala
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TimeZone
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GMT minus 6 hours
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Size
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109,000 sq km
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Population
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11 million (growth rate 2.5%)
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Capital City
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Guatemala City (pop 2 million)
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People
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56% Spanish descent, 44% Mayan descent Spanish, Garífuna and 21
Maya languages Roman Catholic, Pentecostal, Mayan-Catholic fusion
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Visa Requirements
Visa
A visa is not required for a stay of a maximum 90 days, an extension is
possible for another 90 days at the immigration department. A return or
onward ticket is required. If travelling on one-way ticket a visa is required.
Visitor must hold
All documents required for next destination and sufficient funds.
Extra Information
Non-compliance with entry regulations will result in deportation of passenger
at carriers expense and fines of USD 1000 per passenger for transporting
airline.
Guatemalan Embassy UK
13 Fawcett Street, London SW10 9HN
Tel: 0207 351 3042
Fax: 0207 376 5708
Guatemala City: British Embassy
Avenida La Reforma y 16 Calle 0-55, Zona 10,
Edificio Torre Internacional, Nivel 11
Tel: (502) 367 5425,6,7,8,9
Fax: (502) 367 5430
Email: embassy@infovia.com.gt
Office Hours (GMT):
Mon-Thur: 1400-1830 / 1930-2300
Fri: 1400-1800
Money Matters
Currency: Quetzal
Cash
US dollars are by far the best currency to carry - even currencies from
neighbouring countries will probably prove impossible to exchange. If
you do have a different currency, try the casas de cambio at Flores or
Guatemala City airports. Changing money on the black market won't bring
you a much better rate than at the bank, but you may have no choice if
you're quetzal-less at border crossing points. ATMS are springing up around
Guatemala City, and most banks will give you an advance on your Visa card
over the counter.
Climate
The dry season, from late-December to mid-April, is the most pleasant
time. Along with summer holidays, however, this is also the busiest time.
The rain may restrict some activities during the wet season.
Food
Guatemalan cuisine can't compete with that of Mexico, although standard
Mexican dishes such as tortillas and tacos can be found. Mostly you'll
encounter tough grilled or fried meat. Beans and rice are often the cheapest
and best alternative, and the country has a surprising number of Chinese
restaurants. Coffee is available everywhere - sometimes spectacularly
good, but often ridiculously weak and sugary. Beer is prevalent, in light
and dark versions, and rum and Quetzalteca are the nation's favoured spirits.
Restaurants expect a tip of around 10%, on top of the 10% value-added
tax. On top of this VAT, hotels charge 10% tourist tax. Most hotels and
shops have fixed prices, but you'll be expected to bargain at markets.
Holidays and Holydays
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Fixed Public Holidays
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1 January
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New Year's Day
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1 May
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Labour Day
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30 June
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Army Day
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15 August
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Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
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15 September
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Independence Day
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20 October
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Revolution Day
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1 November
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All Saints Day
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24 December
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Christmas Eve (afternoon only)
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25 December
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Christmas Day
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31 December
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New Year's Eve (afternoon only)
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Moveable Public Holidays
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2001
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15 Apr
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Easter
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Some Major Fiestas Semana Santa (Holy Week - the week before Easter)
is Guatemala's biggest festival, featuring processions and celebrations
throughout the country - Antigua's fiesta is said to be the best. Rabin
Ajau, held in Cobán, is a traditional Kekchi Indian festival, which runs
from July 21-26. Independence Day is celebrated nationwide in September.
November features All Saints' Day, and Chichicastenango commemorates Santo
Tomás from December 13-21.
Before You Go
Insurance
However you travel, it's worth taking out insurance. Standard insurance
should at least cover theft and loss of luggage, and cancellation of,
and delays in, your travel arrangements. Ticket loss is also covered by
travel insurance, but make sure you keep a separate record of your ticket
details. Contact us if you haven't already taken out a comprehensive insurance
policy.
Travel Safe Advice
Before you travel you should always check with the Foreign Office as
to the official view on the safety of the country you intend to visit.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
King Charles Street, London SW1A 2AH
Consular Division 020 7270 1500
General: 020 7238 4586
Travel Advice: 020 7238 4503/4
Visa enquiries: 020 7238 3838
Website Address: www.fco.gov.uk/travel
MASTA
For information on health issues and vaccinations we advise you to contact
MASTA (Medical Advisory Services for Travellers Abroad)
Travellers' Health Line
Telephone: 0906 8 224100
Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT
Website Address: www.masta.org
What Shall I Take?
Apart from any special personal needs you may have and things you might
require for a particular kind of trip i.e. camping gear, hiking boots,
surfboard etc., you may like to consider the following:
· An under-the-clothes money belt or shoulder wallet
· Sunscreen lotion
· A small Spanish dictionary and/or phrase book.
· Photocopies of your important documents kept separate from the
originals.
· A medical kit.
· A towel
· A swimsuit
· A padlock, or two, to secure yours luggage to racks.
· An adapter plug for electrical appliances.
· A flashlight
· An Alarm Clock
· Sunglasses
Books, Films and Music
The Maya World: the Rough Guide by Peter Eltringham, et al
Lonely Planet : Guatemala, Belize & Yucatan by Tom Brosnahan, Nancy
Keller
The Lords of Tikal: Rulers of an Ancient Maya City by Peter D. Harrison
Belize and Northern Guatemala by Les Beletsky
I, Rigoberta Menchu by E. Burgos-Debray(Editor), Ann Wright (Translator)
The Lost Chronicles of the Maya Kings by David Drew
Breaking the Maya Code by Michael D. Coe
Lonely Planet - The Experience - Ruta Maya - Belize - Yucatan - Guatemala
Useful Websites
www.bbc.co.uk/weather/features (The weather worldwide)
www.worldtimezone.com/time24 (Timezones across the globe)
www.masta.org/ (Health advice)
www.xe.net/ucc/full (Currency converter)
www.visa.com/pd/atm/main (ATM locater)
www.holidayfestival.com (Festivals, bank holidays and religious days worldwide)
To book a Spanish
Course in Guatemala
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