opening bankaccount in Guatemala and more
Replies: 18 - Last Post: Jan 30, 2013 7:36 AM Last Post By: sky5jump
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opening bankaccount in Guatemala and more
We are a couple travelling to Guatemala every two years for the last 15 years. Every time we encounter problems using the ATM machines in Guatemala. These problems go from an ATM that is not working to ATM's not accepting our bankcard.To avoid those problems in the future we are thinking of opening a bankaccount at a bank in Guatemala.
Any ideas how to arrange this?
Does somebody has an account with a bank in Guatemala?
Wich bank and are you satisfied?
Is this an good idea, or are there other options? Bringing lots of cash money is not an option for us. Traveller cheques are also not an option, takes to much time to cash them.
Next visit will be in march/april 2013. That is during la Semana Santa. Any tips about that? First time we are in Guatemala during semana santa.
Greetings,
Donandres
2
The point at #1 however is that you need a Guat utility bill in your name which unless you live there you are unlikely to have!. It has become much harder for non-residents to open normal checking accounts largely due to anti-money laundering legislation. Some banks will allow you to open a deposit or savings account which will operate in the same way i.e. you will get an ATM/Visa card and internet banking facility but no check book. Even these now can require a reference from your home bank and one or two people of note (i.e. doctor or lawyer) in Guat. Remember also that you will incure transfer fees at both ends to transfer your funds to this account.Overall probably not worth the hassle. Equip yourself with more than one ATM card for future visits...
4
Cash does not work anymore eitheras last time I was there I had to pay a fee to get a bank to accept USA cash. American Express travelers checks still work but you must go to a bank that sells this check and it is best to go on days that are not pay days for the locals. Then the wait time is very quick.6
#4, when I moved here to Antigua, I had some travelers cheques and US $'s. I exchanged both at the BAM bank across the street from the park, north side. Not once was I charged a fee to change TC's or exchange US $'s. When my son was visiting he was not charged to exchange US $'s at BAM. The same held true when I exchanged $100 at BI bank by the park. The only problem is that you are limited to a $200 maximum per week, so the cash & TC's are a supplement to an ATM card. Also BAM does not sell TC's, so it is not a requirement to use a Bank that sells TC's to exchange TC's.7
Shogun01, my girlfriends son works at Banco Industrial and he checked to see if I could open and account. But no I could not. It could be because I am on a Tourist Visa. I'm guessing you opened your BI account sometime ago (seeing as your an old f--t and have been in Guatemala for sometime). But the way it sits now one needs to have permanent status, at least at BI. But, I can open an account with my girlfriend as a co-account holder. Go figure.8
I had no issues using the ATM's in Guatemala over 3 weeks, other than in Pana. Then I went in bank and they did a manual cash withdrawal, took 15 minutes of paperwork/copies and I was good to go...11
Usually just carry cash, but I never have had problems with ATMs in Guatemala and have never been charged by a bank for changing US cash into Qs.12
#9- how does a factura thats not in your name serve as a "proof of residency"?. Surely it could just be anybody's factura that you found laying about or you borrowed off somebody?. It can however be in a corporation name but you would then need a personeria to show that you are a principle officer of that corporation...13
BAM was the only one that would even vaguely allow people on tourist visas to open bank accounts last time I looked (which I admit was a while ago). A fairly detailed discussion, started by some guy called bajasur here:http://www.xelapages.net/boards/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=2562&p=10012
assuming we are still allowed to post links...
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