Change Money at Guatemala Airport or Wait til Antigua?

Planning to change a few hundred US dollars to start.
Flying into Guatemala City Airport = Aurora. Going directly to Antigua.
Is there a good place to change money at airport or should I wait until Antigua?

Thanks

Do you have an ATM card? If not and for cash you will get a much better rate at a bank.

Is there a "best" ATM to use at the airport . . or are they all the same?
Is it easy to find ATM at airport?

#1 is correct on exchange rates as airport money exchange kiosks are notorious ripoffs anywhere in the world.

Try to avoid BAC ATM's as they charge US$2.50 per transaction, Citi bank machines are cheaper if available.

BI charges $2.00 per transaction

The airport places tend to have a ridiculous exchange rate. There are many legit banks all over the country, including in Antigua. Yes, there are also plenty of atm's like someone mentioned.

Use a ATM...just be careful using NON Bank ATM's in Antigua...skimming/phishing is not uncommon.

Make sure your ATM Debit Card does not have High Non Network Fees and Foreign Transactions Fees...

You can use green backs to get to Antigua and in town.

I still use traveler checks when going to 'Guatemala. I get them free at my credit union and change them for the same rates as usa dollars at bank in Antigua that show the travelers checks sign.. I like the fact that they are insured against loss. There have been way too many ATM problems to make me feel comfortable using them anywhere.

I still use traveler checks when going to 'Guatemala.

The way of the dinosaur and a PIA

There have been way too many ATM problems to make me feel comfortable using them anywhere.

Have used ATM's in over 40 countries for over 7 yrs No problems.

Yes but it works for me and I don't have to pay any ATM fees at all. You were luck as every one get hacked here in USA now days and I confess I am cheap. I never ever have a problem with ,travelers checks and the banks in Guat are very nice to you. Always saying a pleasure to serve you.

Always saying a pleasure to serve you.

Great, providing you speak Spanish and only need money during banking hours.

i am an adult and as such plan ahead. I have traveled a lot for many many years now so I know how to conduct my banking needs. Also you should know that in the banks in Antigua English is also spoken.

Paty you always post that you can cash TC's only with the TC symbol at the Banks that sell them. That is not the case. They can be cashed at almost all Banks wither they sell them or not. I have lived in Antigua for 3.5 years and had Banking transactions at BI, BAM, BAC, and G&T and have yet to meet an English speaker in any of those Banks. Which Banks have you encountered English speakers here in Antigua?

I just look for the banks that sell Travelers Checks to cash mine. I am sure others might also cash them too but I always look for the sign in the window so as not to waste time. After all these years since l991 I don't recall, who spoke English and who didn't but the last place i was where someone in the bank spoke English was in Pana .I spoke Spanish and he spoke to me in English. Go figure. I am sure someone in the bank spoke English in i991 as I didn't speak much spanish then but I managed to cash travelers checks, spend money and have a good time.

Ok, I understand now. You look for the TC sign thus your saving time. Always thought you meant only Banks with TC signs cashed them in your posts, lo siento.

Yes I am sure when I see the TC sign that that bank will take the checks. However very grateful that you told me a bunch of other banks that will also take TCs. I get them free as mentioned and I use them a lot. No more in Ma=exico however. I like a secure source of money with me on my travels. I just hate the fees charged by banks for use off the debit cards. Plus the fear that it will be skimmed. Also hacking such a problem now days. Where I live we just had eight million people get hacked of all their info - the works. So happy you told me a whole bunch of places that will take TCs.

Where I live we just had eight million people get hacked of all their info - the works.

Hmmmm quoted fron another thread on TT "I live in New Haven , Connecticut", according to Google New Haven CT has a population of 130,660 a dang site less than 8 million, EH!

The eight million were state employees and lived thru out Connecticut. It was some health care outfit that was hacked with all info stolen.

The eight million were state employees and lived thru out Connecticut. It was some health care outfit that was hacked with all info stolen.

What's the hacking of a state's > health care outfit> got to do with ATM's in Guatemala?

I usually have my local bank order some Q's for me before I leave. The exchange rate is better than the airport and the idea of landing somewhere totally broke just scared me. Not afraid of much but my Spanish is coming along slowly and not having enough cash for a hotel and a meal, makes me nervous. I order enough to last me a while as I don't like to use ATM's and we travel into areas where there are no tourists so not sure on ATM's. I could not get the ATM in the market in Rabbinal or Santiago to work I asked the guard to help me and she said my card was "blocked" or something I was doing it right. I don't use ATM's normally so.... I ended up changing some green backs in a bank waiting in line. I also prefer to have cash. I stuff a little in every pocket shoe whatever. I have never had an issue but figure if I do I hope to have some hidden somewhere to get me somewhere. I think it is a $5 charge for $1000 US in Q's from my bank

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