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croatian07:45 UTC13 Jun 2007

Hi, I am planing on spendig 2 months in Xela learning Spanish and I would appretiate help on money issue, where to exchange? to have EUR or USD, what is better? How much cash to have on me? How to get extra cash, ATM, credit cards? Thank you.

franandzoe08:14 UTC13 Jun 2007

look 19 posts down

aloysius10:57 UTC13 Jun 2007

Yes, read the other recent thread. Most travelers to Guatemala get their funds from the ATM, but that is not the best way for everyone. And by all means have some backup sources ready to go.

Buen viaje!

nyc_girl_11520:35 UTC13 Jun 2007

USD are always good. More acceptable than Euros.

Credit cards are bad. Not widely accepted. Most places that do accept will charge an additional 5-15% fee.

ATM's are fine. We used them all the time. You get a good rate (assuming you bank with a proper bank at home).

Bring backup/emergency funds in case the ATM's break down or you get into a jam. Backup is good to have in USDollars and/or Travellers Checks.

Kay and Franks Trip to Central America

delmonte22:33 UTC13 Jun 2007

Credit cards are widely accepted in guatemala, in fact the only time I had to pay a 6% surcharge was at gas stations and on charges over $200.00 when I paid for the rental car. On small purchases at the supermarket and restaurants I didn't have to pay anything. And of course I always check my statement real close and pay it off everytime on time. So I've never had to pay a cent in interest to my bank on any of my credit cards. And I've been doing that for years including my son's credit card while he was in college. Good luck.

Money, card, ATMs Country forums / Central America / Guatemala
croatian07:45 UTC13 Jun 2007	Hi, I am planing on spendig 2 months in Xela learning Spanish and I would appretiate help on money issue, where to exchange? to have EUR or USD, what is better? How much cash to have on me? How to get extra cash, ATM, credit cards? Thank you.
franandzoe08:14 UTC13 Jun 2007	look 19 posts down	1
aloysius10:57 UTC13 Jun 2007	Yes, read the other recent thread. Most travelers to Guatemala get their funds from the ATM, but that is not the best way for everyone. And by all means have some backup sources ready to go. Buen viaje!	2
nyc_girl_11520:35 UTC13 Jun 2007	USD are always good. More acceptable than Euros. Credit cards are bad. Not widely accepted. Most places that do accept will charge an additional 5-15% fee. ATM's are fine. We used them all the time. You get a good rate (assuming you bank with a proper bank at home). Bring backup/emergency funds in case the ATM's break down or you get into a jam. Backup is good to have in USDollars and/or Travellers Checks. Kay and Franks Trip to Central America	3
delmonte22:33 UTC13 Jun 2007	Credit cards are widely accepted in guatemala, in fact the only time I had to pay a 6% surcharge was at gas stations and on charges over $200.00 when I paid for the rental car. On small purchases at the supermarket and restaurants I didn't have to pay anything. And of course I always check my statement real close and pay it off everytime on time. So I've never had to pay a cent in interest to my bank on any of my credit cards. And I've been doing that for years including my son's credit card while he was in college. Good luck.	4

Money, card, ATMs