Guatemala
The practical basics before you go: plugs, emergency numbers, money, tipping and the time.
The country in brief
About 18.7 million people live in Guatemala, on 108,889 km². The capital is Guatemala City.
- Capital
- Guatemala City
- Population
- 18,687,881
- Area
- 108,889 km²
- Official language
- Spanish
Facts change, so check the important things before you travel.
Population: World Bank, 2025 (CC BY 4.0). Capital, area and languages: Wikidata. Facts fetched October 30, 2026.
Before you go
Which plugs are used in Guatemala?
Sockets take plug type A/B, at 120 V and 60 Hz.
That is lower than Europe's 230 V: phone and laptop chargers handle it, but check hair dryers and the like.
What is the emergency number in Guatemala?
Call 110 for the police, 128 for an ambulance and 122 for the fire brigade.
Do you tip in Guatemala?
About 10 %.
Which side of the road do they drive on in Guatemala?
Traffic drives on the right.
What currency is used in Guatemala?
Prices are in Guatemalan Quetzal (GTQ).
What language do they speak in Guatemala?
Official language: Spanish.
How do I call a number in Guatemala from abroad?
To call a number there from abroad, start with +502.
Entry rules and travel advice
Visa rules depend on your passport and can change at short notice. Your own government keeps them up to date, so check its advice before you book.
Links checked October 30, 2026.
