Guatemala

Navigating Guatemala is an adventure in itself, ranging from the iconic, brightly painted chicken buses (camionetas) to comfortable shared tourist shuttles. For short distances within towns like Antigua or Panajachel, a tuk-tuk ride usually costs between 10 and 20 GTQ ($1.30–$2.60 USD) per person. If you are heading to Lake Atitlán, you will rely on lanchas (public boats) to hop between the various lakeside villages; a trip from Panajachel to San Marcos typically costs about 25 GTQ ($3.20 USD).

To keep your logistics seamless, use the trip planning feature in the Hello app to organize your shuttle departures and boat times in advance. Connectivity can be spotty in the rural highlands, so activating a Hello eSIM before you land ensures you have reliable data for GPS and real-time translation. This is particularly helpful when communicating with drivers or checking the latest schedules on the fly. Whether you are trekking the Acatenango Volcano or exploring the jungle-shrouded ruins of Tikal, staying connected without roaming charges allows you to focus on the breathtaking views rather than searching for elusive Wi-Fi signals.

Guatemalan cuisine is a rich tapestry of indigenous Maya traditions and Spanish colonial influences. You should not leave without trying Pepián, a hearty, spiced meat stew thickened with toasted seeds and nuts, often considered the national dish. A generous serving at a local comedor will cost you roughly 40–60 GTQ ($5–$8 USD). For a quick snack on the go, look for shucos—Guatemalan-style hot dogs loaded with guacamole and spicy sauce—which are a local favorite at around 15 GTQ ($2 USD).

When dining out with fellow travelers in the colonial courtyards of Antigua, the Hello app’s expense splitting tool is a lifesaver. Instead of performing awkward mental math over a shared plate of rellenitos, you can instantly calculate everyone’s share and keep the vibes relaxed. Don't forget to track these delicious detours using the budget tracking feature; it allows you to enter costs in Quetzales, helping you stay on top of your daily spending without needing a separate currency converter. For coffee enthusiasts, a visit to a finca in the Huehuetenango region is a must. High-quality beans are a point of national pride, and a fresh pour-over will usually set you back about 25 GTQ ($3.20 USD).

While major hotels and upscale restaurants in Guatemala City and Antigua accept credit cards, the country remains a cash-heavy society, especially in the vibrant highland markets like Chichicastenango. Here, you will need Quetzales (GTQ) for everything from hand-woven textiles to fresh street food. ATMs are widely available in urban centers—look for the yellow "5B" or "BI" machines—but they often have a withdrawal limit of 2,000 GTQ (approx. $255 USD) per transaction and may charge a small local fee.

To manage your spending across different regions, use the Hello app to log your cash withdrawals and daily purchases in the local currency. It is also wise to secure your data connection before you arrive. By purchasing a Hello eSIM before you land at La Aurora International Airport (GUA), you can skip the long queues at local SIM kiosks and immediately access ride-hailing apps like Uber to get to your accommodation safely. Having an active data plan from the moment you touch down means you can check current exchange rates in real-time while browsing the markets, ensuring you always get a fair price for that beautiful jade jewelry or a traditional huipil.