Daily Life

Time Zone

Most of the year the time is the same as U.S. Central Standard Time. However, Guatemala does not observe Daylight Savings Time. The time will be one hour behind Central Standard Time during Daylight Savings Time.

Weather

The following are average temperatures, not the extremes. As in the United States, weather patterns can vary frequently. We recommend checking weather sites on the internet for Guatemala and for the time of year you will be traveling.

 Guatemala has two distinct seasons: rainy and dry. The rainy season extends from May to October. During this time it rains frequently with average highs in the mid to upper 70s. The dry season temperatures are cooler with highs in the upper 60's to low 70's and lows ranging from 50° to 55°F. In the Guatemalan highlands, daytime temperatures are warm (70's), but evenings during November through February can be very cold with temperatures dropping as low as the upper 30's. Keep in mind that there will not be central heating!

Money

Most participants find USD $150-$250 to be sufficient spending money for a two-week program in Guatemala. Of course, how much you bring should depend on your personal spending habits. Remember that all meals, ground transportation, lodging, translation, and honorariums are covered in your program fees. For current information concerning exchange rates, visit a currency converter. We strongly encourage you to use a money belt. 

The least complicated way to exchange U.S. dollars to Guatemala currency (quetzales) is to use an ATM card. It is best to bring an ATM card with the PLUS and/or CIRRUS logos as these are the international networks that are most common in Guatemala. You will have access to ATM machines to withdraw money in quetzales.

It may also be possible to exchange U.S. dollar bills (only in $50 and $100 denominations) at a bank in Guatemala. Banks will not accept U.S. bills that are worn, written upon, torn, or folded with heavy creases. 

Credit cards are accepted in many shops and restaurants. 

Important: It is a good idea to call your credit or ATM Card Company to let them know that you will be using your card outside of the country during a set time period. Some people encounter trouble using cards abroad because the company assumes the card has been stolen.