Some Interesting Facts About Guatemala

Public Holidays

Date 2005 Occasion
January 1 New Year's Day  
March 25 Good Friday
March 27 Easter
May 1 Labour Day
June 30 Army Day
August 15 Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (in Guatemala City only)
September 15 Independence Day
October 20 Revolution Day
November 1 All Saints Day
December 24 Christmas Eve (afternoon only)
December 25 Christmas Day  
December 31 New Year's Eve (afternoon only)

Easter Week is the fiesta of Guatemala City.
Weekend- Saturday, Sunday

Electricity

110 volts, 60 Hz is used in Guatemala.

Post & Communications

The postal service in Guatemala has improved in the past few years though there are instances of letters reaching months after being posted. The Central Post Office is in Zona 1 in Guatemala City. Most towns have post offices and Internet cafes, so if you’re not satisfied with snail-mail, you can use electronic mail. Placing a call from public phone booths can be difficult and it’s a better idea to dial from your hotel. IDD is available.

Weights and measures

The Metric system is in use in Guatemala.

Tipping

A 10% tip is expected even though most bills include a tourist tax as well as VAT (value – added tax).

English Language Media

It’s difficult to get hold of English medium newspapers. Most cities have bookshops that offer a wide selection of books in English.