Guatemala City - Post Report Question and Answers
Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
Credit cards and ATMs are common and safe. - Mar 2023
Credit cards are widely accepted. You can buy a cup of coffee using your phone. ATMs sometimes run out of money and it's advisable to use an ATM that you know. - Oct 2022
Yes, but take cash for markets or traveling outside the city. Most domestic workers also prefer to be paid in cash. We get cash from the embassy bank. - Oct 2022
We have not had any issues with our credit or debit cards. There are ATMs as well and we have not had any issues either. I also haven't heard of others having them hacked or anything of the sort. If you have Navy Federal it might take a while for your card to work. That is the only problem we kept having to call the bank and verify that it was us using the card to buy food/groceries, etc. - Jul 2021
Credit cards are easy to use in the city, as long as you're at a major store. You'll need cash outside the city. - Jan 2020
We use credit cards nearly everywhere and have had no problems with them. The open-air artisan markets are cash-only, but every store I can think of accepts our US credit card. ATMs are commonly found. The ATM fees are exorbitantly high ($5-$7 per withdrawal), but the Embassy cashier can also cash checks or make withdrawals from your checking account with your ATM card, fee-free. - Mar 2019
Yes. I don't use ATMs outside Embassy banking services. - Feb 2019
Prevalent within Guatemala City. Outside the city, best to have cash. - Jun 2015
We use credit cards most everywhere we go. We only withdraw cash from the bank at the Embassy. - Apr 2014
Credit and debit cards are accepted nearly everywhere. Beware of card fraud, however. - Jan 2014
Lots of places accept credit cards. Think twice about using ATMs, though, as there air frequent reports of theft and card copying scams. - Nov 2011
Make sure the ATM you're at is well-lit and lots of people are around. You hear stories of people slinking around them and stealing your money when you're leaving. It's best to go to one that has a guard nearby. - May 2010
You can use them pretty much anywhere. Just be careful - someone who's just used an ATM or is walking out of a bank is a target for being held up! And only use your credit card at reputable places, of course. - Mar 2008
