Figures are estimates projected from the latest official statistics (ITU, UN, UN Tourism) and are for general reference only.
📲 How to Call Guatemala from Abroad
Follow these 4 simple steps to dial any phone number in Guatemala:
1
Dial your international access code
Most countries use 00 or +. From mobile phones, the + symbol works worldwide.
2
Dial Guatemala's country code: +502
Dial +502 immediately after the international access code. Do not include the + again if you already used 00.
3
Dial the city or area code
For landlines, dial the city code (drop any leading 0). For mobile numbers, skip this step.
4
Dial the local phone number
Enter the remaining digits of the recipient's phone number to complete the call.
💡 Example: To call Baghdad from the US, dial 011 +502 1 [number]. From mobile: + +502 1 [number].
☎️ Complete Guide to Calling Guatemala
How to Call Abroad from Guatemala
To call another country from Guatemala: dial the international exit code (00 in most countries, or press and hold 0 on a mobile to get +), then the destination country code, then the area code (without its leading 0), then the number. Example: to call the US, dial 00 1 [number] or + 1 [number].
International Number Format (E.164)
The global standard format for Guatemala numbers is +502 followed by the national number without its leading 0. A full international number has at most 15 digits including the country code. Save all your contacts this way so they work from anywhere in the world and in every app.
💡 Example: +502 [national number without the leading 0]
Tips to Lower Your Call Costs to Guatemala
Use internet apps like WhatsApp, Viber or Messenger for free calls over Wi-Fi.
Buy a local SIM or eSIM when traveling to Guatemala to pay local rates.
Activate an international plan from your carrier before you travel.
Use Wi-Fi Calling when available to avoid roaming charges.
Compare calling-card and VoIP providers for the lowest per-minute rate.
Why Isn't My Call Connecting? Common Fixes
You dialed 00 and + together — use only one of them.
You kept the leading 0 of the area or mobile code — remove it for international calls.
You forgot the country code +502 — it must come right after the exit code.
You added a city code to a mobile number — mobile numbers don't need one.
Your line isn't enabled for international calls — check with your carrier.
Wrong time — make sure it isn't the middle of the night in Guatemala.
Common Questions About Calling Guatemala
When should I use + instead of 00?
The + symbol works from any mobile phone anywhere in the world and replaces each country's exit code, so you never need to memorize them. 00 is the most common exit code and works on both landlines and mobiles. On a mobile, always prefer + — it is the most reliable.
Why do I drop the leading 0 of the area or mobile code when calling from abroad?
The leading 0 is a national trunk prefix used only for domestic calls. When calling internationally, the country code +502 takes its place, so you remove that 0 — otherwise the number is wrong and the call fails.
How do I call a mobile versus a landline in Guatemala?
For a mobile: dial +502 then the mobile number without its leading 0. For a landline: dial +502, then the city code (without its leading 0), then the local number. Mobile numbers never need a city code.
How do I send a text message (SMS) to Guatemala from abroad?
Save the number in international format — +502 then the number without its leading 0 — and send your message as usual. Your carrier may apply international SMS charges.
How can I call Guatemala via WhatsApp?
Add the contact in international format — +502 then the number without its leading 0. If they have WhatsApp, they appear automatically. WhatsApp calls run over the internet, are free, and need no exit code.
How much does it cost to call Guatemala?
It depends on your carrier and the line type; international calls over the regular phone network can be expensive. To save money, use internet apps like WhatsApp or Viber, or get a local SIM or eSIM.
What does the code +502 mean and where does it come from?
+502 is the international dialing code assigned to Guatemala by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). Every country has a unique code that identifies it on the global telephone network.
How do I save a Guatemala number in the correct international format?
Always store it in E.164 format: +502 then the national number without its leading 0 and without spaces. Saved this way, it works from any country and in every app without changes.
⏰ Best Time to Call Guatemala
Guatemala uses UTC-6. People there are usually awake from 09:00 to 21:00 local time, so the table below shows the best time to call Guatemala from major countries — in the caller's local time.
From
Best time to call (local time)
🇺🇸 United States
11:00–23:00
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
16:00–23:00
🇩🇪 Germany
17:00–23:00
🇫🇷 France
17:00–23:00
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia
18:00–23:00
🇦🇪 UAE
19:00–23:00
🇹🇷 Turkey
18:00–23:00
🇮🇳 India
07:00–09:00
Times are approximate and may shift by about an hour during daylight saving time.
🧭 From Your Country to Guatemala
Live dial format and time difference — updates instantly
Dial from 🇺🇸 United States
011–502–XXX–XXXX
Time right now in Guatemala
--:--
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🌐 Personalise for Your Passport
Select your passport country to see visa requirements and embassy info relevant to you:
🛂 Visa Requirements
Common Visa Questions for Guatemala
Do I need a visa to visit Guatemala?
It depends on your nationality. Some travelers can enter Guatemala visa-free for short stays, while others need an e-Visa, a visa on arrival, or a visa obtained in advance from an embassy or consulate. Check the rule for your specific passport using the official IATA Travel Centre tool before you travel.
Does Guatemala offer an electronic visa (e-Visa)?
Many countries now offer an online e-Visa for eligible nationalities, letting you apply and pay over the internet before arrival. Availability, eligible passports, and fees differ from country to country, so confirm whether Guatemala currently offers an e-Visa for your nationality on the official IATA Travel Centre.
Is a visa on arrival available in Guatemala?
A visa on arrival lets eligible travelers obtain their visa at the airport or border instead of applying beforehand. Whether Guatemala grants it, and to which nationalities, can change over time, so verify your eligibility on the official IATA Travel Centre before relying on it.
How long can I stay in Guatemala on a tourist visa?
Tourist stays are commonly limited to 30, 60, or 90 days depending on the country and your nationality, and overstaying can lead to fines or entry bans. Check the exact permitted duration for your passport on the official IATA Travel Centre.
What documents are usually required to apply for a Guatemala visa?
Most applications ask for a passport valid for at least six months, recent passport photos, proof of onward or return travel, proof of accommodation, and sufficient funds for your stay. Some visas also require travel insurance or an invitation letter, so confirm the exact list for Guatemala on the official IATA Travel Centre.
How much does a Guatemala visa cost and how long does it take?
Visa fees and processing times vary widely by nationality and visa type, ranging from same-day e-Visas to several weeks for embassy applications. Always apply well before your trip and check the current fee and processing time for Guatemala on the official IATA Travel Centre.
How long must my passport be valid to enter Guatemala?
Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months beyond your date of entry, with one or two blank pages for stamps. Confirm the exact passport-validity rule for Guatemala on the official IATA Travel Centre before booking.
⚠️ For guidance only. Visa rules change frequently — always verify with the official embassy website before booking.
🏢 Embassy Information
US Embassy Guatemala City Blvd. Aguilar Batres 2225, Guatemala City 01015 ☎ +502 2326 4000 Mon-Fri 8:00-17:00
💳 Tipping Culture
10% tip appreciated; not always included.
🚄 Transport
Bus Litegua & Pullman intercity | Chicken bus local | Taxi & Uber in Guatemala City | TransMetro BRT | Tuk-tuk in smaller towns | No rail | VolcanoAir domestic small
✈️ Airports
12 airports | La Aurora International Airport GUA (Guatemala City) | Mundo Maya International FRS (Flores/Petén) | Quetzaltenango AAZ
🗺️ Administrative Divisions
Guatemala is divided into 22 departments.
📅 Best Time to Visit
Best time to visit Guatemala depends on the region. December–April is dry season for the Caribbean and Central America. May–September is summer in North America. South America's seasons are reversed — December–March is summer. Shoulder seasons (April–May, September–October) offer good weather with fewer crowds.
🛡️ Safety Advice
Safety in Guatemala varies by neighborhood and city — research specific destinations carefully. Avoid displaying valuables, use registered taxis or rideshare apps. Petty theft common in tourist areas of major cities. Latin America requires extra caution in certain districts — ask locals for guidance.
💉 Vaccinations & Health
Routine vaccines should be current. Hepatitis A and Typhoid recommended for most Latin American countries. Yellow Fever required for entry to Brazil and some Andean/Amazon regions. Zika and Dengue precautions (insect repellent) advised in tropical zones. Altitude sickness medication for Andes travel.
📶 SIM & Internet
Pre-paid SIM cards easily available at airports and convenience stores — passport may be required. eSIM well-supported (Airalo, Holafly, US carriers like T-Mobile). Mexico, Brazil, and Argentina have competitive data prices ($10–25 for 10GB). Public Wi-Fi widespread in cities.
👔 Dress Code & Etiquette
Casual dress acceptable in most of Guatemala. Beach resorts very relaxed; cities slightly more formal. Cover up when visiting churches in Latin America. Layering useful for mountain regions. Practical walking shoes recommended for cobblestone streets and uneven terrain in colonial cities.
🌍 Guatemala: Culture, Food & Places
What are the most famous foods in Guatemala?
Some of the most famous foods in Guatemala include: Pepián (ancient seed sauce stew), Kak'ik (turkey soup), Jocon (tomatillo chicken), Tamales colorados, Chuchitos (small tamales), Rellenitos (fried plantain dessert), Caldo de res (beef broth), Tostadas, Atol (corn drink), Ron Zacapa rum (world's best aged).
What are the best places to visit in Guatemala?
Top places and landmarks to visit in Guatemala include: Tikal National Park (UNESCO), Antigua Guatemala (UNESCO), Lake Atitlán, Chichicastenango Market, Semuc Champey turquoise pools, Pacaya Volcano hike, Yaxhá Maya Site, Livingston Caribbean Coast, Quetzaltenango (Xela), Monterrico Beach & turtle nesting.
What are the main customs and traditions in Guatemala?
Notable customs and traditions in Guatemala include: Greet with handshake or cheek kiss, Indigenous Mayan culture alive & proud, Traje (traditional dress) worn daily by many, Semana Santa most spectacular in Americas, K'iche', Mam, Q'eqchi' among 22 Mayan languages.
What is Guatemala famous for?
Guatemala is well known for: Tikal Mayan ruins, Lake Atitlán (world's most beautiful lake per Aldous Huxley), Antigua Guatemala colonial city, Quetzal bird (national emblem), Weaving & textile traditions.
Where in the world is Guatemala located?
Guatemala is located in the Americas.
What countries are near Guatemala?
Countries in the same region as Guatemala include: Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba.
🆘 Emergency Numbers
110/120 Emergency
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is the capital of Guatemala?
The capital of Guatemala is Guatemala City.
What currency is used in Guatemala?
Guatemala uses the GTQ · Q · Guatemalan Quetzal.
What is the dial code for Guatemala?
The international dial code for Guatemala is +502.
When is the best time to visit Guatemala?
Best time to visit Guatemala depends on the region. December–April is dry season for the Caribbean and Central America. May–September is summer in North America. South America's seasons are reversed — December–March is summer. Shoulder seasons (April–May, September–October) offer good weather with fewer crowds.
How much does a trip to Guatemala cost per day?
Daily costs in Guatemala range from $50 (budget) to $120 (mid-range) to $280 (luxury) per person, excluding flights.
Is Guatemala safe for tourists?
Safety in Guatemala varies by neighborhood and city — research specific destinations carefully. Avoid displaying valuables, use registered taxis or rideshare apps. Petty theft common in tourist areas of major cities. Latin America requires extra caution in certain districts — ask locals for guidance.
How many departments does Guatemala have?
Guatemala has 22 departments.
🧳 Practical Travel Info
🔌
Power PlugType A,B · 120 V · 60 Hz
💵
TippingTipping expected at 10-15% in restaurants. Taxis and hotel staff appreciate small tips.
💧
Tap WaterUse cautionWater quality varies by region; bottled water is safer for visitors.
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