Money and Medical

The Guatemalan Quetzales:
The standard currency in Guatemala is called the Quetzal, and is named for the national bird. It comes in paper bill form and coins. Most stores only accept cash, but some of the more touristy stores, restaurants, and hotels do take credit cards. Bring just a small amount of cash with you. Bring enough for the shuttle to get you in from the airport, and for your room in Antigua if needed. Plan ahead! Do not travel with large amounts of cash while in Guatemala. Bring credit cards, and debit cards and use those to get cash.

Getting Cash:
All of the banks have cash machines that take many different debit and credit cards. Make sure you have a PIN number assigned to your credit card. A debit card with a credit card logo is a good choice. Bring multiple cards if possible. There are also several ATM's spread around Panajachel.

Weekends:
Panajachel is a small town, and especially with a big event like ours, it is not uncommon for some of the ATM machines to run our of money over the weekend. Get your cash for the weekend ahead of time to avoid any problems.

National Holidays:
September 15th is Guatemalan Independence Day. This is Guatemala's largest national holiday, and most stores and banks will be closed. Again, get cash the day before.

Spending Money: 
Almost everything you buy will be cheaper in Panajachel than you are used to back home. Luxuries however, may cost more, or may not be obtainable at all. Compared to most things, beer is relatively expensive. Expect to pay Q15-Q20 (approx. $2) per beer at the bar, and not much less at the Tiendas.

Store Hours:
Most stores in Pana are open from 6am to 9pm. Restaurants stay open until around 10pm, but the street vendors are out all night. The bars all close at 1am. Some select convenience stores do stay open 24 hours.

Souvenirs:
The farther away from society that you travel, the cheaper and more authentic the souvenirs that you find will be. Antigua is in society. Panajachel is halfway out. Santa Clara is across the lake and up the hill: a great spot for the most local artwork.  

Food / Water:
If you prefer more "Americanized" food, you may find yourself spending a little more than you have to. Some of these restaurants are fantastic, especially for breakfast, but we also highly recommend the more local fare off the beaten path. Not only will it cost less, and taste great, but it will also give you a better sense of the local culture. You can also buy incredible fruit and vegetables and various fresh breads at the market. Remember to budget for water everyday, and only drink water you purchase and open yourself. Do not drink the tap water, it will make you sick. Don't even use is for brushing your teeth. When eating out, always ask for "agua pura", even for your coffee.

Medicine:
Honestly, you may have trouble getting accurate prescriptions for certain medicines while in Panajachel. It is our hope that you will bring anything specific that you may require from home. If you have specific medical needs, alergies, or concerns, it is paramount that you let registration know so it can be databased and we can have the information at hand in case of a situation. Please also make sure we have your emergency contact information, and that your emergency contact is prepared with any information we may need to help you take care of yourself.