Alkamaro
9/22/2016 21:12 EST
Hi, I lived in Guatemala 16 years ago before moving to Costa Rica and am now returning with my family from October 9 - 16. I have a few questions, for those that live there currently ...
1. Which bus line is better Linea Dorado o FDN to go over night to Flores?
2. Does anyone use a van and driver service to make the night trip to Tikal instead of the bus?
3. Any recommendations for car rental company? I understand it's easier to take buses but we have time restraints so we prefer to drive.
4. Best spot to exchange USD to quetzales in Zona 1?
Thank you,
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zaqwsx
9/23/2016 20:42 EST
You are just asking for trouble to carry a pocket full of dollars anywhere in zones 1, 6 or 4 these days. U.S. dollars from $20.00 down no longer meet international counterfeit standards and few people will take them unless they are greatly discounting them. $100.00 bills have to be pristine and even then most banks want you to have an account with more than enough money in it should there be a problem. You need to use a visa card the 5-B machines are the safest. As to getting to Flores from the city Trump airlines flyes 4 times a day takes less than an hour and is not much more than an overnight bus. If you are going to stay at the park stay away form the Takel Inn (unless you want to rent out your kids) It seems to be into child sex now. If you want to rent a car go on line to www.holidaycars.com they are a swiss company but will get you much better rates than you will.
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zaqwsx
9/23/2016 21:20 EST
P.S. forgot you also asked about a van call Saul 4722 5500 he will rent you a 15 passenger micro-bus with driver by the day, week or month, Traffic and high jacks have gotten really bad you would be far better off with a van and driver for the week than a rental car.
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Alkamaro
9/23/2016 21:56 EST
Thank you. Just so that I'm clear, you are saying that < $20 USD bills are hard to exchange? I remember having to write down the serial numbers of $100 bills way back when. Thanks, for the info on flight, rental car and Saul. I'll be sure to give him a call. Appreciate your time
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AlPavarotti
9/23/2016 23:47 EST
Well as far as I know banks in guatemala only let you exchange dollars if you have an account there. At the airport Global Exchange as in the rest of the world will rip you off with their rate of exchange. Money Exchange houses don't operate in guatemala. However you can withdraw Quetzales at the banks ATM. I suggest you use the ones right outside a bank in case your debit car gets stuck which happens to me once. But I called the bank and they sent someone right away to let me retrieve my card. Keep in mind to bring an unlocked cell phone in case you want to buy a SIM card for about US$7 or you can buy a cheap cell phone which also comes with some air time. Good luck.
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iguanalover
9/27/2016 21:19 EST
Exchanging dollars has become difficult and expensive. Take the advise on the ATM, easier and cheaper.
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Alkamaro
9/27/2016 21:25 EST
Thanks,. are there exchange houses at the airport? I know it'll be a higher exchange rate but we fly out the next morning for Tikal at 6am and everything I've read says no banks or exchanging there.
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