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Guatemala price guide

Prices in Guatemala in 2026: fair price vs tourist trap

Short answer: about average, if you pay what locals pay. Fair prices sit right around the 60-country median, while tourist prices are about 2.5× the fair price.

29 prices checked Apr – Aug 2026 7 verified and 22 estimates How I check

Fair prices at a glance

All 29 prices are also in the free app for iPhone and Android, and they work offline. Get it

One day in Guatemala: Q 178 or Q 466

About $23 or $61 a day.

The first number is what locals pay, the second what tourist spots charge for exactly the same day.

Same day, same things: the tourist version costs 2.6× as much.

Restaurant meal alone: Q 250, or 54% of the tourist-trap day.

+Q 288 (about $38) for the same day

What's in the day. Middle of each range
Item Fair (Q) Trap (Q)
Street food meal 22.50 60
Restaurant meal 100 250
Coffee (espresso) 14 57.50
Water 1.5 L 6.50 29
Local beer 22.50 47.50
Public transit ticket 2 rides 2 2
Short taxi ride about 1 km 10.50 20
Total 178 466
  • Sightseeing comes on top: a ticket to a top museum or attraction is Q 20 –⁠ Q 60 (about $2.60 –⁠ $7.90).
  • Accommodation is left out on purpose: it swings too much with the season and the night of the week for one honest number.

Where tourists overpay most in Guatemala

Tourist-trap price compared with the fair price, using the middle of each range.

  1. 1 Fridge magnet Fair Q 8 – Q 25 Trap Q 60 – Q 150 Tourist prices are about 6.4× the fair price
  2. 2 Water 1.5 L Fair Q 4 – Q 9 Trap Q 18 – Q 40 Tourist prices are about 4.5× the fair price
  3. 3 Printed T-shirt Fair Q 40 – Q 100 Trap Q 180 – Q 400 Tourist prices are about 4.1× the fair price

Check a price you were quoted

Pick what you are buying, type the price, and see where it lands.

about $2.60

Tourist-trap price

Fair Q 8 – Q 13 Trap Q 15 – Q 25

Q 20 is 1.9× the middle of the fair range (Q 8 –⁠ Q 13).

Tourists often get charged Q 15 –⁠ Q 25. From Q 15 you are paying the tourist-trap price.

In the app, every expense you log on a trip gets the same check, offline.

Fair vs tourist prices in Guatemala, item by item

What 29 everyday things should cost, and what tourists often pay instead. Typical for Guatemala City, Antigua, and Flores.

Show prices in
  • Fair price
  • Tourist-trap price
  • Verified
  • Estimate

Bars run from zero to each item's top tourist-trap price.

Food & drinks 8 prices, up to 4.1×

Restaurant meal: fair is Q 50 –⁠ Q 150. Above Q 150 you are on the tourist menu.

  • Water 0.5 L

    Bottled, convenience store

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 2.1× the fair price
    Fair Q 4 – Q 8 ≈ $0.52 – $1
    Trap Q 10 – Q 15 ≈ $1.30 – $2

  • Coffee (espresso)

    Cafe or street vendor

    Verified ·
    Tourist prices are about 4.1× the fair price
    Fair Q 8 – Q 20 ≈ $1 – $2.60
    Trap Q 35 – Q 80 ≈ $5 – $10

  • Local beer

    Draft, at bar or restaurant

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 2.1× the fair price
    Fair Q 15 – Q 30 ≈ $2 – $3.90
    Trap Q 35 – Q 60 ≈ $4.60 – $7.90

  • Restaurant meal

    Tourist area, main course

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 2.5× the fair price
    Fair Q 50 – Q 150 ≈ $7 – $20
    Trap Q 150 – Q 350 ≈ $20 – $46

  • Street food meal

    Local market or stand

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 2.7× the fair price
    Fair Q 10 – Q 35 ≈ $1.30 – $4.60
    Trap Q 40 – Q 80 ≈ $5 – $10

  • Cocktail at bar

    Mixed drink, bar

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 1.9× the fair price
    Fair Q 40 – Q 80 ≈ $5 – $10
    Trap Q 80 – Q 150 ≈ $10 – $20

  • Bottle of wine (restaurant)

    House wine, restaurant

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 1.8× the fair price
    Fair Q 100 – Q 160 ≈ $13 – $21
    Trap Q 200 – Q 280 ≈ $26 – $37

  • Fresh juice

    Cafe or street stall

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 2.1× the fair price
    Fair Q 10 – Q 25 ≈ $1.30 – $3.30
    Trap Q 30 – Q 45 ≈ $3.90 – $5.90
Transport 4 prices, up to 3.3×

Airport taxi to the center: fair is Q 70 –⁠ Q 130. At Q 200 or more, walk away.

  • Airport taxi to center

    Standard route

    Verified ·
    Tourist prices are about 3.0× the fair price
    Fair Q 70 – Q 130 ≈ $9 – $17
    Trap Q 200 – Q 400 ≈ $26 – $52

  • City taxi 1 km

    Metered or typical fare

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 1.9× the fair price
    Fair Q 8 – Q 13 ≈ $1 – $1.70
    Trap Q 15 – Q 25 ≈ $2 – $3.30

  • Public transit ticket

    Single ride

    Verified ·
    No real tourist markup
    Fair Q 1 ≈ $0.13
    Trap Q 1 ≈ $0.13

  • Private transfer (app)

    Grab / Bolt / Uber

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 3.3× the fair price
    Fair Q 60 – Q 450 ≈ $8 – $59
    Trap Q 500 – Q 1,200 ≈ $65 – $155
Souvenirs 3 prices, up to 6.4×

Fridge magnet: fair is Q 8 –⁠ Q 25. From Q 60 you are paying the souvenir-stall markup.

  • Fridge magnet

    Tourist shop

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 6.4× the fair price
    Fair Q 8 – Q 25 ≈ $1 – $3.30
    Trap Q 60 – Q 150 ≈ $8 – $20

  • Printed T-shirt

    Tourist shop

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 4.1× the fair price
    Fair Q 40 – Q 100 ≈ $5 – $13
    Trap Q 180 – Q 400 ≈ $24 – $52

  • Local handcraft

    Ceramics, textiles, etc.

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 3.8× the fair price
    Fair Q 50 – Q 250 ≈ $7 – $33
    Trap Q 250 – Q 900 ≈ $33 – $120
Daily essentials 6 prices, up to 4.5×

Tourist SIM: fair is Q 50 –⁠ Q 150. Above Q 150 it is the tourist-kiosk price.

  • Tourist SIM card

    Data package

    Verified ·
    Tourist prices are about 2.0× the fair price
    Fair Q 50 – Q 150 ≈ $7 – $20
    Trap Q 150 – Q 250 ≈ $20 – $33

  • Sunscreen SPF50

    Pharmacy or shop

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 4.1× the fair price
    Fair Q 40 – Q 100 ≈ $5 – $13
    Trap Q 180 – Q 400 ≈ $24 – $52

  • Water 1.5 L

    Supermarket

    Verified ·
    Tourist prices are about 4.5× the fair price
    Fair Q 4 – Q 9 ≈ $0.52 – $1.20
    Trap Q 18 – Q 40 ≈ $2.40 – $5.20

  • Cigarettes

    Pack of 20

    Verified ·
    No real tourist markup
    Fair Q 25 – Q 35 ≈ $3.30 – $4.60
    Trap Q 35 – Q 50 ≈ $4.60 – $6.50

  • Painkillers (paracetamol)

    Pack of 20 tablets

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 1.9× the fair price
    Fair Q 15 – Q 20 ≈ $2 – $2.60
    Trap Q 25 – Q 40 ≈ $3.30 – $5.20

  • Mosquito repellent

    Spray or lotion

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 2.1× the fair price
    Fair Q 30 – Q 85 ≈ $4 – $11
    Trap Q 90 – Q 150 ≈ $12 – $20
Services 4 prices, up to 3.3×

One-hour massage: fair is Q 150 –⁠ Q 350. From Q 400 you are paying for the address.

  • Men's haircut

    Local barbershop

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 3.3× the fair price
    Fair Q 20 – Q 100 ≈ $2.60 – $13
    Trap Q 150 – Q 250 ≈ $20 – $33

  • Laundry (per kg)

    Laundry service

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 2.4× the fair price
    Fair Q 40 – Q 85 ≈ $5 – $11
    Trap Q 100 – Q 200 ≈ $13 – $26

  • Massage (1 hour)

    Standard full-body massage

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 2.2× the fair price
    Fair Q 150 – Q 350 ≈ $20 – $46
    Trap Q 400 – Q 700 ≈ $52 – $92

  • Women's haircut

    Basic cut, salon

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 2.0× the fair price
    Fair Q 150 – Q 250 ≈ $20 – $33
    Trap Q 300 – Q 500 ≈ $39 – $65
Attractions 4 prices, up to 2.8×

Top museum or attraction: fair is Q 20 –⁠ Q 60. From Q 70, check that you are not buying through a reseller.

  • Top museum / attraction

    Entrance ticket

    Verified ·
    Tourist prices are about 2.8× the fair price
    Fair Q 20 – Q 60 ≈ $2.60 – $7.90
    Trap Q 70 – Q 150 ≈ $9 – $20

  • Half-day group tour

    Organized excursion

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 2.5× the fair price
    Fair Q 180 – Q 300 ≈ $24 – $39
    Trap Q 450 – Q 750 ≈ $59 – $98

  • Full-day group tour

    Organized excursion 6-8h

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 2.2× the fair price
    Fair Q 195 – Q 470 ≈ $26 – $62
    Trap Q 624 – Q 860 ≈ $82 – $115

  • Cooking class

    Local cuisine cooking class

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 1.5× the fair price
    Fair Q 250 – Q 350 ≈ $33 – $46
    Trap Q 400 – Q 500 ≈ $52 – $65

Converted at 1 USD = 7.638 GTQ, the rate on October 3, 2026. Approximate.

Money and tipping in Guatemala

Currency

Guatemalan quetzal (GTQ)

  • 1 USD = 7.638 GTQ

Rate as of October 3, 2026

Quick converter, GTQ to USD

$13

Approximate. Your card or exchange booth adds its own margin.

When a card terminal or ATM offers to charge you in your home currency, choose GTQ. The rate it offers is almost always worse.

Tipping in Guatemala

Tip around 10% in Guatemalan restaurants, service charges are rarely included. In tourist hubs like Antigua and Lake Atitlán, tipping is more expected; at local "comedores" (budget eateries), rounding up the bill is a thoughtful gesture.

Bargaining in Guatemala

Bargaining is an integral part of shopping at Guatemala's indigenous Mayan markets. Chichicastenango's Thursday and Sunday markets being the most famous. Negotiate with patience and a smile; vendors expect it and will often come down 30–50% from the opening price.

Fuel prices per liter

  • Gasoline Q 12.08 / liter ≈ $1.60
  • Diesel Q 13.34 / liter ≈ $1.70

Fuel prices as of

Scams and safety in Guatemala

No scam or safety notes in English for this country yet. I add them as soon as they are checked.

Emergency numbers in Guatemala

Not sure who you need? Call this one. 110 Police

Medical costs

  • Doctor visit Private clinic, general consultation without insurance $20 –⁠ $65 ≈ Q 155 –⁠ Q 495
  • Hospital night One night in a general ward without insurance $150 –⁠ $400 ≈ Q 1,150 –⁠ Q 3,060
  • Ambulance Emergency transport to hospital $50 –⁠ $250 ≈ Q 380 –⁠ Q 1,910
  • Dentist Check-up or basic treatment at a private practice $50 –⁠ $120 ≈ Q 380 –⁠ Q 915

Typical private prices a tourist pays without insurance.

Good to know before you go

Gestures and etiquette 1 note

Avoid politics & be formal

Don't discuss politics casually. Guatemala's civil war history is a deeply sensitive topic. Use "usted" (formal you) with anyone older or in a position of authority. Respect indigenous Mayan customs and never touch ceremonial objects without permission.

Buying souvenirs 1 note

Jade, Maya textiles & coffee

Jade jewelry has deep cultural significance in Guatemala, the Maya considered it more valuable than gold. Buy from reputable shops in Antigua. Hand-woven huipil textiles showcase centuries-old Maya patterns unique to each village. Antigua coffee is exceptional. Guatemalan chocolate, hand-painted ceramics, and worry dolls (muñecas quitapenas) are fun, affordable gifts.

Did you know? 4 notes

  • Tikal is one of the largest Maya archaeological sites, with temples rising above the jungle canopy. It inspired the rebel base in Star Wars.
  • Antigua Guatemala, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is surrounded by three volcanoes and is one of the best-preserved colonial towns in Latin America.
  • The ancient Maya in Guatemala are believed to have been the first to cultivate cacao and create chocolate drinks over 2,000 years ago.
  • Lake Atitlan is the deepest lake in Central America, reaching a maximum depth of 325 meters.

Cities these prices cover 3 cities

The prices on this page are typical for these cities and the tourist areas around them.

  • Guatemala City Ciudad de Guatemala
  • Antigua La Antigua Guatemala
  • Flores

How Guatemala compares

The TruePrice Index for Guatemala, next to the countries people weigh it against and its nearest neighbors, all on one scale. 100 is the median of the 60 countries I track.

  1. Ecuador 87 Prices about 11% lower than in Guatemala
  2. Dominican Republic 93 Prices about 5% lower than in Guatemala
  3. Guatemala 98 This page
  4. Colombia 100 About the same as in Guatemala
  5. Mexico 117 Prices about 19% higher than in Guatemala
  6. Costa Rica 175 Prices about 79% higher than in Guatemala
  7. United States 222 Prices about 2.3× as high as in Guatemala

Bars show each country's TruePrice Index. The dotted line marks Guatemala.

See all 60 countries in the TruePrice Index Browse every country guide

Common questions about prices in Guatemala

Is Guatemala expensive to visit?

Short answer: about average, if you pay what locals pay. Fair prices sit right around the 60-country median, while tourist prices are about 2.5× the fair price. On the TruePrice Index, Guatemala scores 98, the 27th cheapest of the 60 countries I track.

How much does a day in Guatemala cost, without flights and hotel?

Roughly Q 178 (about $23) a day at fair prices, or Q 466 (about $61) at tourist prices. That covers two meals, a coffee, a bottle of water, a beer, two transit rides and a short taxi ride. Sightseeing comes on top (Q 20 –⁠ Q 60 for a top museum or attraction), and accommodation is not included.

Do you tip in Guatemala, and how much?

Tip around 10% in Guatemalan restaurants, service charges are rarely included. In tourist hubs like Antigua and Lake Atitlán, tipping is more expected; at local "comedores" (budget eateries), rounding up the bill is a thoughtful gesture.

What currency does Guatemala use?

The Guatemalan quetzal (GTQ). On October 3, 2026, 1 USD was worth 7.638 GTQ. Card terminals and ATMs that offer to charge you in your home currency usually give a worse rate, so pay in GTQ.

How much is a meal and a beer in Guatemala?

A restaurant main course is Q 50 –⁠ Q 150 (about $7 –⁠ $20) at fair prices, while tourist menus charge Q 150 –⁠ Q 350. A street food meal runs Q 10 –⁠ Q 35. A local beer is Q 15 –⁠ Q 30 (about $2 –⁠ $3.90), or Q 35 –⁠ Q 60 in tourist bars.

How much money should I bring to Guatemala?

Budget roughly Q 178 (about $23) a day for food, drinks and getting around at local prices, or about Q 466 (about $61) at tourist prices. Add Q 20 –⁠ Q 60 for each major sight, plus your accommodation.

What is the emergency number in Guatemala?

If you are not sure who you need, call 110, the police line. Direct lines: ambulance 122, fire brigade 123.

Sources and method

Where these numbers come from, and how sure I am about each one.

Prices
29 items: 7 verified and 22 estimates
Checked
to
Exchange rate
1 USD = 7.638 GTQ,
Fuel prices
Cities
Guatemala City, Antigua, and Flores
Page updated

What the labels mean

Verified
Checked against recent local sources.
Estimate
Based on related prices and not yet confirmed.
Rough estimate
Thin data. Treat it as a ballpark.
Fair price
What locals typically pay.
Tourist-trap price
What tourists are commonly charged in tourist areas.
Markup
The middle of the tourist-trap range divided by the middle of the fair range. 3.0× means three times the fair price.
TruePrice Index
Fair prices for all 29 items compared with the median of the 60 countries I track. 100 is the median, 50 means half the median price and 200 twice it.

How to cite

TruePrice Index, October 2026, truepriceapp.com/en/trueprice-index/

Spotted a price that looks off? Email me at [email protected] and I will check it.

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