Packing list for Guatemala, travel insurance for Guatemala, and taking your belongings

What to take with you to Guatemala: spotlighted

Featured items:

• Documents: passport that is valid for at least 6 months upon arrival. An online and/or offline copy of your passport is always useful.
• Money: not just a mouthful of Guatemalan quetzales, but also some in your wallet for the first few days. You can use your debit card almost everywhere, but cash is useful for tips and taxis.
• Care: sunscreen and sunscreen with a high factor.
• Outdoor and handy items: cap or hat and sunglasses for sunny days and a backpack, rain cover and rain gear for rain showers (more about rain gear and waterproof clothing).
• Clothing: light clothing for lovely summery warm weather. An extra layer for the evening. Are you going to higher areas? Bring warm clothing. And a swimsuit or bikini for all swimming adventures.
• Shoes: hiking boots and sandals/flip-flops (more about travel sandals, tevas or open shoes). Medicines and travel kit: a small first aid kit with plasters, painkillers and ORS (dehydration is a thing).
• Safety: money belt or fanny pack for your valuables.
• Technology and equipment: world plug with type A & B (see also world plug or travel plug) and a power bank for power outages.

What are some other options for packing as well?

• Reusable water bottle with filter, because tap water is technically drinkable, but often tastes strange.
• Quick-drying travel towel.
• E-reader or offline entertainment – ​​certainly nice if the power goes out.
• International drivers permit, if you want to rent a car.

Are there mosquitoes in Guatemala?

• There are mosquitoes in Guatemala and depending on where you are they are more or less annoying.
• Most mosquitoes are found in rural coastal areas. In the higher regions there are a lot less.
• There is also a big difference between the number of mosquitoes in the dry season and the rainy season.
• Mosquitoes can transmit various nasty diseases.

Are there sandflies in Guatemala?

• Sand flies are mainly found in the coastal areas, especially the Caribbean coast.
• Leishmaniasis is a risk in Guatemala.

Can you buy DEET, or other mosquito repellents, in Guatemala?

• Mosquito repellents are easily available in Guatemala in the big cities. “Off” is a popular product.
• However, the prices can be a lot higher.
• So it is cheaper to bring your own product, and you also have more choice.

Can you buy a joint or weed in Guatemala, or take it with you to Guatemala?

• An easy answer: cannabis is illegal (including medical cannabis) and there are severe penalties for anything that has to do with it, including import.