There are basically four ways to acquire Quetzales – and as you move through the options, you basically trade rate for convenience …………..

• Buy them before you get to Guatemala! We would recommend about $50 of what the Brits call “walking around money”. This should be sufficient for minor purchases, tips and the all important Q20 departure tax (although this can be paid in $ at the airport if you don’t have any currency left)
• The major banks will exchange at competitive rates – but BE AWARE that Guatemala practice is to pay employees with checks that need cashing at the bank. The consequence of this is enormous lines and waiting periods – it is quite normal to see a line stretch out of the bank and down the block of people waiting their turn (and that means you!) – So be prepared for at least an hour wait.
• At the Hotel, resort or operator – you should anticipate a premium of about 10% for this, although it can be more…………
• As mentioned above; buy some goods (supermarket, market for example) – pay in USD – receive Quetzales as change (Cambio). You can try to haggle the rate, but don’t waste too much time! It helps if you can speak some Spanish……..