Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Guatemala City, Guatemala

1. Taxis Overcharging

Avoid getting overcharged by taxis in Guatemala City. Always agree on the price before starting your journey.

Price Negotiation: It's common to negotiate prices with taxis to avoid overcharging.
Shared Taxis: Consider using shared taxis (colectivos) for cheaper travel within the city.
Taxi Apps: Some taxi apps in Guatemala City provide pre-negotiated prices for a more hassle-free experience.

Be cautious of fake police officers who may try to extort money from you. Always ask for identification.

Identification Verification: Ask to see the officer's identification badge to confirm their legitimacy.
Police Stations: If unsure, take them to a police station for verification.
Avoid Isolated Areas: Avoid walking alone in isolated or dimly lit areas at night.

Protect yourself from ATM skimming by using well-lit, busy ATMs and covering the keypad while entering your PIN.

Well-lit ATMs: Choose ATMs that are in well-lit and busy areas to reduce the risk of skimming.
Cover Keypad: Always cover the keypad when entering your PIN to prevent shoulder surfing.
Monitor Accounts Regularly: Regularly monitor your accounts for any unusual activity.

Enjoy street food safely by sticking to popular and busy food stalls.

Popular Food Stalls: Choose street food stalls that are popular among locals and busy.
Food Preparation: Look for clean food preparation areas to minimize health risks.
Street Food Guides: Follow local food guides or recommendations for safe and delicious street food options.

Avoid fake guides by booking through reputable tour operators or hotels.

Reputable Tour Operators: Book tours through established and well-reviewed tour operators.
Hotel Recommendations: Ask your hotel for recommendations on guides or tours.
Check Credentials: Always check the guide's credentials and licenses before agreeing to a tour.

Avoid getting ripped off when exchanging money by using reputable exchange places.

Reputable Exchange Places: Use well-established and reputable currency exchange places.
Check Rates: Always check the current exchange rates before making an exchange.
Avoid Street Exchanges: Never exchange money on the street to avoid scams.

Avoid overpaying for souvenirs by negotiating prices and shopping at local markets.

Negotiation: Always negotiate the price of souvenirs before making a purchase.
Local Markets: Shop at local markets for cheaper and authentic souvenirs.
Avoid Tourist Shops: Avoid tourist shops as they often overprice their items.

Avoid donating to fraudulent charities by verifying the authenticity of organizations.

Verification: Verify the authenticity of charitable organizations before making a donation.
Donate through Established Channels: Donate through established and reputable channels such as tour operators or hotels.
Avoid Street Donations: Never make donations to individuals on the street to avoid being scammed.

Avoid getting ripped off when buying gold or jade by only purchasing from reputable shops.

Reputable Shops: Purchase gold and jade from well-established and reputable shops.
Check Certification: Ensure that the gold or jade you are purchasing is certified by a recognized authority.
Bargain Wisely: Always bargain wisely but be aware of the true value of gold and jade items.

Avoid falling victim to lost item scams by not returning found items to the finder.

Report Lost Items: Always report lost items to local authorities or your hotel.
Don't Return Found Items: Never return found items to the finder as they may be part of a scam.
Secure Your Belongings: Always secure your belongings when out and about in Guatemala City.

Avoid overpaying for accommodations by booking through reputable websites or agencies.

Reputable Booking Sites: Book accommodations through well-established and reputable online travel sites.
Hotel Recommendations: Ask for hotel recommendations from locals or trusted sources.
Negotiate Prices: Always negotiate prices for accommodations before agreeing to a booking.

Avoid friendly scams by being cautious when interacting with strangers who offer assistance.

Trust Your Instincts: Always trust your instincts and be cautious when engaging with strangers.
Stick to Known Areas: Stay in well-known and busy areas as much as possible.
Don't Share Personal Information: Never share personal information with strangers, especially financial details.

Protect yourself from pickpocketing by keeping your belongings secure and aware of your surroundings.

Secure Belongings: Keep your belongings secure, such as using a money belt or hidden pockets.
Avoid Distractions: Be aware of your surroundings and avoid distractions that could lead to pickpocketing.
Keep Valuables Hidden: Keep valuable items hidden, such as wallets and phones, in hard-to-reach pockets or a secure bag.

Avoid carjackings by parking in well-lit and busy areas and keeping your doors locked.

Parking Security: Choose secure parking lots or garages when possible.
Keep Doors Locked: Always keep your car doors locked, especially in traffic or at red lights.
Avoid Isolated Areas: Avoid parking in isolated areas, especially at night.

Avoid being scammed by street performers who demand payment. Observe their performances for free.

Observe Performances: Enjoy the performances without feeling obligated to pay.
Avoid Distractions: Be aware of your surroundings and avoid distractions during performances.
Ignore Demands for Payment: Simply ignore performers who demand payment after their performance.