Power & Connectivity (SIM)

Guatemala uses 120V / 60Hz with Type A and Type B sockets (North American flat pins). Travellers from 220–240V countries need a Type A/B adapter, and a converter for devices that are not dual-voltage.

The main operators are Tigo (the largest) and Claro, with good 4G in cities and towns. Prepaid SIMs are cheap and sold at the airport, carrier shops and small stores; bring your passport, as ID is required to register. Top up credit at shops and kiosks.

If your phone supports eSIM, an international travel eSIM (such as Airalo) is a convenient option for Guatemala: buy one online before arrival and install it in minutes, with no physical SIM or shop visit. It is handy for staying connected the moment you land.

Free Wi-Fi is common in hotels, cafés and restaurants, and Antigua in particular has plenty of café workspaces. In rural areas connections can be slower or unstable, so a local SIM or eSIM helps on the go. Use a VPN on public networks for sensitive tasks like banking.

Guatemala has an open internet with no significant restrictions. All standard apps and services — messaging, social media, maps and streaming — work normally.

Handy apps include ride-hailing such as Uber and inDrive (available in Guatemala City), maps like Google Maps, a translation app, and PROATUR, the tourist assistance service. WhatsApp is the default way locals and businesses communicate.

Guatemala's country code is +502. App-based calls (WhatsApp, FaceTime and similar) are the most common way to keep in touch, and a local prepaid SIM makes domestic calls cheap. Save numbers in full +502 format so they work from any network.