FAQs

FAQS

How safe is Guatemala?

PLFM have not had any safety concerns on our tours or services. Students need to follow the advice of the staff, tour leaders as well as taking common sense precautions. Most travelers visit Guatemala without incident.

What vaccinations are required to travel to Guatemala?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website provides recommended and/or required vaccinations for each country. The government of Guatemala requires proof of yellow fever vaccination only if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever.

You should see a health-care provider at least 4-6 weeks before your trip to allow time for your vaccines to take effect.
There is a relatively low risk of malaria for travel to Guatemala. Talk to your doctor about how you can prevent malaria while traveling.

What are the Passport or visa requirements for American citizens traveling to Guatemala?

U.S citizens are permitted to stay in Guatemala up to 90 days without a visa. Citizens for other countries may be limited to 30 days. You can contact the Guatemalan embassy or your country’s embassy to length of time that you can stay in Guatemala.

What do I need to bring to the school?

PLFM Spanish School will provide you school material such as: pen, pencil, notebook, flash cards, grammar books, dictionaries, some material you need to return it by the end of your studies.

What should I bring to the host families?

Students should bring all personal care products such as hair dryers, soap, shampoo, hair condition, towels, toothpaste, brushes, and toilet paper, in general toiletries.

What is the climate like in Guatemala?

Guatemala has a lovely climate year round. The rainy season occurs from May to mid-November. Fluctuations in weather are usually due to escalating altitudes, but warm temperatures are normally found throughout the country. Northern Guatemala features a hot, tropical climate with the majority of the rainfall occurring between May and September.

What is the currency of Guatemala? Where should I change my currency?

Guatemala’s local currency is the “Guatemalan Quetzal” (GTQ). Dollars can be changed at the banks in Guatemala, there are some exchange houses in the airport but the exchange rate is lower. Many businesses accept dollars (only in perfect conditions) around the current exchange rate. ATM machines are available in various regions throughout Guatemala, especially inside hotels, drugstores, next to the banks and malls.

Do not arrive in Guatemala without any cash as ATM machines can be down or fail to accept your card. It is wise to check with your bank ahead of time to confirm that your card will work overseas. Debit cards and credit cards are becoming more acceptable at major stores; however, they are still not accepted as widely as in your home country or in most of the local or handicraft markets. Some ATMs charge a fee for using your credit or debit card.

How many weeks does the school recommend to take lessons to be fluent in Spanish?

PLFM Spanish School recommends the following to reach the level that you need:

04 weeks = Beginner level
08 weeks= Intermediate level
13 weeks= Advance level

This is subjected to change depending on the interest of the student and the hours dedicated to study.

Official Guatemalan Holidays
(NO CLASSES)

New Year´s Day – Dec.31st (afternoon) and Jan 1st
Easter – Holy Thursday and Good Friday
All Saint day – November 1st
Christmas – Dec 24th (afternoon) and Dec 25th