Information for banking and other service in Antigua Guatemala for Travelers

1. Banking in Antigua Guatemala
Yolkobsens have found that there are often short- and long-term issues when relying on ATM machines in
Guatemala. Antigua Guatemala has it's own quirks when it comes to getting your hands on your own cash, but
in general the service is pretty good.
The best place to get cash fast is at the ATMs located across from south side of the Central Park, the main square
that is the focal point of Antigua Guatemala. Whether looking for a cash machine, in need of shoe shine or just
wanting a friend or acquaintance to talk to, this is the place. Eventually, everyone you know in Antigua
Guatemala will cross that park at some point during any given day. Well, most days.
As I mentioned, the ATM machines, particularly across from the park, are quite reliable. And most of them have
uniformed guards stationed nearby or inside with shotguns at the ready. Like most gringos, I'm of two minds
about the presence of militia-like guards at banks, ATMS, pharmacies and riding sentry over beer delivery
trucks, to name a few examples. On the whole, though, I think it makes me feel pretty safe and the ATMS
generally burp out money at a good, fast pace without too many glitches.
But like everywhere else in the country, there are some days when they all just conk out. That's why it's always
good to keep a small stash of American dollars with you at all times. The American greenback, though it's seen
stronger days, still talks big time.
Reliable as the bank machines are in general, the ones in the booths, i.e., where you have to use your card to get
into the little kiosk that houses the machine, can be tricky to navigate sometimes. In fact, when the partying at
night (and there is plenty of late-night partying in Antigua Guatemala) reaches a certain excitement level, these
ATM stalls, shall we say, are used as, well, public urinals. Sorry. There's no nice way to say this.
So before you put down your groceries, packages of souvenirs, child or whatever, as you rummage for your ATM
card, make sure the area in front is dry,especially if you are wearing sandals. And actually, given the history of
any such space you'd be better off not to put anything down on that surface. Otherwise the service is excellent
and when you step out you still have the beautiful Parque Central and the rest of Antigua Guatemala for
compensation and for spending your hard-earned Quetzales.