Guatemala City, Guatemala

• Guatemala City sits at 4,900 feet in a valley surrounded by mountains and volcanoes. The city uses a zone system - you need to understand this because your safety depends entirely on which zone you're in. Zone 10 (Zona Viva) and Zone 14 have the restaurants, hotels, and security that make them workable for visitors.
• Crime rates are high here compared to Antigua or Lake Atitlán, which is why most people treat Guatemala City as an overnight stop rather than a destination. The safe zones are basically islands surrounded by areas you shouldn't go.
• Zone 10 has English speakers in tourist areas and hotels, but Spanish is necessary everywhere else. There's a 24/7 Tourist Assistance hotline (1500) with English speakers for emergencies. Never use street taxis or public buses - stick to Uber or hotel transport.
• Even in Zone 10, keep your phone out of sight, skip the jewelry, and stay aware. The museums are decent and there are good restaurants in Zona Viva, but after a day or two, most people head to other parts of Guatemala.

Spanish is the main language. Zone 10 tourist areas, upscale hotels, and Zona Viva restaurant staff speak English. Tourist Assistance (ASISTUR) at 1500 has English speakers 24/7. The U.S. Embassy has English-speaking staff. Outside Zone 10, very little English.

• People here dress conservatively, especially in the capital. Women usually wear long skirts, dress pants, or jeans - save shorts for the gym or pool. Bring a light sweater or shawl for sleeveless tops, particularly for churches or government buildings.
• Spanish is necessary - there's very little English outside Zone 10 tourist areas and upscale hotels. Download Google Translate and learn basic phrases. The emergency hotline (1500) has English speakers.
• Street harassment is common - catcalling, staring, comments. One study found every woman surveyed experienced it in Guatemala City, especially on public transport and in markets. Ignore it, don't respond, and head toward busier, well-lit areas.
• Eating alone is normal in Zone 10's upscale restaurants where tourists go. In local places you might get stares, but busy restaurants are generally fine during the day.

The first hour after landing is when you're tired, carrying everything, and easiest to take advantage of. Three things to sort before you fly:

• Your ride from the airport. A driver who meets you in arrivals, at a price fixed before you fly — no haggling at the taxi rank.

  Book an airport pickup

• Data the moment you land. Maps, ride apps and a way to call for help as soon as you switch your phone on. An eSIM installs at home.

  Get a good eSIM

• The emergency number. Tourist Assistance (ASISTUR) - English Speakers: 1500 or +502-2290-2810. Save it in your phone, not just on this page.

  All emergency contacts

• Uber is safe, reliable, and the recommended way to get around Guatemala City. Drivers are vetted and your route is tracked. It works well throughout the city and at the airport. Never use InDrive as it has reports of robberies and kidnappings.
• Avoid white street taxis completely - armed robberies are common. If you must take a taxi, only use Taxis Amarillo Express or Taxi Seguro arranged through your hotel.
• TransMetro is the bus rapid transit system with dedicated lanes and municipal police security. It's considered safe even at night, but avoid regular public buses (red buses/camionetas) as they have high rates of pickpocketing and violent crime.
• Never walk between zones or neighborhoods. Even the 'safe' zones are islands surrounded by dangerous areas. Always take Uber to get from place to place, especially after dark.
• If you're planning day trips outside the city, consider renting a car.

Explore Guatemala City with local guides and curated experiences.