{ "lastUpdated": "2026-09-18T11:20:40.603290-06:00", "date": "2026-09-18", "source": "Banguat rates and the FX reference are read live from our own feeds; bank websites are probed every run. Branch counts, fees and account-opening requirements are curated research - no Guatemalan bank publishes them machine-readably. Every block carries a `provenance` field. Read fetch_status before trusting lastUpdated.", "fetch_status": { "exchange_rate": "ok", "market_rates": "ok" }, "urlProbes": { "bi": { "url": "https://www.bi.com.gt", "verdict": "live", "detail": "HTTP 200", "checked": "2026-09-18" }, "banrural": { "url": "https://www.banrural.com.gt", "verdict": "live", "detail": "HTTP 200", "checked": "2026-09-18" }, "bam": { "url": "https://www.bam.com.gt", "verdict": "bot-hostile", "detail": "HTTP 403 to automated clients; alive in a browser, last human check 2026-08-05", "checked": "2026-09-18" }, "g&t": { "url": "https://www.gtc.com.gt/", "verdict": "live", "detail": "HTTP 200", "checked": "2026-09-18" }, "bac": { "url": "https://www.baccredomatic.com/es-gt/", "verdict": "bot-hostile", "detail": "HTTP 200 but the body is not readable by a machine; last human check 2026-08-05", "checked": "2026-09-18" }, "promerica": { "url": "https://www.promerica.com.gt", "verdict": "live", "detail": "HTTP 200", "checked": "2026-09-18" }, "ficohsa": { "url": "https://www.ficohsa.gt/", "verdict": "live", "detail": "HTTP 200", "checked": "2026-09-18" }, "vivibanco": { "url": "https://www.vivibanco.com.gt", "verdict": "live", "detail": "HTTP 200", "checked": "2026-09-18" }, "sib": { "url": "https://www.sib.gob.gt", "verdict": "bot-hostile", "detail": "HTTP 403 to automated clients; alive in a browser, last human check 2026-08-05", "checked": "2026-09-18" } }, "exchangeRate": 7.62938, "exchangeRateSource": { "source": "Banguat", "rateDate": "2026-09-18", "url": "https://www.banguat.gob.gt/variables/ws/TipoCambio.asmx", "provenance": "live", "note": "Banguat reference rate, read from our own exchange-rate feed." }, "exchangeRateNote": "USD figures use the Banguat reference rate Q7.62938 per USD, read from our own exchange-rate feed. The previous hardcoded Q7.72 was removed on 2026-08-05.", "marketRates": { "policyRate": { "rate": 3.5, "name": "Tasa Lider de Politica Monetaria", "nameEn": "Monetary Policy Rate", "lastChange": "2025-11-26", "direction": "cut", "history": [ { "date": "2024-06-26", "rate": 5.0 }, { "date": "2024-08-28", "rate": 4.75 }, { "date": "2024-11-27", "rate": 4.5 }, { "date": "2025-02-26", "rate": 4.25 }, { "date": "2025-05-28", "rate": 4.0 }, { "date": "2025-08-27", "rate": 3.75 }, { "date": "2025-11-26", "rate": 3.5 } ], "note": "Junta Monetaria sets this rate. Easing cycle since Jun 2024 (from 5.00%)." }, "systemAverages": { "activeGTQ": { "rate": 12.47, "name": "Tasa Activa Promedio MN", "nameEn": "Average Lending Rate (GTQ)", "note": "Weighted average, all banks, excludes credit cards" }, "passiveGTQ": { "rate": 4.18, "name": "Tasa Pasiva Promedio MN", "nameEn": "Average Deposit Rate (GTQ)", "note": "Weighted average, all banks" }, "activeUSD": { "rate": 6.89, "name": "Tasa Activa Promedio ME", "nameEn": "Average Lending Rate (USD)" }, "passiveUSD": { "rate": 3.42, "name": "Tasa Pasiva Promedio ME", "nameEn": "Average Deposit Rate (USD)" }, "spread": { "gtq": 8.29, "usd": 3.47, "note": "Active minus passive rate" } }, "inflation": { "annual": 0.96, "intermensual": -0.18, "target": { "min": 3.0, "max": 5.0, "tolerance": 1.0 }, "period": "Jan 2026", "note": "IPC variacion interanual (ritmo inflacionario). Below target range." }, "asOf": "2026-09-17", "source": "banguat.gob.gt", "sourceFeed": "/data/banks/interest-rates-latest.json", "provenance": "live", "realDepositRateGTQ": 3.22, "realDepositRateNote": "System average quetzal deposit rate (4.18%) minus reported annual inflation (0.96%). This is the number that tells you whether a savings account is holding its value; the headline rate on its own does not." }, "marketRatesNote": null, "dataHealth": { "reviewedOn": "2026-08-05", "live": [ "Banguat policy rate, system average lending/deposit rates and inflation (via /data/banks/interest-rates-latest.json)", "Exchange rate (Banguat, via /data/exchange-rates/latest.json)", "Liveness of every bank and regulator URL published here" ], "curated": [ "Branch and ATM counts (last checked 2026-02-23) - these are rounded orders of magnitude, not audited figures", "Fee schedules: ATM, wire and maintenance (last checked 2026-02-23)", "Account-opening requirements and process times (last checked 2026-02-23)", "FOPA deposit-insurance limit", "Per-bank interest rates inside the interest-rate feed itself (its own xlsParsed counter reports 0, so those rows are tarifario research, not a parse)" ], "knownLimitation": "Fees and requirements vary by branch and by customer profile, and were last checked in February 2026. Treat them as what to expect, not as a quote. SIB is behind a bot challenge, so none of the prudential figures here can be auto-refreshed.", "correctedThisPass": [ "BAC Credomatic website: www.bframericas.com (dead, and never BAC's domain) -> baccredomatic.com", "G&T Continental website: www.gtcontinental.com.gt (dead) -> gtc.com.gt", "Ficohsa website: www.ficohsa.com.gt (dead) -> ficohsa.gt", "Hardcoded exchange rate 7.72 -> live Banguat reference", "Banguat policy/market rates joined in; the feed previously listed paperwork but not a single interest rate" ], "deadLinksThisRun": {}, "unverifiableThisRun": { "bam": { "url": "https://www.bam.com.gt", "verdict": "bot-hostile", "detail": "HTTP 403 to automated clients; alive in a browser, last human check 2026-08-05", "checked": "2026-09-18" }, "bac": { "url": "https://www.baccredomatic.com/es-gt/", "verdict": "bot-hostile", "detail": "HTTP 200 but the body is not readable by a machine; last human check 2026-08-05", "checked": "2026-09-18" }, "sib": { "url": "https://www.sib.gob.gt", "verdict": "bot-hostile", "detail": "HTTP 403 to automated clients; alive in a browser, last human check 2026-08-05", "checked": "2026-09-18" } } }, "regulator": { "name": "Superintendencia de Bancos de Guatemala (SIB)", "website": "https://www.sib.gob.gt", "websiteNote": null, "depositInsurance": "FOPA (Fondo para la Proteccion del Ahorro) covers deposits up to Q20,000 per person per bank (about $2,621 at Q7.62938/USD).", "depositInsuranceProvenance": { "provenance": "curated", "retrieved": "2026-02-23", "legalBasis": "Ley de Bancos y Grupos Financieros, Decreto 19-2002", "note": "Not re-verified this run: sib.gob.gt answers a bot challenge to every automated client, so the figure could not be re-read at the source. Confirm with SIB before relying on it." } }, "banks": [ { "name": "Banco Industrial (BI)", "shortName": "BI", "website": "https://www.bi.com.gt", "founded": 1968, "rank": 1, "description": "Largest bank in Guatemala by assets and deposits. Most branches, best ATM network. Solid online/mobile banking.", "branches": 1600, "branchesNote": "1,600+ nationwide - found in every city and most towns", "atmCount": 2500, "atmNote": "2,500+ ATMs, largest network in Guatemala", "foreignerFriendly": "yes", "foreignerNotes": "Most recommended for foreigners. Staff in Z10/Z14 branches often speak English. Process is straightforward.", "accountOpening": { "requirements": [ "Valid passport (with at least 6 months validity)", "DPI (cedula) OR proof of legal residency", "Proof of address (utility bill, rental contract)", "Reference letter from home bank (some branches waive this)", "Minimum opening deposit: Q500-1000 (~$65-130)", "Source of income documentation (may be required)" ], "processTime": "Same day to 1 week", "accountTypes": [ "Cuenta de Ahorro (savings - quetzales)", "Cuenta de Ahorro Dolares (savings - USD)", "Cuenta Monetaria (checking)" ], "tips": "Go to a Z10 or Z14 branch for English-speaking staff. Bring all documents the first time." }, "onlineBanking": { "quality": "good", "app": "Bi en Linea", "appRating": 4.2, "features": [ "Transfers", "Bill pay", "Card management", "QR payments", "Token authentication" ] }, "mobileApp": { "name": "Bi en Linea", "ios": true, "android": true }, "fees": { "monthlyMaintenance": { "gtq": 0, "usd": 0, "note": "Free for basic savings" }, "ownATM": { "gtq": 0, "usd": 0 }, "otherBankATM": { "gtq": { "min": 5, "max": 10 }, "usd": { "min": 0.65, "max": 1.3 } }, "internationalATM": { "gtq": { "min": 25, "max": 35 }, "usd": { "min": 3.24, "max": 4.53 }, "note": "Plus your home bank fee" }, "wireTransferIn": { "gtq": 150, "usd": 19.43, "note": "International incoming wire" }, "wireTransferOut": { "gtq": 200, "usd": 25.91, "note": "International outgoing wire" } }, "services": [ "Savings accounts (GTQ & USD)", "Checking accounts", "Credit cards (Visa/MC)", "Personal loans", "Mortgage loans", "Insurance", "Investment funds", "Safe deposit boxes", "International transfers" ], "websiteProvenance": { "url": "https://www.bi.com.gt", "verdict": "live", "detail": "HTTP 200", "checked": "2026-09-18" } }, { "name": "Banrural (Banco de Desarrollo Rural)", "shortName": "Banrural", "website": "https://www.banrural.com.gt", "founded": 1998, "rank": 2, "description": "Second-largest bank. Focus on rural areas and agricultural lending. Most branches of any bank (3,500+) including remote villages.", "branches": 3500, "branchesNote": "3,500+ branches - by far the most, reaches every corner of Guatemala", "atmCount": 2000, "atmNote": "2,000+ ATMs, excellent rural coverage", "foreignerFriendly": "with_restrictions", "foreignerNotes": "Possible but more bureaucratic than BI. Rural focus means less English-speaking staff. Better for residents than tourists.", "accountOpening": { "requirements": [ "Valid passport", "DPI or residency permit strongly preferred", "Proof of address", "Reference letter from home bank", "2 personal references (Guatemalan nationals)", "Minimum opening deposit: Q200-500 (~$26-65)" ], "processTime": "1-3 days", "accountTypes": [ "Cuenta de Ahorro (savings)", "Cuenta Monetaria (checking)", "Cuenta de Ahorro Dolares (USD savings)" ], "tips": "Easier with a DPI/residency. The 2 personal references requirement can be a hurdle for newcomers." }, "onlineBanking": { "quality": "fair", "app": "Banrural App", "appRating": 3.5, "features": [ "Transfers", "Balance check", "Bill pay" ] }, "mobileApp": { "name": "Banrural App", "ios": true, "android": true }, "fees": { "monthlyMaintenance": { "gtq": 0, "usd": 0, "note": "Free for basic savings" }, "ownATM": { "gtq": 0, "usd": 0 }, "otherBankATM": { "gtq": { "min": 5, "max": 10 }, "usd": { "min": 0.65, "max": 1.3 } }, "internationalATM": { "gtq": { "min": 25, "max": 35 }, "usd": { "min": 3.24, "max": 4.53 } }, "wireTransferIn": { "gtq": 100, "usd": 12.95 }, "wireTransferOut": { "gtq": 175, "usd": 22.67 } }, "services": [ "Savings accounts (GTQ & USD)", "Agricultural loans", "Microfinance", "Remittance reception", "Bill payments", "Government payment processing" ], "websiteProvenance": { "url": "https://www.banrural.com.gt", "verdict": "live", "detail": "HTTP 200", "checked": "2026-09-18" } }, { "name": "BAM (Banco Agromercantil de Guatemala)", "shortName": "BAM", "website": "https://www.bam.com.gt", "founded": 1926, "rank": 3, "description": "One of Guatemala's five largest banks (Fitch, as quoted by BAM). 100 years old in 2026. Part of Grupo Cibest. Q48,204M assets (GFA, Q1-2026).", "branches": null, "branchesNote": "Not published by BAM (an unverified 400+ figure was removed 2026-08-31). BAM points to Red 5B ATMs and Mi Bamco agents for coverage.", "atmCount": null, "atmNote": "Not published by BAM (an unverified 800+ figure was removed 2026-08-31). ATM network is Red 5B.", "foreignerFriendly": "with_restrictions", "foreignerNotes": "BAM's published products condition passport-based opening on legal residency (Ahorro Pro/Depositos Monetarios); Cuenta Facil requires being Guatemalan with DPI. No published non-resident path — corrected 2026-08-31 against bam.com.gt product pages.", "accountOpening": { "requirements": [ "Cuenta Facil: Guatemalan with valid DPI, Q0 opening (digital)", "Ahorro Pro: DPI or passport (legal residents), Q301 or $50 opening, utility bill for current residence", "Depositos Monetarios: Q500/$500 opening, 2 beneficiaries, 2 references with phones, IVE-IR-01 form", "Income documentation per product page" ], "processTime": "Not published", "accountTypes": [ "Cuenta Facil (GTQ, digital)", "Ahorro Pro (GTQ or USD)", "Depositos Monetarios (GTQ or USD)", "Monetaria Remesas (GTQ)" ], "tips": "USD is a currency option on Ahorro Pro ($50) and Depositos Monetarios ($500) — BAM publishes no product named 'Cuenta Dolares'. Verified at bam.com.gt 2026-08-31." }, "onlineBanking": { "quality": "mixed", "app": "Bamapp Personas", "appRating": 3.2, "appRatingNote": "Google Play 3.2 / App Store 1.9, store listings read 2026-08-31", "features": [ "Transfers", "Bill pay", "QR payments", "Card management", "Notifications" ] }, "mobileApp": { "name": "Bamapp Personas", "ios": true, "android": true }, "fees": { "monthlyMaintenance": { "gtq": 0, "usd": 0, "note": "Q0 on Cuenta Facil and Monetaria Remesas per product pages (2026-08-31)" }, "ownATM": { "gtq": null, "usd": null, "note": "Sourced per Cuenta Facil page: first two 5B ATM transactions free, then Q5 per additional 5B transaction; Q7.00 for withdrawals outside Red 5B. NOTE: the Q10.00 on that page is the MONTHLY PAPER-STATEMENT DELIVERY charge, NOT an ATM tier - do not emit it as one. Full tarifario not machine-readable." }, "otherBankATM": { "gtq": null, "usd": null, "note": "Not verified at source — unverified Q5-10 range removed 2026-08-31" }, "internationalATM": { "gtq": null, "usd": null, "note": "Not verified at source — unverified range removed 2026-08-31" }, "wireTransferIn": { "gtq": null, "usd": null, "note": "Not verified at source — unverified Q125 removed 2026-08-31; confirm in Bamvirtual" }, "wireTransferOut": { "gtq": null, "usd": null, "note": "Not verified at source — unverified Q195 removed 2026-08-31; confirm in Bamvirtual" } }, "services": [ "Savings accounts (GTQ & USD)", "Checking accounts", "Credit cards", "Personal loans", "Business banking", "International transfers", "Remittance products" ], "websiteProvenance": { "url": "https://www.bam.com.gt", "verdict": "bot-hostile", "detail": "HTTP 403 to automated clients; alive in a browser, last human check 2026-08-05", "checked": "2026-09-18" } }, { "name": "G&T Continental", "shortName": "G&T", "website": "https://www.gtc.com.gt/", "founded": 1962, "rank": 4, "description": "Fourth-largest bank. Strong commercial banking. Merged Banco Continental. Good business services.", "branches": 300, "branchesNote": "300+ branches nationwide", "atmCount": 600, "atmNote": "600+ ATMs", "foreignerFriendly": "with_restrictions", "foreignerNotes": "Possible for foreigners but more paperwork required. Primarily serves Guatemalan businesses and individuals.", "accountOpening": { "requirements": [ "Valid passport", "DPI or proof of legal residency (strongly preferred)", "Proof of address", "Bank reference letter", "Personal references", "Minimum deposit: Q500 (~$65)" ], "processTime": "1-5 days", "accountTypes": [ "Savings (GTQ)", "Savings (USD)", "Checking" ], "tips": "More business-oriented. Not the first choice for expat personal banking." }, "onlineBanking": { "quality": "fair", "app": "G&T Contigo", "appRating": 3.8, "features": [ "Transfers", "Balance check", "Bill pay" ] }, "mobileApp": { "name": "G&T Contigo", "ios": true, "android": true }, "fees": { "monthlyMaintenance": { "gtq": 0, "usd": 0 }, "ownATM": { "gtq": 0, "usd": 0 }, "otherBankATM": { "gtq": { "min": 5, "max": 10 }, "usd": { "min": 0.65, "max": 1.3 } }, "internationalATM": { "gtq": { "min": 25, "max": 35 }, "usd": { "min": 3.24, "max": 4.53 } }, "wireTransferIn": { "gtq": 150, "usd": 19.43 }, "wireTransferOut": { "gtq": 200, "usd": 25.91 } }, "services": [ "Savings accounts", "Business accounts", "Credit cards", "Loans", "International transfers" ], "websiteProvenance": { "url": "https://www.gtc.com.gt/", "verdict": "live", "detail": "HTTP 200", "checked": "2026-09-18" } }, { "name": "BAC Credomatic", "shortName": "BAC", "website": "https://www.baccredomatic.com/es-gt/", "founded": 1952, "rank": 5, "description": "Part of BAC International Bank (Central America regional). Good credit cards, modern digital banking. Premium positioning.", "branches": 100, "branchesNote": "100+ branches, focused on urban areas", "atmCount": 300, "atmNote": "300+ ATMs, also accepts Visa/MC at other ATMs", "foreignerFriendly": "yes", "foreignerNotes": "Foreigner-friendly, especially for those with regional ties (Costa Rica, Panama, etc.). Good for credit cards.", "accountOpening": { "requirements": [ "Valid passport", "Proof of address", "Reference letter from home bank", "Minimum opening deposit: Q1000 (~$130)", "Source of income proof" ], "processTime": "1-5 days", "accountTypes": [ "Savings (GTQ)", "Savings (USD)", "Premium accounts" ], "tips": "Best credit card options. Good if you travel in Central America (branches in 6 countries)." }, "onlineBanking": { "quality": "good", "app": "BAC App", "appRating": 4.1, "features": [ "Transfers", "Card management", "QR payments", "Bill pay", "P2P transfers" ] }, "mobileApp": { "name": "BAC App", "ios": true, "android": true }, "fees": { "monthlyMaintenance": { "gtq": 25, "usd": 3.24, "note": "Some accounts have monthly fee" }, "ownATM": { "gtq": 0, "usd": 0 }, "otherBankATM": { "gtq": { "min": 7, "max": 12 }, "usd": { "min": 0.91, "max": 1.55 } }, "internationalATM": { "gtq": { "min": 25, "max": 35 }, "usd": { "min": 3.24, "max": 4.53 } }, "wireTransferIn": { "gtq": 130, "usd": 16.84 }, "wireTransferOut": { "gtq": 200, "usd": 25.91 } }, "services": [ "Savings accounts", "Credit cards (Visa/MC)", "Personal loans", "Premium banking", "Insurance", "Regional transfers (Central America)" ], "websiteProvenance": { "url": "https://www.baccredomatic.com/es-gt/", "verdict": "bot-hostile", "detail": "HTTP 200 but the body is not readable by a machine; last human check 2026-08-05", "checked": "2026-09-18" } }, { "name": "Banco Promerica", "shortName": "Promerica", "website": "https://www.promerica.com.gt", "founded": 1991, "rank": 6, "description": "Regional bank (Central America). Focus on personal banking and credit cards. Growing in Guatemala.", "branches": 80, "branchesNote": "80+ branches, mostly urban", "atmCount": 200, "atmNote": "200+ ATMs", "foreignerFriendly": "with_restrictions", "foreignerNotes": "Possible with residency documents. Less commonly used by expats.", "accountOpening": { "requirements": [ "Valid passport", "DPI or residency recommended", "Proof of address", "Bank reference", "Minimum deposit: Q500 (~$65)" ], "processTime": "1-3 days", "accountTypes": [ "Savings", "Checking" ], "tips": "Not the first choice for foreigners. Better options at BI or BAC (BAM only if you already hold legal residency)." }, "onlineBanking": { "quality": "fair", "app": "Promerica App", "appRating": 3.6, "features": [ "Transfers", "Balance check", "Bill pay" ] }, "mobileApp": { "name": "Promerica App", "ios": true, "android": true }, "fees": { "monthlyMaintenance": { "gtq": 0, "usd": 0 }, "ownATM": { "gtq": 0, "usd": 0 }, "otherBankATM": { "gtq": { "min": 5, "max": 10 }, "usd": { "min": 0.65, "max": 1.3 } }, "internationalATM": { "gtq": { "min": 25, "max": 35 }, "usd": { "min": 3.24, "max": 4.53 } }, "wireTransferIn": { "gtq": 125, "usd": 16.19 }, "wireTransferOut": { "gtq": 185, "usd": 23.96 } }, "services": [ "Savings accounts", "Credit cards", "Personal loans", "Vehicle loans" ], "websiteProvenance": { "url": "https://www.promerica.com.gt", "verdict": "live", "detail": "HTTP 200", "checked": "2026-09-18" } }, { "name": "Ficohsa Guatemala", "shortName": "Ficohsa", "website": "https://www.ficohsa.gt/", "founded": 2014, "rank": 7, "description": "Honduran bank expanded to Guatemala (acquired Banco Reformador in 2014). Growing network.", "branches": 120, "branchesNote": "120+ branches", "atmCount": 300, "atmNote": "300+ ATMs", "foreignerFriendly": "with_restrictions", "foreignerNotes": "Possible but not commonly used by foreigners. Primarily serves Guatemalan market.", "accountOpening": { "requirements": [ "Valid passport", "DPI or residency", "Proof of address", "References", "Minimum deposit varies" ], "processTime": "2-5 days", "accountTypes": [ "Savings", "Checking" ], "tips": "Not recommended as primary bank for foreigners." }, "onlineBanking": { "quality": "fair", "app": "Ficohsa App", "appRating": 3.4, "features": [ "Transfers", "Balance check" ] }, "mobileApp": { "name": "Ficohsa App", "ios": true, "android": true }, "fees": { "monthlyMaintenance": { "gtq": 0, "usd": 0 }, "ownATM": { "gtq": 0, "usd": 0 }, "otherBankATM": { "gtq": { "min": 5, "max": 10 }, "usd": { "min": 0.65, "max": 1.3 } }, "internationalATM": { "gtq": { "min": 25, "max": 35 }, "usd": { "min": 3.24, "max": 4.53 } }, "wireTransferIn": { "gtq": 130, "usd": 16.84 }, "wireTransferOut": { "gtq": 190, "usd": 24.61 } }, "services": [ "Savings accounts", "Credit cards", "Loans", "Insurance" ], "websiteProvenance": { "url": "https://www.ficohsa.gt/", "verdict": "live", "detail": "HTTP 200", "checked": "2026-09-18" } }, { "name": "Vivibanco", "shortName": "Vivibanco", "website": "https://www.vivibanco.com.gt", "founded": 1966, "rank": 8, "description": "Formerly Banco Internacional. Smaller bank focused on personal and SME banking.", "branches": 60, "branchesNote": "60+ branches", "atmCount": 100, "atmNote": "100+ ATMs, small network", "foreignerFriendly": "no", "foreignerNotes": "Not recommended for foreigners. Limited services and small branch network.", "accountOpening": { "requirements": [ "DPI required (passport alone usually not sufficient)", "Proof of address", "References" ], "processTime": "3-5 days", "accountTypes": [ "Savings" ], "tips": "Look at BI or BAC instead (BAM only if you already hold legal residency)." }, "onlineBanking": { "quality": "basic", "app": "Vivibanco App", "appRating": 3.0, "features": [ "Balance check", "Basic transfers" ] }, "mobileApp": { "name": "Vivibanco App", "ios": true, "android": true }, "fees": { "monthlyMaintenance": { "gtq": 0, "usd": 0 }, "ownATM": { "gtq": 0, "usd": 0 }, "otherBankATM": { "gtq": { "min": 5, "max": 10 }, "usd": { "min": 0.65, "max": 1.3 } }, "internationalATM": { "gtq": { "min": 30, "max": 40 }, "usd": { "min": 3.89, "max": 5.18 } }, "wireTransferIn": { "gtq": 150, "usd": 19.43 }, "wireTransferOut": { "gtq": 200, "usd": 25.91 } }, "services": [ "Savings accounts", "Credit cards", "Personal loans" ], "websiteProvenance": { "url": "https://www.vivibanco.com.gt", "verdict": "live", "detail": "HTTP 200", "checked": "2026-09-18" } } ], "atmInfo": { "generalInfo": { "currency": "Quetzales (GTQ) - most ATMs dispense Q100 and Q200 bills", "usdATMs": "Some ATMs in Z10/Z14 Guatemala City and Antigua offer USD withdrawal", "dailyLimit": "Typically Q3,000-5,000 per transaction (~$389-648)", "perTransactionLimit": "Q3,000-5,000 per withdrawal", "maxWithdrawals": "Usually 3-5 withdrawals per day" }, "acceptedCards": [ "Visa (most widely accepted)", "Mastercard (widely accepted)", "Cirrus/Maestro (most ATMs)", "Plus network (most ATMs)", "American Express (limited ATMs)" ], "fees": { "ownBank": "Free at your bank's ATMs", "otherGuatemalaBank": { "gtq": { "min": 5, "max": 10 }, "usd": { "min": 0.65, "max": 1.3 } }, "internationalCard": { "guatemalanBankFee": { "gtq": { "min": 25, "max": 35 }, "usd": { "min": 3.24, "max": 4.53 } }, "yourBankFee": "Check with your home bank - typically $2-5 per transaction", "exchangeRateMarkup": "1-3% on top of market rate" } }, "safetyTips": [ "Use ATMs inside bank branches or shopping malls (not street-facing)", "Avoid ATMs at night, especially in Zona 1 Guatemala City", "Cover the keypad when entering your PIN", "Be aware of your surroundings when withdrawing cash", "If an ATM eats your card, contact the bank immediately (bring your passport)", "Charles Schwab debit card reimburses all ATM fees worldwide - popular with expats", "Wise (formerly TransferWise) multi-currency card is excellent for Guatemala" ], "bestCardsForGuatemala": [ { "card": "Charles Schwab Investor Checking", "benefit": "All ATM fees reimbursed worldwide, no foreign transaction fee" }, { "card": "Wise Multi-Currency Card", "benefit": "Real exchange rate, low fees, hold GTQ balance" }, { "card": "Capital One 360", "benefit": "No foreign transaction fees" }, { "card": "Revolut", "benefit": "Good exchange rates, free ATM withdrawals up to limit" } ] }, "expatGuide": { "recommended": [ { "rank": 1, "bank": "Banco Industrial (BI)", "reason": "Largest ATM network, foreigner-friendly, best overall infrastructure" }, { "rank": 2, "bank": "BAC Credomatic", "reason": "Best credit cards, good if you travel Central America; still classified foreigner-friendly without restrictions" }, { "rank": 3, "bank": "BAM", "reason": "Only once you hold legal residency - BAM's published products condition passport-based opening on legal residency and it publishes no non-resident path (corrected 2026-08-31)" } ], "steps": [ "1. Gather documents: passport, proof of address (utility bill or rental contract), home bank reference letter", "2. Visit a branch in Zona 10 or Zona 14 Guatemala City (most likely to have English-speaking staff)", "3. Request to open a 'Cuenta de Ahorro' (savings account) - specify GTQ or USD", "4. Fill out forms (bring a pen, they sometimes run out)", "5. Make initial deposit (Q500-1000 depending on bank)", "6. Receive debit card same day or within 1 week", "7. Set up online banking (bring your phone to configure the app at the branch)", "8. Consider opening a USD account too if you receive income in dollars" ], "commonIssues": [ "Reference letter: Some branches waive this, others insist. Bring it just in case.", "DPI requirement: Some banks want a DPI (national ID). Without residency, your passport should work at BI. NOT at BAM - corrected 2026-08-31, BAM accepts a passport only from foreigners who are already legal residents, and publishes no non-resident opening path.", "Language barrier: Staff at Z1/rural branches may only speak Spanish. Z10/Z14 branches are more bilingual.", "Source of funds: Anti-money laundering rules mean they may ask about your income source. Be prepared.", "Closing an account: Can be bureaucratic. Keep minimum balance rather than closing if you might return." ], "digitalAlternatives": [ { "name": "Wise (TransferWise)", "type": "fintech", "notes": "Excellent for receiving USD and converting to GTQ at real exchange rate. Multi-currency debit card works at Guatemala ATMs." }, { "name": "Payoneer", "type": "fintech", "notes": "Good for freelancers receiving payments from international clients." }, { "name": "Revolut", "type": "fintech", "notes": "Works in Guatemala for ATM withdrawals and payments. Good exchange rates." } ] }, "metadata": { "banksCount": 8, "totalBranches": 5760, "totalATMs": 6000, "totalsNote": "Totals cover only banks that publish a figure; BAM publishes neither.", "countsProvenance": { "provenance": "curated", "retrieved": "2026-02-23", "note": "Branch and ATM counts are rounded figures from bank marketing material, not an audited census. Banrural's 'branches' in particular includes agent and kiosk points, not full branches. Do not present the sum as a national statistic." }, "foreignerFriendlyBanks": [ "BI", "BAC" ] } }