Need help, answer please....!!!?

Question

Hey guys, I'm leaving to Guatemala tomorrow.... It's a week trip, so many people had told me a lot of things, I want to know if they're true or not...

1) You can't drink water

2) You shouldn't bring your laptop

3) You shouldn't take a bus

4) The airport is in really bad shape

5) You should not trust the cabs

6) The people's kind, but could be dangerous too

7) There are gangs all over the place

8) The crime rate is high

I'm staying in Guatemala City four to six days, I've been there but on other situations (like an hour I must say), and now I've fear about it... I'm leaving tomorrow, so is that all true...??.... Help please...!!! Thanks to all of you....!!!

Answer 1

1) Depends on what area you are in. If you are scared or doubtful just buy bottles water, not a big deal.

2) Bring your laptop only if you want to, there is no absolute reason why you should bring it or not, it depends on if you want it or need it.

3) I live in Nicaragua and i don't even take buses, but it depends on you. You should just know to be careful because you can become an easy target for a pickpocketer.

4) Depends which one. Their main airport was recently upgraded to Category 1, which means it is no where near being in bad shape.

5) Don't trust unofficial cabs. Always bargain and ask how much to get you to point a to point b before you get in.

6) People are kind, others are dangerous, some are rich, others are poor.... its just as in any other country in the world.

7) Yes, this is true. Guatemala has the 2nd highest rate of gang members in Central America.

8) Unfortunately this is also true. Guatemala has the highest overall crime rate in Central America. Guatemala also has one of the highest murder rates in the world.

But, take proper precautions and you should be fine. Don't flash jewelery, items such as a cell phone, mp3, camera, ect, and if you, by any chance, do get robbed, just give them everything, the majority of robberies are with weapons. Stay away from the poorer neighborhoods and don't interact with any gang members. Other than that, Guatemala seems to be a great place, i've heard they have nice caves and snorkeling along the Caribbean coast.

Answer 2

You sound just like me the day before I left for Guatemala 4 years ago.  I've been twice (for about a month total).  I'll answer the questions as honestly as I can answer them.

1.  You CAN drink the water, but you will most likely get sick (diarhea).  Another think people don't think about is when you order a drink, don't get ice.  It's coming from the same place as the water.  I have family that lives in various places throughout the city and country and they have their water shipped in by a company.

2.  You can bring your laptop, but if you wear your case on your shoulder, you are making yourself a PRIME target for robbery.  Pack the laptop in your suitcase and don't take it out in public.

3.  If you take the chicken buses, you will most likely be fine.  However, these buses can be VERY dangerous and are frequently robbed.  I would avoid them at all costs, but most people who use them don't have any issues.

4.  The airport is fine.  It's not going to be state of the art, but it serves it's purpose.

5.  NEVER hail a cab from the street.  Use them from your hotel, but not from the street.

6.  The people are very kind and welcoming, but with society/poverty there are dangerous people.  Use common sense and you will be fine.

7.  There are gang's, but not all over the place.  You will most likely not be frequenting the part of the city/neighborhoods where they are most dangerous.

8.  The crime rate is extremely high, but with the proper precautions and common sense, you will be fine.

One thing I would add is that I wouldn't travel after dark.  The risk of being robbed skyrockets.  Don't be afraid, I traveled the country to very remote regions where I was the only gringo (or person over 6 feet tall) and I experienced nothing but kind and loving people.  Enjoy the trip.