GETTING AROUND

Arrival at La Aurora Airport
During your flight to Guatemala, you will be given a customs declaration form to fill out. You will turn this paper in to the migration officials when you arrive and receive your tourist card. You will be granted an automatic 90 day visa, which will be stamped on your passport. Be aware, if you arrive at night, the customs office at the airport may be closed. There is a VISA and debit card machine in the airport, upstairs on the top floor. We can arrange for you to be picked up at the airport for an overnight stay in Guatemala City.

Bus Information
Large Greyhound-style buses go back and forth between Xela and Guatemala City. From La Aurora Airport in Guatemala City, you can take a cab to the bus station.

Important Documents
Bring your passport, credit card, driver's license, travelers checks in U.S. Dollars, $70 to $100 USD in cash,($10 USD in singles), NOTE: Do not bring personal checks. You can pay your tuition in U.S. dollars, Quetzales, or travelers' checks. Make copies of your important documents. Leave a copy at home, and carry a copy with you.

Personal Items
As a precaution wear a money belt under your clothes. When you visit the markets, always be on your guard for pick-pockets. Pack carefully. You should bring a towel, swimming suit, mosquito repellent, sunglasses, alarm clock and a flashlight; a small lock for backpacks is highly recommended. You can buy shampoos, soap, tanning lotion, aspirin, tampons, contraceptives, etc., in town, but if you have a specific brand preference, you should bring those items along with you. Temperatures average 70oF (21oC) during the day year round. From the months of May through October, you must bring a raincoat. This is the rainy season, and it is usually sunny in the mornings, and cloudy and cooler in the afternoons. During the winter months of November through February, you will need a heavy wool sweater or a coat, and a sleeping bag if you have one. It is very cold from sundown to sunrise. Please be aware that most homes in Guatemala do not have heating.

Materials to Bring For Study
A dictionary that goes between your language and Spanish is an absolute must. Although English-Spanish dictionaries are readily available in Xela, the Scandinavian languages, Dutch and other language dictionaries are not available in Guatemala. For traveling purposes a small pocket-sized book is best, however, more advanced students who require a larger vocabulary may want something a bit larger and more complete. You don't need to bring notebooks, pens, paper, etc., as you can buy those materials in town.