Spanish School, Santa Maria Spanish School, Languages School, Guatemala, Quetzaltenango

Money Issues

ATMS
There are several ATMs throughout the central park in Quetzaltenango. Any extra fees depend on the cardholder's card company. The fees are low, there are many ATMs and students use them very often. The ATMs only dispense quetzals. The exchange rate received is only slightly lower than exchanging cash at the bank. The difference is so slight, that most students do not mind doing it. Make sure you’re ATM card will work internationally before you leave, and that you have a 4-digit PIN.

PAYING in EURO
We cannot accept Euro; the banks give a bad exchange rate as well. So it is better to convert the Euros to dollars in Europe. There is probably a 3% conversion, then from dollars to Quetzals another 3%, but in Guatemala Euros to Quetzals is probably an 8-12% conversion rate, and few banks offer Euro exchange.

PROBLEMS WITH BANK TRANSFERS
Please, email us confirmation of payment, along with details as soon as you have sent the money. Please include: the name of bank, the date and the amount of transfer. It is also extremely helpful if you include the name of the account which sent the money – sometimes it is different than the reservation name and we need to search to find out who sent us the money. In case the money is not received, you are ultimately responsible for paying the bill.

TRAVELER'S CHECKS
We accept traveler's checks; local banks do as well and one bank does not charge commission. Please note that banks in Antigua only take traveler’s checks in US denominations, and only checks in amounts of $100 or less (i.e. no $500 checks).

TIPPING
Tipping is NOT required, although greatly appreciated. You may tip the driver, maid, or cleaner directly. If you decide to tip, the amount is up to you. As we often have inquiries asking about the proper amount to tip, we suggest:

for the driver: 10-20 Q ($1-$3) per person
for the maid: 20-40 Q ($3-$6) per week, per room/apartment (for lodging at the school)
for the cook: 30-50 Q ($4-$7) per week, if meals are taken at the school

Arrival Issues

CONFIRMATION OF AIRPORT PICK-UP
Confirmation must be done 24 – 48 hours before each student’s arrival confirming their pick-up and arrival (only upon request). The information contained in this email includes whether there is airport pick-up, flight number, arrival time, flight company and a phone number in case of emergency.

HOME STAY ADDRESSES FOR STUDENTS
We know which families we will be using for the following week on Thursdays in the afternoon, because every Thursday morning the administration staff asks all the students if they would like to change their place of lodging. By the afternoon, the staff has a good idea which families will be available for the following week. In general, we do not give the family addresses out before we send out our final pick-up confirmation. In Guatemala ALL families are independent contractors and some students change their departure dates and lodging during the week. Therefore, we do not know until 3-4 days before a student’s arrival in which home they will stay.

If you MISS YOUR FLIGHT
If you are unable to make your flight and you have requested a pickup, please notify us IMMEDIATELY. If you are on a later flight, or coming to us at a later time, we can take care of the arragments with the person that will be picking you at the airport and coordinates the changes.
Lesson Issues

SAFETY issues

Regarding safety, in Guatemala go to:
http://www.guatemalaweb.com/1/guatemalasecurity.htm

Other Issues

MEDICAL INSURANCE/VISAS
Most minors under 18 traveling with valid passports need no special permission from their parents to enter or leave Guatemala. However, most citizens will need a visa for a stay longer than 90 days - that period can be extended for an additional 180 days upon application to Guatemalan immigration, which can be done right in Antigua. Recently, in an attempt to stay longer than 90 or 180 days, some foreign nationals, including U.S. citizens, have obtained false or fraudulent immigration stamps in their passports showing they left and re-entered Guatemala. Immigration officials have detained and fined several such individuals.

For medical insurance with US insurance carriers: The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. U.S. medical insurance plans seldom cover health costs incurred outside the United States unless supplemental coverage is purchased. Further, U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide payment for medical services outside the United States. However, many travel agents and private companies offer insurance plans that will cover health care expenses incurred overseas including emergency services such as medical evacuations. When making a decision regarding health insurance, Americans should consider that many foreign doctors and hospitals require payment in cash prior to providing service and that a medical evacuation to the U.S. may cost well in excess of $50,000. Uninsured travelers who require medical care overseas often face extreme difficulties. When consulting with your insurer prior to your trip, ascertain whether payment will be made to the overseas healthcare provider or whether you will be reimbursed later for expenses you incur. Some insurance policies also include coverage for psychiatric treatment and for disposition of remains in the event of death. Useful information on medical emergencies abroad, including overseas insurance programs, is provided in the Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs brochure,
Medical Information for Americans Traveling Abroad,
available via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page
or autofax: (202) 647-3000.

For non-US insurance carriers:
check with your own government/insurance carrier. There are a few international carriers which will give short-term medical coverage for travelers. While we do not recommend any specific company, there are a few links to help you get started:
http://www.worldtravelcenter.com/eng/index.cfm?affiliate=guateweb
http://www.cdc.gov/travel/camerica.htm (innoculation information)
http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/health/health_1185.html
http://www.internationalstudentinsurance.com