Skip to content
Lots of scams

Central America

Tourist scams in Guatemala

The main risks in Guatemala are theft, armed robbery, unsafe taxi rides and inflated fares. Phone theft is especially common, while some cash machines in Flores have reported fee and withdrawal problems. Risk varies by place: Antigua's centre is safer in daylight, and Flores island is described as very safe.
  1. 1 TheftVery commonPhone theftThieves steal phones. Phone theft is described as the country's most common crime. Showing phones, cameras or laptops can also draw attention to your other valuables.Public places across Guatemala 1Read
  2. 2 TheftCommonArmed robberyRobbers threaten people and demand their belongings. Some robbers may be off-duty police officers. Hikers have also been robbed, and some have been kidnapped on Volcán de Agua.Guatemala City, Antigua GuatemalaRead
  3. 3 Buses and trainsCommonRobbery and extortion on public busesGangs target public buses. Passengers and drivers face armed robbery, and the old red city buses are also associated with extortion.Guatemala City 2Read
  4. 4 TaxisCommonTaxi kidnapping and forced ATM withdrawalsA criminal driver picks up accomplices during the ride. They hold the passenger and may force them to withdraw money from an ATM.Street-hailed taxis across Guatemala 1Read
  5. 5 TheftCommonRoad robbery and carjackingCriminals target cars and tourist vans for robbery or carjacking. Travelling in a tourist vehicle does not remove the risk.Guatemala City 2Read
  6. 6 Airport and borderCommonBorder-area robbery and ransom demandsGangs target passing vehicles. They may rob people at gunpoint, take hostages and demand ransom. Foreign-registered vehicles stand out.Areas near Guatemala's borders with Mexico, El Salvador and Belize 2Read
  7. 7 TaxisCommonInflated taxi and tuk-tuk faresDrivers ask foreign visitors for more than the normal fare. In Antigua, drivers routinely charge extra when passengers have not agreed on a price before departure.Guatemala City, Antigua Guatemala 2Read
  8. 8 TaxisCommonUnlicensed or stolen white taxisSome white taxis are unlicensed or stolen. A vehicle looking like a taxi is not enough to establish that the ride is safe.Guatemala City 2Read
  9. 9 ShoppingCommonTourist markups on textilesTextile prices are raised for foreign visitors. The first asking price may leave room for bargaining.Flores 2Read
  10. 10 TaxisOccasionalTuk-tuk diversion to a robberySome tuk-tuk drivers have been blamed for taking tourists to isolated places to rob them.Antigua Guatemala 1Read
  11. 11 TheftOccasionalPickpocketing in crowdsThieves take wallets or other small valuables in busy crowds. Pickpocketing is described as less of a danger in Antigua than armed robbery.Antigua Guatemala 2Read
  12. 12 TheftOccasionalShopping bags cut openThieves use razor blades to cut shopping bags and remove the contents.Antigua GuatemalaRead
  13. 13 Cards and ATMsOccasional5B ATM fees and withdrawals after cancellationThese machines have reported high fees. Some transactions reportedly continue even after the user presses cancel.Flores 3Read
  14. 14 Cards and ATMsOccasionalBI ATM debit without cashSome MasterCard users report being charged for a withdrawal without receiving the cash. This may be a machine or transaction fault.Flores 2Read
  15. 15 Tours and guidesOccasionalVolcano operators downplaying dangerBusinesses may have outdated information about volcanic activity or may keep operating despite severe warnings to avoid losing business. Reassuring sales advice may leave visitors exposed to serious danger.Antigua Guatemala 1Read

Where to stay alert

  • Old red city buses, Guatemala CityAssociated with violent robbery and extortion against drivers and passengers.
  • Road from La Aurora International Airport, Guatemala CityCarjackings are reported on this road.
  • Zones 3, 6, 12, 18, 19 and 21, Guatemala CityIdentified as dangerous areas to avoid.
  • Zona 1 bus terminals near Museo de Ferrocarril, Guatemala CityThe area is described as unsafe, especially after dark. Use trusted transport to reach or leave terminals.
  • El Mercado, Antigua GuatemalaThieves have cut shopping bags with razor blades to steal the contents.
  • Semana Santa crowds, Antigua GuatemalaBusy holiday crowds increase the need to protect wallets from pickpockets.
  • Volcán de Agua, Antigua GuatemalaNumerous robberies and some kidnappings have occurred on hikes.
  • Cerro de la Cruz, Antigua GuatemalaRobbery risk makes visits outside daylight hours inadvisable.
  • Volcán de Fuego, Antigua GuatemalaTour businesses may keep operating despite severe eruption warnings.
  • Yellow 5B ATMs and the BI ATM on Flores islandReported problems include high fees, transactions continuing after cancellation and account debits without cash.
  • Textile shops and stalls, FloresPrices are raised for foreign visitors, so compare prices and bargain.
  • Border areas near Mexico, El Salvador and BelizeGangs target passing vehicles for armed robbery, hostage-taking and ransom.

Habits that keep you safe

Taxis

  • Ask your hotel or restaurant to arrange a trusted driver.
  • Agree on the total fare before a non-metered ride.
  • In Guatemala City, Taxi Amarillo can be booked on 1766; have the exact address and zona ready.
  • Check whether your hotel offers an airport shuttle. Airport taxis charge a higher fixed fare, which alone does not mean fraud.

Money

  • Carry a small spending wallet and keep reserve money separately.
  • Compare prices before buying textiles and souvenirs.
  • Bargaining is normal in open-air markets; chain shops have fixed prices.
  • Arrange cash before visiting smaller places, as not every tourist stop has an ATM or money exchange.

Cards and ATMs

  • Read ATM fees before accepting a withdrawal.
  • Check your account after a failed or cancelled transaction.
  • Keep receipts and record the machine location if anything goes wrong.
  • In Santa Elena, BAC Bank offers card cash withdrawals at the teller with a passport; no charge is described for that service.
  • Keep your card issuer's contact details available offline.

Your belongings

  • Keep phones and other expensive items out of sight in public.
  • Carry bags in front of you in crowded markets.
  • Keep your passport secure and carry a copy where appropriate.
  • Separate spare cards and money from your daily wallet.
  • Never fight an armed robber over belongings.

Nights out

  • Arrange your return transport before going out.
  • Ask bar or restaurant staff to call a known driver and confirm the fare.
  • Avoid walking alone in dark streets.
  • Avoid returning to your accommodation very late.

Tours and guides

  • For Volcán de Agua, choose an operator using a police escort or armed guards.
  • Visit Cerro de la Cruz only in daylight.
  • Ask about tourist police accompaniment for outings beyond Antigua's centre.
  • Check volcanic warnings independently and ask about cancellation plans.
  • Plan road transfers for daylight and use trusted providers.

What travellers say about Guatemala

Discussions on other sites, summarised in our words. Open a link to read the full thread.

Questions

What is the most common theft risk in Guatemala?

Phone theft is described as the most common crime. Keep your phone hidden when possible and step into a secure place before checking directions.

How can I get a safer taxi?

Ask your hotel or restaurant to arrange a trusted driver. Taxi Amarillo and Uber are options. Avoid unknown street-hailed taxis because some drivers have been linked to kidnapping and forced ATM withdrawals.

How do I avoid taxi and tuk-tuk overcharging?

Agree on the total fare before departure. Ask staff what the trip should cost and have them confirm it with the driver. In Antigua, failing to agree first can lead to fares 50–100% higher.

Are public buses safe?

Public buses are targeted by gangs. Guatemala City's old red buses are associated with violent robbery and extortion. Trusted transport arranged in advance is a better choice for a first-time visitor.

What should I know before using an ATM in Flores?

Yellow 5B machines have reported high fees and withdrawals continuing after cancellation. Some MasterCard users report BI ATM debits without cash. BAC Bank in Santa Elena offers teller withdrawals with a passport.

What should I watch for in Antigua's market?

At El Mercado, thieves have cut shopping bags with razor blades. Carry bags in front of you and keep money, cards and your phone somewhere separate.

Is bargaining normal, or does a high price mean a scam?

Bargaining is normal in open-air markets, and a high opening price alone does not prove fraud. Flores textile prices are raised for foreign visitors. Compare items and agree on a price before buying.

How can I reduce robbery risks on hikes near Antigua?

Choose a Volcán de Agua operator using a police escort or armed guards. Visit Cerro de la Cruz only in daylight. For Fuego trips, check eruption warnings independently and do not rely only on the seller's reassurance.

Are road trips and border areas a concern?

Yes. Carjackings and vehicle robberies are reported, including on the road from Guatemala City's airport. Areas near the borders with Mexico, El Salvador and Belize have risks of armed robbery, hostage-taking and ransom. Avoid these areas and night travel.

What should I do during an armed robbery?

Do not resist or fight. Give up what the robber demands. Once safe, report the incident, freeze stolen cards and contact your insurer. Contact your embassy or consulate if your passport is missing.

Reviewed by