» Money - First and most importantly keep in mind that MANY Guatemalans make less than $1US per day. Your waiter in Antigua is likely to make less than $500 per month. So, with that in mind, we can discuss the issue of money. Believe it or not, I have seen many visitors to Guatemala discuss the value of the currency in insensitive ways. Do not talk about it being "play money" or "only a Q100 bill" in front of Guatemalans. In the same spirit, try not to to be "shocked" when a store keeper,driver or other Guatemalan does not have change for a Q100 bill. To them it is a lot of money, try to carry smaller bills. Also, try not to laugh or show too much delight about "how cheap everything is". A nice dinner may only cost you $10 - $15, but it may take you waiter a full day of work to afford the same meal. In other words, be sensitive, be respectful. Guatemala is their country and they are proud of it.

» Negotiating Prices - You are EXPECTED to negotiate prices so don´t be shy. It is not uncommon for Guatemalans selling things to ask nearly double what they are actually hoping to sell an item for. Try negotiating and be willing to walk away, sometimes it is only then that you find out what they are really willing to sell an item for. However, use some common sense and courtesy too. If you are negotiating an item for Q20 and you want to buy it for Q15 try to keep in mind that the difference in price between what they are asking and what you are paying is approximately $0.65 to you and perhaps the price of a meager lunch to people in Guatemala. One couple I met was furocious in negotiating prices. It was important to them to know that the seller would be honest and give them the best price. However, after they negotiated they always paid the original price asked because they knew the price difference did not mean as much to them as it did the seller. There is really no rule of thumb here for what is right, just try to be concious of what it really means to both you and the seller.

» Tipping - Some places add 10% to your bill, others do not. I use it as a guide. If the service was terrible, you are not required to pay it, even if it was added to the bill. On the other hand, don´t be afraid to tip more! If your waiter was friendly and provided you with great service tip 20%. It will be completely unexpected and greatly appreciated. You just got a bargain on the meal almost anywhere you eat in Guatemala, the extra 10% is not going to kill you.

» Greeting People - Please read this one twice! Guatemalans are warm, friendly people. Much of their culture is built on interpersonal relationships. When you pass someone on the street try to remember to give them a warm smile and a friendly greeting (Buenos Dias until around noon, Buenos Tardes until dark and Buenas Noches the rest of the night) you will always get a greeting and a smile in return. WHATEVER you do, DO NOT ignore a greeting given to you. I am tired of hearing about Pinches Gringos (stuck-up foriegners) and even more sick of seeing them!!!

» Flyers - I never expected that I would need to comment on such a silly thing, but I have seen too much of it. Remember, you are in Guatemala. Yes, in the States I hate people who hand out flyers more than most ... BUT this is not the States or Europe. Here, passing out flyers is one of the few affordable ways to tell people about your business. If you do not want one, smile politely, say "No gracias" and don´t take one. The people handing them out are working hard to earn a living, not tring to attack you. If you do find yourself with an unwanted flyer remember, be curteous, fold it up and put it in your pocket until you can find a garbage can. DO NOT chase afer them trying to give it back or throw it on the ground (I have seen both many, many times)

» Being on time - If your host is Guatemalan, or many Guatemalans are expected to be in attendance, try to keep in mind that a watch is simply a piece of jewelry. Don´t expect others to show up on time and please, don´t show up early unless specifically told to do so. The exception is when the event is planned by a foriegner living here, sometimes they are actually serious about what time something starts. If in doubt, ask.

» Crossing Streets - This is not the States or Europe! Do not expect drivers to stop or even slow down while you cross. Be careful and try to stay out of the way of Guatemalan drivers!

» Taking Pictures - Do you like the Mayan woman´s dress? Want to take a picture of a cute child? Great! Two things though ... ask FIRST and offer them Q5. They may want more and you may be able to negotiate for less, just keep in mind Q5 is $0.65 US - try not to be too dificult, a model in the Sates or Europe would charge you much more!

» Busses and Park Benches - This should be universal, but we seem to have forgotten in the States and Europe. Please do not forget here in Guatemala ... Guys, if you see a woman standing, offer her your seat! Especially if she is elderly or pregnant.