Manners in Guatemala
Learn about cultural etiquette and manners of this country
Greetings
- Handshake
- Light embrace and cheek kiss (close acquaintances)
- Buenos días / Buenas tardes / Buenas noches
Etiquette
- Relatively relaxed about time; often late for appointments.
- Use honorific "Señor/Señora" with last name on first meeting.
- Moderate overt affection and loud voices in public places.
- Flowers or sweets are safe gift choices when visiting.
- Always ask permission before photographing indigenous people.
- Wear modest clothing at religious events and churches.
- Tipping culture exists, 10% standard at restaurants.
- Respect the person's home province and ethnicity, avoid careless comparisons or jokes.
- Don't display valuables on public transportation for safety.
- Price negotiation common for Maya textiles, but excessive haggling is rude.