How to Call Guatemala
Complete guide to dialing Guatemala (country code +502)
Planning to connect with someone in Guatemala? Whether you're calling family, coordinating business, or booking your next adventure, understanding how to call Guatemala properly will save you time and frustration. This comprehensive guide walks you through everything you need to know about calling Guatemala from anywhere in the world. We'll cover step-by-step dialing instructions, highlight common mistakes that can prevent your call from going through, and share essential phone etiquette tips to help you make a great impression. You'll also discover useful numbers to keep handy, from emergency services to customer support lines. By the end of this guide, you'll have the confidence to make successful calls to Guatemala every time, avoiding unnecessary charges and connection issues along the way.
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Quick Reference
Dialing Instructions
Understanding Guatemala's Dialing Format
Guatemala's country code is +502, and all phone numbers consist of 8 digits. Unlike many countries, Guatemalan numbers don't have a leading zero to drop when dialing internationally, making the process straightforward.
International Dialing Structure
The basic format for calling Guatemala is:
Exit Code + 502 + 8-digit Phone Number
Your exit code depends on your location—it's the prefix that connects you to international lines.
Dialing from Different Countries
From the United States or Canada:
- Dial 011 (exit code)
- Dial 502 (Guatemala country code)
- Dial the 8-digit phone number
From the United Kingdom:
- Dial 00 (exit code)
- Dial 502 (Guatemala country code)
- Dial the 8-digit phone number
From other countries:
Replace the exit code with your country's international prefix (commonly 00, 011, or +).
Practical Dialing Examples
Example 1 - Calling a Guatemala City landline from USA:
Guatemala number: 2334-5678
Dial: 011-502-2334-5678
Example 2 - Calling a mobile number from UK:
Guatemala mobile: 5512-3456
Dial: 00-502-5512-3456
Example 3 - Calling a landline from Australia:
Guatemala number: 7789-4567
Dial: 0011-502-7789-4567
(Australia's exit code is 0011)
Example 4 - Using the + symbol:
From any mobile phone worldwide: +502-4456-7890
(The + symbol automatically applies your country's exit code)
Important Tips
- Guatemalan mobile numbers typically start with 3, 4, or 5
- Landlines often begin with 2, 6, or 7
- There's no trunk prefix (leading zero) to remove
- Always dial all 8 digits after the country code
- The + symbol works universally on mobile phones and replaces exit codes
Following these steps ensures successful connections to any Guatemalan number from anywhere worldwide.
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Common Mistakes
When calling Guatemala, avoid these common mistakes that can prevent your call from connecting:
Using the wrong exit code: Many callers forget that the exit code varies by country. If you're calling from the US or Canada, dial 011 before +502. From the UK, dial 00. Alternatively, using + (available on mobile phones) works universally and eliminates this confusion.
Including a leading zero: Guatemala's phone numbers don't have leading zeros, but if you see one listed, never dial it when calling internationally. Drop any zero that appears before the local number.
Confusing the country code with an area code: Guatemala eliminated area codes in 2004. The country code +502 is followed directly by an 8-digit local number. Don't add extra digits thinking they're area codes.
Adding unnecessary spaces or dashes: While spaces help readability (like +502 1234 5678), entering them while dialing can cause errors on some phone systems. Dial continuously without pauses.
Not checking if it's a mobile number: Guatemala mobile numbers start with specific digits (usually 3, 4, or 5). Knowing this helps verify you have the correct number format before dialing.
Cultural Etiquette
When making phone calls in Guatemala, understanding local customs helps create positive connections. Guatemalans value politeness and personal relationships, which extends to telephone communication.
Always begin calls with a warm greeting. "Buenos dĂas" (good morning), "buenas tardes" (good afternoon), or "buenas noches" (good evening) are essential before stating your purpose. For business calls, maintain formality by using "usted" (formal "you") and titles like "Señor" or "Señora" until invited to be more casual.
Business calls should occur during working hours, typically between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Avoid calling during lunch hours (1:00-2:00 PM) when many people take breaks. Personal calls are acceptable in early evenings, but avoid calling after 9:00 PM unless it's urgent or you have a close relationship.
Guatemalans appreciate relationship-building, so expect some small talk before discussing business matters. Rushing immediately into topics may seem rude. Take time to ask about the person's well-being and family.
Voice messages should be clear and polite. State your name, reason for calling, and contact information. Many Guatemalans prefer speaking directly rather than leaving messages, so be prepared to call back multiple times.
Cell phones are widely used, but be mindful that the person calling typically pays for the call. Keep conversations reasonably brief unless the other party encourages longer discussion. Patience and courtesy always take precedence over efficiency in Guatemalan phone culture.
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Emergency Numbers
Police: 110 or 120
Fire Department: 122 or 123
Ambulance: 125 or 128
Tourist Assistance (INGUAT): 1500 – Available 24/7 with English-speaking operators to help tourists with emergencies, complaints, or information
Red Cross: 125
Civil Protection (CONRED): 1566 – For natural disasters and major emergencies
All emergency numbers are toll-free and can be dialed from both landlines and mobile phones throughout Guatemala. However, response times may vary significantly between urban and rural areas. English-speaking operators are generally available through the tourist assistance line (1500), but other emergency services primarily operate in Spanish. It's advisable to have a Spanish-speaking person assist with calls when possible. Keep your hotel's contact information handy, as staff can help coordinate emergency services. All services operate 24/7.
Useful Numbers
Directory Assistance & Information Services
- 1524: National directory assistance for local phone numbers
- 1555: International directory assistance and operator services
Tourist Services
- 1500 (INGUAT): Guatemala's official tourist information helpline, available in Spanish and English for travel inquiries, complaints, and assistance
Embassy Contacts
- US Embassy: 2326-4000
- Canadian Embassy: 2363-4348
- UK Embassy: 2367-5425
Other Useful Numbers
- 1551: Time and date information
- 147: Consumer protection hotline (DIACO)
- 1530: Ministry of Public Health information line
- 128: Red Cross non-emergency line
Note: When calling Guatemala from abroad, dial your country's exit code + 502 (Guatemala's country code) + the local number. Most helplines operate during business hours (8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday-Friday).
Tips for Calling Guatemala
When calling Guatemala, remember the country operates on Central Standard Time (UTC-6) year-round with no daylight saving changes. To catch someone during business hours, aim for 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM local time, with most offices working 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday through Friday.
For international calls, coordinate your timing carefully. If you're calling from the US East Coast, Guatemala is one hour behind; from the West Coast, two hours ahead. Midday calls (10:00 AM-2:00 PM Guatemala time) typically work best for business communications.
Always schedule business calls in advance—Guatemalans value punctuality and professional courtesy. Avoid calling during lunch hours (12:30-2:00 PM) when many businesses close temporarily.
Key dates to avoid include Holy Week (Semana Santa), Christmas week, and New Year's Day. Also skip calling on public holidays like Independence Day (September 15).
For clearer communication, speak slowly and avoid idioms if there's a language barrier. Many business professionals speak English, but having a Spanish speaker available helps. Consider using video calls when possible, as visual cues aid understanding. Test your connection beforehand to ensure good audio quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
The country code for Guatemala is +502. You need to dial this code before the local phone number when making international calls to Guatemala from anywhere in the world. This code identifies Guatemala in the international telephone numbering system.
To dial Guatemala from your cell phone, start with the plus sign (+) or your country's international access code, then dial 502 (Guatemala's country code), followed by the 8-digit local phone number. For example: +502 XXXX XXXX.
Guatemala does not use leading zeros in its phone numbers. Guatemalan phone numbers are 8 digits long and do not start with zero, so there is no zero to drop when dialing internationally to Guatemala.
The cheapest way to call Guatemala is using ZippCall, which offers affordable pay-as-you-go international calling rates. With ZippCall, you can call from your web browser, iPhone, or Android device with no contracts, no subscriptions, and no hidden fees—just transparent, low-cost rates for calling Guatemala.
In Guatemala, the main emergency numbers are 110 for National Police, 122 or 123 for Fire Department, and 128 for Red Cross ambulance services. The general emergency number 911 is also available in some areas for all emergency services.
Yes, you can call Guatemala directly from your web browser using ZippCall. Simply visit the ZippCall website, enter the Guatemalan phone number you want to call, and connect instantly without needing to download any software or apps.
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