Guatemala, with its rich Mayan heritage and stunning landscapes, beckons travelers from around the globe. However, the excitement of exploring this Central American gem can quickly be dampened by unexpected roaming charges. Let's delve into the intricacies of roaming in Guatemala and explore smart solutions to keep you connected.

Are There Roaming Charges in Guatemala?

Yes, roaming charges do exist in Guatemala for international travelers using their home network's service. When you use your regular SIM card from your home country in Guatemala, you're essentially borrowing the infrastructure of local Guatemalan networks. This convenience comes at a price, often in the form of hefty roaming fees imposed by your home network provider.

When Do Roaming Charges Apply in Guatemala?

Roaming charges in Guatemala typically kick in the moment your device connects to a local Guatemalan network. This can happen as soon as you turn on your phone after landing or crossing the border. These charges apply to various services including making or receiving calls, sending text messages, and using mobile data. It's crucial to note that even seemingly passive activities like receiving a call or a text can incur charges, catching many travelers off guard.

Roaming Fees and Charges in Guatemala

Disclaimer: Prices and plans are subject to change. Always check with your provider for the most up-to-date information.

Here's a breakdown of roaming charges and plans for some major international carriers for the Guatemala:

EE (UK): [1]

• Making a call: £1.80 per minute

• Receiving a call: £1.80 per minute

• Sending a text: 60p per text

• You'll need to purchase a data add-on upon arrival

Vodafone (UK): [2]

• Making a call: 60p per minute

• Receiving a call: 36p per minute

• Sending a text: 8p per text

• Internet: 12p per MB

O2 (UK): [3]

• Making a call: £2 per minute

• Receiving a call: £2 per minute

• Sending a text: 50p per text

• Internet: £7.20 per MB

Orange: [4]

Orange Holiday Guatemala package limited to 14 days for €24.99:

• 10 GB in 4G/LTE

• Calls NOT included

• Messages NOT included

Movistar (Spain): [5]

• Internet: €12.10 per MB

• To Spain or local numbers: €3.03 per minute + €1.94 connection fee

• To other destinations: €4.83 per minute + €1.94 connection fee

• Receiving calls: €3.03 per minute + €1.94 connection fee

• Sending SMS to any destination: €1.21 per SMS

• Sending MMS to any destination: €4.84 per MMS

KPN (Netherlands): [6]

• Internet: €2.50 per MB

• Making a call: €2 per minute

• Receiving a call: €1 per minute

• Sending a text: €0.30 per text

Rogers (Canada): [7]

• $15.00 per 10 MB

• $0.75 per text

• $3.00 per min

• or $15.00 per day - Pay the daily fee and use your own plan (Maximum 20 days per billing cycle)

Telstra (Australia): [8]

$5 AUD per day for "International Day Pass"

• 2 GB data

• Unlimited calls/SMS

Verizon (USA): [9]

• $2.05 per MB

• $1.79 per min

• Travel Pass: $10 per day to use your own plan

T-Mobile (USA): [10]

• $5 per day: 512MB data, unlimited calling

• $35 for 10 days: 5GB data, unlimited calling

• $50 for 30 days: 15GB data, unlimited calling

Keep in mind that these charges can add up quickly, especially for longer stays, making alternatives like Roamless eSIM an attractive option for many travelers.

How to Avoid Roaming Charges in Guatemala

You can also read our guide on how to avoid roaming charges for more details. Here are some tips:

• Turn off data roaming in your phone settings before arrival.

• Connect to Wi-Fi whenever possible for internet access.

• Use messaging apps like WhatsApp or Signal for communication over Wi-Fi.

• Explore Global eSIM options like Roamless for flexible, cost-effective connectivity.

Roamless eSIM in Guatemala

Roamless eSIM offers a modern solution to the roaming conundrum, particularly well-suited for travel in Guatemala:

• No Speed Throttling: Enjoy full-speed data, essential for navigation and real-time communication in Guatemala's diverse landscapes.

• Pay-As-You-Go Flexibility: Only pay for the data you use, perfect for varying usage needs during your Guatemalan adventure.

• Never-Expiring Funds: Unused data doesn't disappear, ideal for return trips or onward travel to other Central American destinations.

• Multi-Country Compatibility: Seamlessly use the same eSIM across multiple countries without switching plans.

• Local Network Speeds: Experience the same data speeds as local users, crucial for tasks like video calls or streaming.

By leveraging these features, Roamless eSIM enables you to stay connected in Guatemala without the anxiety of mounting roaming charges. This technology aligns perfectly with the needs of today's international travelers, offering a blend of convenience, cost-effectiveness, and reliable connectivity.

Visit our eSIM Guatemala page or read our guide on the best eSIM for Guatemala before planning your travel.

Sources:

[1] https://ee.co.uk/help/mobile/roaming/roaming-costs/countries/guatemala

[2] https://www.vodafone.co.uk/help-and-information/costs-and-charges/travelling-abroad

[3] https://www.o2.co.uk/international/using-your-phone-abroad

[4] https://travel.orange.com/en/buy-a-sim/offers/guatemala/esim

[5] https://www.movistar.es/tarifas-moviles/roaming/#Guatemala

[6] https://www.kpn.com/mobiel-abonnement/bundels/buitenland.htm#bundels_tarieven

[7] https://www.rogers.com/mobility/roaming#searchbar

[8] https://www.telstra.com.au/international-roaming#eligible-destinations

[9] https://www.verizon.com/support/international-services-pricing/

[10] https://www.t-mobile.com/cell-phone-plans/international-roaming-plans/unlimited-calling-data-pass