🇬🇹 Guatemala Guide

How to Receive Money from the USA to Guatemala

Remittances make up 20%+ of Guatemala's GDP. Your family in the USA has many easy options to send money quickly and cheaply.

Best Transfer Services

Remitly

Minutes

Fee: Low (~$2–4)

Delivery: Banrural, Banco Industrial, or cash at agents

Best overall — fast, low fees, widely used

Western Union

Minutes

Fee: Moderate ($5–12)

Delivery: Cash pickup at Banco Industrial, pharmacies, Pago Fácil agents

Best for immediate cash pickup nationwide

Wise

1–2 days

Fee: Very low (0.5–1%)

Delivery: Bank transfer to Banrural or Banco Industrial in GTQ or USD

Best for large amounts — very low fees

Tigo Money

Minutes

Fee: Low

Delivery: Mobile wallet — pick up at Tigo agents nationwide

Good for smaller amounts without a bank account

Opening a Bank Account

  • • Banrural: Most accessible — accepts DPI or even indigenous IDs; has branches everywhere
  • • Banco Industrial (Bi): Largest bank — good for international transfers, requires DPI
  • • BAC Guatemala: Modern app, easy for receiving international transfers
  • • Tigo Money: Mobile wallet — no bank account needed, just DPI and Tigo SIM

What to Tell Your Family

  • • Your full legal name as on your DPI
  • • Bank name, account number, and routing info
  • • For Tigo Money: your Tigo phone number
  • • For cash pickup: the city and your full name
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