Because im so nice, I’ll give you a list of things you should NEVER do in Guatemala (this is for anyone who is planning to visit Guatemala or for anyone who wants to know more about Guatemala)
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1. NEVER Take pictures of the locals without their consent
Some of the locals may be Mayan so it’s offensive to them because they believe a camera will take their soul. Always ask permission first if you want to take a picture of someone.
2. Don’t be scared of the police but also don’t trust them too much
Im gonna be honest with you, a lot of tourists say that the police there is great. Actually, the police there sucks badly, someone gets killed, all you have to do is pay/bribe the police and you’re free. They are suspiciously nice to tourists and some may ask for money/bribes on occasions. They do suck but the separate police department that’s dedicated to tourists is good, wish they served the locals like that.
3. Don’t assume that all the locals speak Spanish
Yes, I know Guatemala’s main language is Spanish and most of our population speaks Spanish but there are 24 languages, only 22 of them are Mayan languages.
List of languages: (all 24)
- Spanish
- Xincan languages
- Uspantek
- Tz’utujil
- Tektitek
- Sipakapa
- Sakapultek
- Q’anjob’al
- Q’eqchi’
- Poqomchi
- Poqomam
- Mopan
- Mam
- Kaqchikel
- K’iche’
- Jakaltek
- Ixil
- Itza
- Garífuna
- Chuj
- Ch’orti’
- Awakatek
- Akatek
- Achí
4. Don’t walk outside at night
Guatemala is known for their crimes of theft/robbery, kidnapping, and murder. It’s never a good idea to walk around at night in a foreign country. These crimes usually happen at around 10PM-3AM. If you’re ever gonna planning to go out at night I suggest using a cab or a tuk-tuk (kinda like a taxi) to be safer.
5. Don’t carry all your money everywhere
Theft/pickpocketing is only one of the most common crimes in Guatemala, so you should never carry all your money with you at all times. If you have a backpack, maybe strap it to your front to reduce your chances of getting robbed. 312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnDr70UpToW
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6. Don’t be scared of the locals
The locals are all usually very nice and friendly. They have good manners, are very polite, and respectful towards everyone. Like I said, mostly everyone is friendly so you don’t really have to worry of dealing with rude people.
7. Slang words you shouldn’t call anyone
Some of these words I’m gonna mention can be used with close friends but you should refrain from calling anyone you don’t know these words.
* Patojo (Pah-toh-hoh) - this word is usually used for teens or children and basically means “kid” but it can sometimes be used as an insult towards someone so you should refrain from calling every teen and child you see “patojo” because they may take it offensive.
* Cerote (Seh-roh-teh) - this word is mostly used with close friends as it means “buddy” or “dude” because you’re trying to be friendly in a jokingly way. You shouldn’t use this word towards strangers though because it can mean “idiot” or “pig” and may come out as an insult.
* Shute (Shoo-teh) - this is not really a word you should use with your friends either unless your jokingly using it. This word is like “nosy” and is usually used towards people who are gossipy and or stick their noses in things that are none of their concern.
* Chucho (Choo-choh) - this word usually is used towards dogs but can be used as if you’re calling someone a dog so I don’t recommend using it towards anyone.
* Burra/Burro (Boo-rah/Boo-roh) - can also be used towards friends as a jokingly way since it means “dumb” or “stupid” but you should never call strangers this because they will take it as an insult.
This is the end and if you want to know more just ask.
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