Other Things You Need to Know

1. The Orphanage is isolated and it is a 3/4 hour bus ride to the nearest shopping mall (Tiakal Futura). This is where you will need to travel to use the phone and the internet and buy anything you need. You need to let family back home know that you may not be able to contact them for a couple of days.

2. UK mobile phones do not work in Guatemala! If you want to use your mobile, you are better off buying a Guatemalan sim when you get there.

3. You are not able to use the phone or internet at the orphanage for outgoing overseas calls. Family members are free to call you at the orphanage, but you need to go to Guatemala City to make calls home.

4. You can only change money at the airport or in Guatemala City, so it is a good idea to get yourself a few Quetzales before you leave home.

5. The taxi from the airport to the Orphanage will cost you about 70 Quetzales (about £5.00).

6. You can get cash from ATMs in Guatemala using a Visa or Mastercard. There are ATMs in both Tikal Futura and Antigua and this is probably the most hassle free way of getting money.

7. The buses are the cheapest way to travel. It costs 2 Quetzales to get to Tikal Futura (there are 13 Quetzales to £1.00). However beware of pick-pockets and watch your luggage - the buses are very crowded (three people to a seat and everyone else standing), a little uncomfortable but good value for money.