How to Call Guatemala from the USA: Step-by-Step Guide

To call Guatemala from the United States, you need to dial the US exit code, followed by Guatemala’s country code, and the local number.

Here is the general dialing format:
[US Exit Code] + [Guatemala Country Code] + [Local Phone Number]

Where:

• US Exit Code: It informs the carrier that the call is for an international number. In the case of the US, the exit code is “011”, which is generally denoted by “+” for mobile users and modern landline users.
• Guatemala Country Code: The country code represents the nation that the number belongs to. So, each country has its own code, and for Guatemala it is “502”.
• Local Phone Number: This is the recipient’s 8-digit Guatemalan phone number, entered exactly as it appears. Guatemala does not use area codes, and the first digit indicates the service type or region.

For example, if the local Guatemala number is 12345678, then you need to dial 011 502 12345678 when dialing from a landline and +502 12345678 if you are using a mobile phone.

Guatemalan phone numbers follow a simple and uniform structure, making them easy to recognize and dial correctly. All phone numbers in Guatemala are 8 digits long and use the same format nationwide, with no city or regional area codes.

This is because Guatemala uses a closed national numbering plan, so the phone number format does not change based on location. Whether the number belongs to a business or an individual, the structure remains consistent across the country.

The starting digit of a Guatemalan phone number often indicates the type of line. Numbers that begin with 2 are typically landline numbers, while numbers starting with 3, 4, or 5 are usually mobile phone numbers. This helps you quickly recognize whether you’re calling a business or a personal contact.

The dialing process to call Guatemala from the USA requires you to enter “011” or “+” as the exit code while using a mobile phone. On the other hand, for a landline phone, you have to enter “011” manually. Below are clear, step-by-step instructions to help you call a phone number in Guatemala from the United States using standard devices.

If you are using a standard home phone or an office desk phone, you must manually dial the exit code:

1. Pick up the receiver and wait for a dial tone.
2. Dial the US exit code 011.
3. Enter the country code of Guatemala, “502”.
4. Dial the 8-digit phone number.
5. Wait for the connection. It may take a few seconds longer than a domestic call.

Smartphones make international calling much easier by using the "plus" (+) symbol, which automatically replaces the 011 exit code, followed by the country code and phone number as usual.

1. Open your Phone app.
2. Hold the "0" key until the “+” sign appears on the screen.
3. Type 502 after the plus sign.
4. Dial the 8-digit local number.
5. Press the Call button.

When calling Guatemala from the USA, the best time is usually mid-morning to early afternoon in Guatemala, around 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM local time. This generally corresponds to late morning or early afternoon on the US East Coast and afternoon or early evening on the West Coast.

Here’s a table showing the time difference for each major US time zone, along with the most convenient times to place your call.

Note: Guatemala observes Central Standard Time (UTC-6) year-round and does not follow Daylight Saving Time. As a result, the time difference between Guatemala and the US time zones may change during the year when the United States is on DST. To avoid confusion, it’s recommended to double-check the current time difference with a world clock before placing your call.

Calling Guatemala from the United States using a traditional phone carrier typically costs between $0.15 and $1.50 per minute when no international calling plan is applied. These rates vary by carrier and are charged on a per-minute basis, meaning longer calls can quickly increase your phone bill.

For example, the standard pay-per-use international rate is about $1.99 per minute with Verizon, and around $3 per minute with T-Mobile. Plus, calls to Guatemalan mobile numbers are usually more expensive than calls to landlines.

So, many US carriers offer international calling plans or monthly add-ons. With these plans, calling rates to Guatemala are often reduced to around $0.05 to $0.20 per minute, and some unlimited international plans include Guatemala at no additional per-minute cost. These options are especially beneficial for frequent or long-duration calls, as they provide more predictable and affordable pricing.

Using calling cards and subscribing to VoIP services are alternative ways that cost less than traditional carrier calls.

International calling cards are a budget-friendly option for occasional calls to Guatemala from the US and work on both landlines and mobile phones. Rates typically range from $0.02 to $0.10 per minute, depending on the provider and whether you’re calling a landline or mobile number. They are ideal for one-time or short calls without needing a monthly plan or internet access.

VoIP services like Google Voice allow you to call Guatemala using an internet connection instead of a traditional phone line. Many providers offer monthly subscriptions ranging from $5 to $15, while pay-as-you-go rates can be free or as low as $0.01–$0.05 per minute. These services use virtual phone numbers that route the calls over the internet, helping reduce costs even if the calls are international.

You can call Guatemala from the US for free using internet-based calling apps like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, WeChat, and Viber. However, both you and the person you’re calling should have the app installed with an active internet connection.

These apps use Wi-Fi or mobile data instead of traditional phone networks, which means there are no per-minute charges. Plus, texts, voice and even video calls are completely free, but call quality depends on internet speed.

Calling Guatemala from the US is simple once you understand basics like the US exit code, Guatemala’s country code, and the local phone number format.

There are several ways to place a call, including traditional carriers, international calling plans, calling cards, VoIP services, and free internet-based apps. Each option offers different costs and levels of convenience.

Whether you’re calling occasionally, staying in touch with family, or managing business communication, there’s a method that fits your needs. Use this guide to choose the right option and start calling contacts in Guatemala from the United States confidently.