Money in Guatemala

Dealing with money is always an adventure. Luckily, we have had no problems accessing our Canadian accounts via ATMs. We have found that as long as we visit the ATMs in the morning, on a weekday, we will be able to get money. This was not the case for everyone. Over the Christmas season, bank machines countrywide ran out of cash. For a period of about two weeks, the only way to access money was to go into a bank and withdraw from a credit card. Fortunately, we had few expenses during this time and had some cash on hand. Other travellers had to leave the country.
Yesterday we had a later start than anticipated towards Honduras. We were still about an hour from the border and half an hour from sunset. After dark at a border crossing in unfamiliar territory is always risky, so we decided to stay in Chiquimula, Guatemala for the night. Unfortunately, we planned for our Quetzales to last just to the end of that day. Our extra day in the country meant we needed more money. Off to an ATM. Strike one, the machine is empty. Strike two, a few blocks down the street...empty. Strike three, there is definately money in this machine because there are about 25 people in line to use it. Steve waits inside the bank to change some money, and I get in line outside at the ATM. We will see who can get to the front of the line faster. Each person in my line is taking about 10 minutes at the machine, ridiculous. And, there is a diesel Pepsi truck running, parked right beside the lineup. (Vehicle emissions, that´s a whole other topic!)Anyway, about 30 minutes later Steve comes out the bank, successfully having changed, what!? $10? And after a further 15 minutes, we are able to withdraw sufficient money for another day. Whew. Adding insult to injury...every restaurant and shop that we went to after that accepted VISA!