About NealR2000

Status:

Preparing to Move Abroad 

Gender:

Male

Currently Lives:

Citizen Of:

United States

Dual Citizen Of:

United Kingdom

Some Forum Posts:

Guatemala: Shuttle Van To Panajachel:

It looks like you have received some excellent suggestions already but just in case you weren't looking for a private shuttle/driver, this route is well serviced by the public shuttles. The only minor drawback is that they require going via Antigua where you change from one shuttle to another. It's about $10 from the airport to Antigua, and about $25 between Antigua and Pana (these prices are per person). A private shuttle that runs directly between the airport and Pana will run about $100 (this price is for the whole shuttle).

Guatemala: OCRET Form:

I have Google searched but I cannot find the form online. I will be down next month and I guess I can just fill it in when I get there, but does anyone know if the form is online as I'd like to complete it before I arrive. I am aware of all the other stuff that goes with it, such as an environmental study, etc. Thanks.

Guatemala: exchange rate:

Well, there's the "rate" which can be seen anytime online, but that rate is the bank rate. In other words, what banks buy and sell to each other. Then there's small differences in what the average person on the street gets. This can vary. ATMs and credit cards typically get close to the bank rate. Walking into a bank and having them change your cash will get you a not-so-great rate. Street changers aren't as common these days, and they usually offer a slightly better rate than walking into a bank.

Guatemala: Shipping container USA to Pana:

We plan to have a shipping container move our possessions from the metro NYC area to Pan. I have two questions: 1. Does anyone know a reliable and fairly-priced company? 2. When the container clears Guatemala Customs, does the owner need to be present, or can the shipping company manage that process?

Guatemala: Calls to USA:

You have multiple choices of basically free calls. If you have T-Mobile, then you most likely have Wifi Calling. This means that if you have a reasonably good wifi connection, you can make and receive calls just as if you are in the USA. Your phone basically operates as if you are at home. Otherwise, there are several apps, sch as Skype, WhatsApp, Viber, Google Hangouts, Apple Facetime, etc. The only thing with these apps is that the calls are only free if the person you intend to connect with uses the same app.

Guatemala: Residential Internet Lake Atitlan:

We are in the early stages of setting up a home in the Santa Cruz area of the lake, and I have a question regarding home internet. From my multiple trips down there, I know that Internet/Wifi can be temperamental, but I've only experienced it at restaurants, hotels, and a couple of house rentals. Signals certainly seem to be better early morning, and then gradually weaken throughout the day once people start getting online. Now I've also heard that home internet packages are typically sold by bandwidth strength, whereby if you are prepared to pay a few extra Qs, you can get a reasonable enough signal for spotty Skyping and Netflix. Can anyone give me the low-down on such things in the Santa Cruz area?

Guatemala: Besides ..ANTIGUA ..?:

Besides Guatemala City and Antigua, there are fairly substantial expat communities around Lake Atitlan and Quetzaltenango. The Lake is a particularly desirable as a place to live.

Guatemala: Visiting Guatemala : tourist, cash requirement, etc:

There's no proof of cash requirement. It's quite possible that it exists in some immigration small print somewhere, but no such requirement is followed.

Guatemala: currency exchange:

ATMs will always give you a better deal.

Guatemala: coming long term this fall!:

I just want to echo the sentiments of the others who have replied. In general, Internet is generally faster and more reliable in Guatemala City and Antigua, but even there it can be problematic. The further out in the sticks you are, the worse it gets. Bottom line, whatever you are promised by landlord or ISP, the reality will be less. Peak times, like evenings can be painful as everyone tries to stream video. I would hate to be in a situation where by work was dependent upon a quality internet connection. It's aggravating enough as a general user.

Date Joined:

8/25/2015

Total Posts:

43

Posts/Day:

0.07