About FrancescaW

Currently Lives:

Citizen of:

Some Forum Posts:

Guatemala: S.A. Corporation:

It is something of a nightmare to be honest and involves several trips to Guate. You really need to find a good accountant and lawyer to help. I believe it took us 3-6 minths!

Guatemala: moving to Guatemala:

Very best thing is to come and rent. That way you are not tied to any place or home. Give yourself time to adjust and explore, even rent in different places, talk to local Guatemalans as well as local foreigners. It sounds to me like Lake Atitlan might be a better starting point. And if not there then one of the areas outside of central Antigua. The Lake is one of the safest areas in Guatemala...and right now....in the world I think! Even around the Lake every single village is very different, so here there is something for everyone we say! Best of Luck - I don't believe you will regret moving down here!

Guatemala: Airport to Pana:

All public shuttle to Pana go through and stop in Antigua so about 4 hrs. There is one at 11.30am but I doubt you will make that. Then the next is at 2.30pm. If you don't want to wait, just take a taxi or one of the public shuttles at the airport saying Antigua for $10pp. Got there and spend a few hours there until the 4pm shuttle to Pana. You can probably leave your bags in the transport agency office.

Guatemala: More information about expats in Guatemala:

There are 3 public shuttles a day that go via Antigua. These can be booked on line via ATItrans' website. The leave the airport at 6am, 11am and 2pm. They take approx. 4 hrs due to stop in Antigua and costs approx. $22pp.

Guatemala: Safest to raise children:

I would seriously consider Lake Atitlan. Theee are lots of foreign families w kids and bi-lungual schools following the USA curriculum. One of, if not, the safest place in Guatemala.

Guatemala: Thinking about living in Guate:

How wonderful that you wish to move here. Best advice though is not to move lock, stock and barrel without coming here first to check out the different regions. Xela is a big City...might be too busy for you....sounds like Lake Atitlan might be more up your alley?! Come down for a few months, travel around, stay in Antigua, Xela and the Lake (the Lake itself has 12 villages, each one very different, so best to try and visit and stay in as many as possible!) It is a magical place; I first came here in my late 20's and kept on coming back and have lived in Xela and Antigua, but now live Pana on the Lake. There is something for everyone here. But for sure come and check it out first. Good Luck!

Guatemala: Costs of building a house near Lake Atitlan:

Hi - We too own a real estate business and have a fabulous house in Pana ready to walk into for $110,000, fully furnished, papers all in order. Just send me a pm and I can send you the link if you are interested. But to be honest, don't go buying anything without having spent some time down here, in particular at the Lake area as each village and area is so different. The very best is to come and rent for several months to get the feel and lay of the land. We are happy to help now as well as once you get here. The Lake is a truly amazing and magical place - you won't regret moving here! Best, Francesca

Guatemala: Residential Internet Lake Atitlan:

Hi Best thing really is to ask the other foreigners who have houses over there. We manage a couple of houses there and for that house we use Cristobal, based in Pana. There is also Carlos Tzul, also based in Pana. These are the only two unless you get a much more expensive satellite type deal from a provider in the US. But best to ask around Sta Cruz. As VERY much depends where you are located in Sta Cruz! Good Luck!

Guatemala: A ...Nice LAKE studio?:

Hi there. There are various rental agents around the Lake, we are one of them Mayan Lake Realty (www.mayanlakerealty.com) Please take a look as we have a few places we can offer you, depending on whether you want WiFi internet, internet via a usb mobile device, or internet is not necessary! Please take a look at our site and email me: francesca (at) mayanlakerealty.com. In particular look at tour budget listings. Also take a look at Century 21 site too; we are the agents for them here at the Lake: www.antiguafinehomes.com. Happy to answer any questions! Best wishes and look forward to hearing from you. Francesca (Wade)

Guatemala: Local Bank Advice:

The most secure bank generally is Banco Industrila, probably followed by BAM. But, as a foreigner you cannot open an account unless you have a 'sponsor', someone with a DPI. A few years ago foreigners could open accounts with GyT, their rates are higher than others, but don't think she needed a 'sponsor'! There is a limit as to how much you can wire into Guatemala due to laundering...be sure to make an arrangement with the bank so that you can have a higher limit, before you open the account. In Pana all of these 3 banks have branches and on-line banking facilities. Good Luck!

Date Joined:

7/2/2013

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90

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