About budman22

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Some Forum Posts:

Guatemala: Transportation Questions:

I would recommend a private auto the first time. My wife and I hire a young man named Ruben Matta to take us to Guatemala City. When we first arrived he also took us on day long sight seeing trips. He's a very nice, married man who speaks excellent Engish and is most helpful. rubentravels@gmail.com 502-5065-2447 Good luck

Guatemala: Attorny fees:

My wife and I are in the process of buying a house just outside Antigue and have been advised to retain an attorney. We have been quoted a fee but have no idea if it's reasonable? Has anyone been in the same situation and if so, what is a fair fee?

Guatemala: Long term rental:

My wife and I are moving to Guatemala early next month and are interested in renting long term or perhaps purchasing. We are interested in the Antigue but it has come to my attention that rates are rising quickly and may soon be beyond our means. Could anyone recommend an alternative location in the area where the rental and purchase prices might be acceptable. About $600 per month US or about 100K US for purchase.

Guatemala: A little help:

My wife and I will be arriving in Antigue on Dec. 12th and spending about a month. On Dec. 17th we have a meeting scheduled in Guatemala City and would like help finding a driver/guide for the day. Do you know any reliable English speaking guides?

Guatemala: A little help:

I have been trying without success to reach Betty Lopez by phone from the US. Does anyone have an Email address for Ms. Lopez?

Guatemala: Driving:

My husband and I drove from Little Rock to Panajchel Guat in December. A few things: Make sure you have copies of passport, driver's license and car registration. If you don't hold the title to your vehicle, you will need a letter from the finance company with permission to take vehicle out of country. They will likely require proof of insurance for that country before allowing. The policy I got for three weeks in MX was about $220. Never did find a place to buy insurance for Guat. Depending on day of week the part of the boarder crossing in MX where you take care of car, etc. doesn't open until 9 am. Do the passport and declaration first (two separate lines) you will need that before you can do the car. MX will charge a $450 deposit which you will get back when you come back through, plus some other small fees. In Guat I think the fee for the car registration is about $20. Not refundable and there was another small charge leaving. In MX you can exchange dollars for pesos in the boarder control office. Couldn't do that on a Saturday in Guat. Had to exchange with one of the "helpers" hanging around. First thing in Guat you have to have your car fumigated and it will cost 17Q - won't take dollars or pesos. The area around the Guat boarder crossing is very congested and a bit hard to find. Didn't look like a boarder crossing. Do not do this alone - a navigator and a good map are essential. Do not count on MapQuest or the directions you get through Bookings.com. A compass is also a good idea. Many of the roads are not marked very well and periodically you will find yourself in a place where it is hard to figure out how to proceed. When you get into a city the streets are not well signed. In many cases the street name will be on a small plaque on a building near the intersection. We got lost every time trying to find our hotel. Trick is to hail a cab, one of you get in the cab and the other follow to the hotel or wherever you are trying to go. Very inexpensive and saves a lot of time and frustration. We followed the coast for the most part, staying overnight in Tampico, Boca del Rio, Villahermosa, then down to San Cristobal de las casa and into Guat at Mesilla. Some parts of the road are great others are horrible. Allow much more time than you think it is going to take. At one point, it took us 3 hours to travel 72 miles. Watch the road, at one point coming down a winding mountain road our lane was completely caved in with no warning - which is why it is a good idea not to travel after dark. And, there are multiple speed bumps in every town most not well marked. Also be prepared to pay a lot of toll charges. I think we spent about $150 all together. I would stay in Comitan instead of San Cristobal - noisy, uncomfortable beds in different hotels coming and going. A good night's sleep is important - the driving is hard. Also make sure you get gas before too low as you may have to go a long stretch before finding a station. And take water and snacks with you as you may not find someplace you care to eat or won't have time trying to get from point A to point B before dark. The main highway in Guat while winding was much better than many of the roads we encountered in MX. I hope this helps. Have fun the scenery is gorgeous along many parts of the journey.

Guatemala: Tipping:

My wife and I will be visiting Guatemala over the Christmas Holiday, mostly in the Lake area and will be staying at hotels, eating out and taking excursions. Mostly just doing the tourist things. I'd like to know what's acceptable as a tip. The travel guide isn't very helpful.

Guatemala: curious about cost elec/gas:

I know that being frugal is important when trying to save on electrical and gas costs and that the costs can vary widely depending on usage. I'd like to know what some of your elec/gas bills are per month, if you don't mind sharing this with me?

Guatemala: Rental Cars:

I'm planning a fact finding trip to Guatelmala with hopes of moving to the Panajachel area. I'm having trouble getting facts about car rentals and wondered if any of you could help? I know this is a broad subject but here are the specifics. compact or midsize with A/C, automatic transmission, is insurance included and if so, how much? Thanking you in advance for your help, I am, sincerely yours. Buddy

Guatemala: Cargo Trailer to Guatemala:

My wife and I are moving to the Panajachel area soon. I'm curious about the problems I might encounter bringing household goods from the US to Guatemala. By the way, thanks to all for their post. These tidbits of information have been very helpful in many areas.

Date Joined:

7/15/2014

Total Posts:

19

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