Hi, I'm John and plan to move to Guatemala in June. I was wondering if anyone would be able to help me with some answers to questions I have about renting in Antigua. I plan on attending a language school in Antigua for 6 months and would like to rent a home or apartment as near the city center as possible. I will have a small dog with me. I would prefer to rent something with a small yard area for the dog if possible. If not, an apartment will have to do. Are there furnished apartments or homes available that accepts dogs? If so, would anyone know the approximate rent? I'm hoping not to spend over $600 max for rent/utilities. A one bedroom or small home is fine. If anyone knows of any good possibilities, please let me know. Thanks in advance, John from Dallas

Hi I'm in desperate need of a apartment in San Lucas Sacatepéquez. My budget is only Q2000 for a large 2 bedroom that can fit 2 beds or a 3 bed. If utilities are included I can extend my budget a little bit. if you know anybody or anything please let me know thanks.

Can anyone recommend a good immigration attorney?

For the past nine years I have lived outside the US, hanging up my hat in Brazil, Costa Rica, and Panama. I am very interested in moving to Guatemala. Antigua seems to offer the most of the many towns and cities I have visited. I have not been in Guatemala for a couple years, but I plan to travel there in January 2014. Hopefully someone will take the time to answer a few questions for me. (1) Does Guatemala tax foreign pensions? Some countries do, some do not. (2) Does Guatemala have national health plan to which holders of a visa de pensionado can belong? (3) Do US expats use a mailing address in the US to facilitate the receipt of packages, correspondence, magazines, etc.? In Panama many people, foreigners and Panamanians, use a service such as Airbox Express. If they buy something on the internet, the package is sent to a Miami address, forwarded to Panama, and finally delivered to the buyer at the office that services his area. A small packet costs about USD$10.00. Panama does not charge import duty on items valued at less than USD$100. If the item is of greater value, Airbox collects the custom fees from the buyer, avoiding long lines at Customs and lengthy paperwork. All items sent to a Panamanian POB, on the other hand, pass through Customs regardless of the declared value. (4) What does Guatemala charge on imported items? (5) About how much does a law firm charge for submitting the paperwork for a visa de pensionado? A ballpark figure? (6) Between date of the request for a visa and the receipt of the visa, can an applicant leave Guatemala for a short trip? In Costa Rica, a letter from an attorney verifying that a visa has been requested is sufficient to leave and re-enter the country. In Panama, a multi-entry visa is required (about USD$50). (7) How is the taxi service in Antigua? I do not recall using a taxi in Antigua. I think I took a tuktuk everywhere. The bus service to other cities and towns was quite adequate. Are there cooperativas (a central office for taxis)? Costa Rica has a very good taxi system, Panama has no system at all. (8) Are there Lions and/or Rotarians in Antigua? (9) Can you recommend a good practical book about Guatemala for a potential immigrant?

My wife and I are planning to attend the Mundo Language School in February. We found a lovely and affordable house for rent near the Madeleine Hotel. The contact lady from the school sugggested that this was not a safe area. Any info/advice would be greatly appreciated

I'm a retired Navy man 59. I was wondering if Tricare and Medicare is avail. And if Soc. Sec still send payment to Guatemala.

Hi: We are planning on moving to live full time in the Antigua area. We have a preference (at least given what we think we know) of arranging our visa/residency status before we depart and entering the country with out dogs, driving our vehicle, towing a small trailer of personal goods. I am wondering about the Duty and VAT implications of this plan. I saw a great post on the Slow Travel site (http://unwireme.com/guatemala-pensionado-program-benefits/) suggesting duty is exempted on a vehicle’s value up to 25 times the resident’s monthly income. So if my visa status is arranged showing $2000/month income, can I enter with a $50,000 vehicle (not that I have one) duty free but then need to pay VAT on the full value? And what of duty and/or VAT on personal items? I have a table indicating SAT’s value for vehicles, and understand IPRIMA typically makes a one-time charge of 20% of that value on regular passenger vehicles. I guess I’m wondering if anybody has experience moving to Guatemala in a similar manner or whether there might be a better way to move with a vehicle, personal items, and dogs. Thanks.

Only see online photos and the lake looks beautiful - is it clean? can you swim in it? thanks.