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Expat Guide to Living in Guatemala

Whether you're already living in Guatemala or preparing to move to Guatemala, our Expat Guide to Living in Guatemala offers articles and reports submitted by expats about expat life in Guatemala. For answers to specific questions, visit our Guatemala Forum to talk with expats in Guatemala.

Expats Talk About The Biggest Challenges They Face Living in Latin America

Expats talk about some of the biggest challenges they've faced living in Latin America. Whether you're moving to Panama City or Punta del Este, this article is a must read to help you prepare (hint: you'll be much happier if you learn the language) and adjust your expectations (realities: the roads are rough, the pace of life is slower and bureaucracy is unavoidable). Despite all of the challenges, the list of what expats like about life in Latin America far exceeds the challenges.

Expats in Guatemala: Pros and Cons of Living in Guatemala

Expats are very forthcoming about the pros and cons of living in Guatemala. Pros include the spring-like weather, the low cost of living and the lifestyle. Cons include limited access to quality healthcare (especially outside of Guatemala City), gringo pricing, crime and the reality that the rainy season can be depressing.

Top 5 Reasons Expats Move to Central America

From lower cost of living to affordable healthcare and beachfront living, expats discuss the top reasons they moved to Central America.

5 Important Tips about Healthcare for Expats in Guatemala

Expats in Guatemala have a variety of healthcare options available to them. Understanding what is available is a critical part of preparing to move there. Advice about proximity of care and prescription medications in Guatemala is also provided by expats living there.

Moving to Guatemala: 7 Things to Know Before You Move to Guatemala

Expats that move to Guatemala do so to enjoy a beautiful country where the cost of living can be dramatically different than the rest of the world. However, it's important to understand all of the details of living in Guatemala before moving there.

12 Tips for Living in Lake Atitlan, Guatemala

An expat in Guatemala talks about why expats move to Lake Atitlan - from the eternal springtime weather to the low cost of living to the laid-back lifestyle. He also covers topics such as residency in Guatemala, proximity to quality healthcare, nightlife and schools in the Lake Atitlan area.

Expat Health Insurance and Healthcare in Guatemala City

An expat who lives several hours from Guatemala City explains that he would only use the local hospital in an emergency to be stabilized before going a hospital in Guatemala city. He explains most prescription medicines are available in Guatemala, but expensive.

Moving to Panajachel, Guatemala

A French expat who went to Panajachel, Guatemala on vacation loved the climate and locals so much he ended up staying. He advises other newcomers to rent first, pack lightly, use a lawyer and translator when signing contracts and leave your prejudices behind.

Culture Shock in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala

An expat living in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala talks about the culture shock she experienced when she moved to Guatemala. Her biggest challenges was getting used to cold showers! She advised newcomers to be friendly, interact with locals even if you only speak a little Spanish, speak more quietly and be gracious.

Culture Shock in San Juan La Laguna, Guatemala

An expat in Guatemala shares her story about the impact of a relocation to San Juan La Laguna. Read this informative report to learn about her experiences and and what one can expect from a move to Guatemala.

Living in Santa Cruz La Laguna, Guatemala

An expat from France offers some quick insights into what it's like to live in Santa Cruz La Laguna, Guatemala.

Living in Panajachel, Guatemala

If you're moving to Panajachel, be prepared to live a different life style. Life is affordable, help is affordable. Slower pace.

More Culture Shock Reports for Guatemala

Culture shock is part of the settling in process. Knowing the different phases of culture shock and how other expats in Guatemala handle it can be very comforting. Below are some of the responses from expats in Guatemala:

Submit a Culture Shock Report

More Living in Guatemala Reports

What are people's priorities in Guatemala - work? family? What are the best ways to meet other expats? Are people accepting of racial, cultural and religious differences? Below are some of the responses from expats in Guatemala:

Submit a Living Overseas Report

More Moving to Guatemala Reports

What should you take with you when you move to Guatemala? What should you leave behind? What type of housing and neighborhoods are typical for expats in Guatemala? Below are some of the responses from expats in Guatemala:

Moving to Panajachel, Guatemala

Moving to Salama, Guatemala

Submit a Moving Overseas Report

Reviews of Schools in Guatemala

Reviews and school profiles from expat parents and even a few school administrators in Guatemala. Great place to find insight into school facilities, teachers and curriculum. Below are some of the reviews from expats in Guatemala:

Robert Muller Life School in Lake Atitlan, Guatemala

Submit an International School Review

Dream vs. Reality of Living in Guatemala Reports

Most expats have have "dreams" (and fears) about the expatriate experience before they moved to Guatemala. If you are already living in Guatemala, share how those "dreams" have been fulfilled, and how they have not. Below are some of the reports from expats in Guatemala:

Dream vs. Reality of Living in Lake Atitlan, Guatemala

Dream vs. Reality of Living in San Marcos La Laguna, Guatemala

Submit a Dream vs. Reality Report

Overseas Retirement Report

Retiring abroad can be a great option for retirees seeking their dream lifestyle at an affordable price. Help other retirees, who are thinking about retiring in Guatemala by taking our Overseas Retirement report.

Submit a Retire Abroad Report

Having a Baby in Guatemala Reports

How did expats choose their doctors, midwives, hospitals? What is childbirth like in Guatemala? Below are some of the reports from expats in Guatemala:

Having a Baby in Guatemala City, Guatemala

Submit a Having a Baby Abroad Report

Working in Guatemala Reports

What's it like to find a job in Guatemala? How difficult was it to obtain a work permit? What types are jobs are typical for expats in Guatemala? Below are some of the reports from expats in Guatemala:

Working in Guatemala City, Guatemala

Submit a Working Abroad Report

Additional Articles

Expat Guatemala: The 5 Best Places to Live in Guatemala

Expats share their favorite places to live in Guatemala - from Antigua to Lake Atitlan to Xela and more.

Expat Guatemala: It's Always Springtime in Antigua!

Expats in Antigua, Guatemala enjoy the year-round spring-like weather, low cost of living and wide variety of activities. Antigua is located about 45 minutes from Guatemala City, which gives residents access to the international airport, modern hospitals and medical practices and much more.

5 Great Places to Retire in Central America

Central America is an increasingly popular retirement destination. Retirees love it's proximity to the United States, lower cost of living, beautiful cities, amazing beaches, healthy lifestyle and friendly people.

10 Tips for Living in Guatemala

Expats in Guatemala offers tips about living in Guatemala. They discuss where to live in Guatemala, the locals and their culture, crime problems, cost of living and more.

Ten Things You Should Know Before You Move To Central or South America

Lee offers ten tips for people contemplating a move to Central or South America.

Expatriate Health Insurance

Get a quote for expat health insurance in Guatemala from our partner, Cigna Global Health.
Get a Quote

Guatemala Forum
Join our Guatemala forum to meet other expats and talk about living in Guatemala.

Living in Guatemala Guide

Expats are very forthcoming about the pros and cons of living in Guatemala. Pros include the spring-like weather, the low cost of living and the lifestyle. (more)

Moving to Guatemala Guide

Best Places to Live in Guatemala

Expats share their favorite places to live in Guatemala - from Antigua to Lake Atitlan to Xela and more.

Healthcare in Guatemala

Expats in Guatemala have a variety of healthcare options available to them. Understanding what is available is a critical part of preparing to move there. (more)

Pros & Cons of Living in Guatemala

Take off your rose-colored glasses and learn what expats have to say about the biggest challenges and the greatest rewards of living in Guatemala.

10 Tips for Living in Guatemala

Expats in Guatemala offers tips about living in Guatemala. They discuss where to live in Guatemala, the locals and their culture, crime problems, cost of living and more. (more)