Expat Guide to Living in Guatemala City

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

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.

Culture Shock in Guatemala City, Guatemala

My biggest problem was understanding that I was no longer in the U.S. and had to accept the way things were done in Guatemala or leave. That took at least two to three years of banging my head against the wall before I accepted that things run differently here.

More Culture Shock Reports for Guatemala City

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

Culture Shock in Guatemala City, Guatemala

Submit a Culture Shock Report

Living Overseas Report

What are people's priorities in Guatemala City - work? family? socializing? What are the best ways to meet other expats? Are people accepting of racial, cultural and religious differences? Help other expats and people moving to Guatemala City by filling out our Living Overseas Report.

Submit a Living Overseas Report

Moving Overseas Report

What should you take with you when you move to Guatemala City? What should you leave behind? What type of housing and neighborhoods are typical for expats in Guatemala City? Help others moving to Guatemala City by filling out our Moving Overseas Report.

Submit a Moving Overseas Report

International School Report

Parents are invited to answer questions about the schools that their kids attend (Pre-K through High School) in hopes of helping others moving to Guatemala City with the school selection process. If you have expat children who attend school in Guatemala City, take a few minutes to submit a School Review.

Submit an International School Review

Dream vs. Reality Report

Most expats have have "dreams" (and fears) about the expatriate experience before they moved to Guatemala City. If you are already living in Guatemala City, share how those "dreams" have been fulfilled, and how they have not by filling out our Dream vs. Reality Report.

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 City by filling out our Overseas Retirement report.

Submit a Retire Abroad Report

Having a Baby in Guatemala City Reports

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

Having a Baby in Guatemala City, Guatemala

Having a Baby in Guatemala City, Guatemala

Submit a Having a Baby Abroad Report

Working in Guatemala City Reports

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

Working in Guatemala City, Guatemala

Submit a Working Abroad Report

Expatriate Health Insurance

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

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

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.

An Expat Talks about 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.