Expat Advice: Relationships in Guatemala City, Guatemala

What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?

Guatemala City

What is your current status? Are you single, dating, in a long-term relationship, married or divorced?

Married.

What is it like in your country of residence for someone with your relationship status (married/divorced/dating)? If you're single, how do you meet other people? Do English-speaking people tend to gravitate to certain parts of your city?

To be married and living in Guate is ok if you have some couple friends. It can be boring or fun depending on what you do on the weekends. There is a security issue so you really have to becareful where you go. We met some couples at certain events, but we work a lot and have a brand new baby so we don't get out much.

If you have children, what advice would you give to others making a similar transition to your country of residence?

There are great schools here. International teaching English and French. Doctors are fantastic! So are hospitals if you go to the Private ones. Good malls. Security is an issue so you just have to live in a good area and use your head.

If you do not have children, do you generally spend your social time with other expat couples? If not, what else do you like to do as a couple?

Yes we di. Spend time going to restaurants and you can join some private clubs like Club Cabanas and others so that you can use the pool and the gym. A day trip to Antigua is always nice.

If you are married or in a relationship with a person of another nationality, how has this experience enriched you as a person. What kind of challenges do you face?

I'm Polish/Canadian and my husband is Brazilian. Our son was born here in Guatemala so I guess you could say we are somewhat International. I love that he is from another country. We both speak perfect Spanish but at home and with each other we speak English. Our kids will grow up speaking 4 launguages and that I think is fantastic! I'm learning Portuguese and can't wait to be able to seak with our kids in all 4 launguages.

What would be the best advice you could give someone with your relationship status that lives in your country of residence? Any other thoughts?

Make friends and have fun! Connect with your embassy. They have some great expat parties and it's a good way to meet new people.