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Expat Exchange > Guatemala

Guatemala

  Coastal   Beaches  
Cost of Living: Moderate
Train Access: No
Bus Service: Yes (Transurbano, Rebuli, Transportes Unidos Quetzal, relatively safe)

Guatemala is a vibrant and culturally rich country located in Central America, bordered by Mexico to the north and west, Belize to the northeast, and Honduras and El Salvador to the southeast. It boasts a diverse landscape that includes tropical rainforests, mountains, and coastal areas along the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. The country is known for its rich Mayan heritage, as evidenced by numerous archaeological sites like Tikal, which is one of the largest and most impressive ancient Mayan cities. Guatemala's population is a mix of indigenous peoples, including the Maya, as well as people of European descent. Spanish is the official language, but many indigenous languages are also spoken throughout the country. The capital, Guatemala City, is the largest city in Central America and is the political, cultural, and economic hub of the nation. The city has a modern downtown area with skyscrapers and shopping centers, but also areas with significant poverty and crime. Outside of the urban areas, the country's natural beauty is on full display, with Lake Atitlán and the volcanoes surrounding it being particularly notable destinations for both tourists and locals. Guatemalan culture is a colorful tapestry of traditions, with vibrant textiles, lively music, and a cuisine that blends Spanish and indigenous influences. The country is famous for its coffee, which is a major export, and for its chocolate, which has been part of its history since Mayan times. Festivals and markets are common, where one can experience the local customs and buy traditional handicrafts. Despite its natural beauty and rich culture, Guatemala faces significant challenges. It has a history of political instability, violence, and corruption. The country also has one of the highest levels of inequality in Latin America, with a large portion of the population living below the poverty line. Efforts are ongoing to improve the standard of living, education, and healthcare for all Guatemalans. Guatemala's climate varies from tropical in the lowlands to cooler in the highlands, and it has a rainy season that typically runs from May to October. The country is also prone to natural disasters such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, which have shaped both its landscape and its history. In summary, Guatemala is a country with a rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty, juxtaposed with social and economic issues that it continues to confront. It is a land of contrasts, from the bustling streets of Guatemala City to the serene beauty of its lakes and mountains, and from the ancient ruins of the Maya to the modern-day struggles of its people.

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Living in Guatemala

Movies Set: The New Adventures of Tarzan, El Norte
Popular Foods: One of the most popular dishes in Guatemala is Pepian, a rich and hearty stew that combines meat, vegetables, and a blend of spices. Another favorite is Kak'ik, a traditional Mayan turkey soup seasoned with coriander, achiote, and chili peppers. For dessert, Guatemalans enjoy Rellenitos, which are plantains stuffed with sweetened black beans and fried, and Tres Leches Cake, a moist cake soaked in three kinds of milk.
Unusual Eats: One unusual food enjoyed in Guatemala is Iguana, which is often cooked in stews. Another is Caldo de Frutas de Mar, a seafood soup that includes a variety of sea creatures, some of which may be unfamiliar and strange to visitors.
Popular Sports: football (soccer), basketball, baseball
Popular Teams: CSD Municipal (football), Comunicaciones FC (football), CSD Xelajú MC (football)
Cultural Faux Pas to Avoid: When greeting someone in Guatemala, it is considered rude to not return a greeting or to ignore someone who is speaking to you. Additionally, pointing with your fingers is considered impolite; instead, Guatemalans often gesture with their lips or chin. It's also important to be punctual for business meetings, but social events may have a more relaxed approach to time.

Best Places to Live in Guatemala

Discover the top-ranked towns in Guatemala. Click on the town's name for a full profile of each town.
1
Guatemala City
2
Antigua
3
Lake Atitlan
4
Quetzaltenango
5
Panajachel
6
San Pedro La Laguna
7
Rio Dulce
8
San Juan La Laguna
9
Monterrico
10
San Marcos La Laguna
11
Coban
12
Chichicastenango
13
Livingston
14
San Lucas Toliman
15
Flores
Rankings are based on a combination of many factors including schools, recreation, family-friendliness, cost of living and crime.

Visa & Residency

Difficulty Obtaining: average
Popular Expat Visa/s: Pensionado Visa, Rentista Visa
Popular Nomad Visa/s: Tourist Visa, and it allows them to live in Guatemala for up to 90 days, which can be extended for another 90 days

Obtaining a residency in Guatemala involves several steps and the process can be considered average in terms of difficulty compared to other countries. The most common types of residency visas are the Pensionado Visa and the Rentista Visa. The Pensionado Visa is designed for retirees who receive a pension from their home country. To qualify, applicants must prove they receive a monthly pension of at least $1,000 USD, which is transferred into a Guatemalan bank. The Rentista Visa is for individuals who can prove a permanent income of at least $2,500 USD per month from investments, property rentals, or other sources outside of Guatemala. The application process for these visas typically involves gathering a series of documents, such as a valid passport, police clearance from the applicant's home country, health certificate, proof of income, and sometimes a birth certificate or marriage certificate if applicable. These documents often need to be apostilled or authenticated by the applicant's home country and translated into Spanish. Applicants must then submit their paperwork to the Guatemalan authorities, either in Guatemala or at a Guatemalan consulate abroad. After submission, the review process can take several months. Once approved, the applicant will receive a temporary residency card, which is typically valid for one year and can be renewed annually. After several years of temporary residency, individuals may apply for permanent residency. Digital nomads often use the Tourist Visa, which allows them to stay in Guatemala for 90 days. This visa can be extended for an additional 90 days without leaving the country, but further extensions require the individual to leave Guatemala for at least 72 hours before returning. Overall, while the process is bureaucratic and requires various documents, it is manageable with proper preparation and, in some cases, the assistance of a local attorney or visa specialist. The Guatemalan government is generally open to expats who can financially support themselves and contribute to the local economy.

Healthcare in Guatemala

The healthcare system in Guatemala is a mix of public and private services. The public healthcare system is managed by the Ministry of Public Health and Social Assistance and is available to all citizens and residents, including expats and digital nomads who have legal residency status. However, the quality of public healthcare can vary significantly, with urban areas typically having better facilities and more resources than rural areas. Private healthcare in Guatemala is known for providing higher quality services with more modern facilities and shorter wait times, but it is also more expensive. Many expats and digital nomads opt for private healthcare and often purchase private health insurance to cover the costs. Access to public healthcare for expats and digital nomads usually requires participation in the national social security system, which involves making contributions through employment or voluntary enrollment.

"My husband and I have accepted missionary positions in Guatemala City. We are debating whether to drive with one vehicle or sell it and fly, shipping the things we'll bring with us. If we drive, what is the best route from the western US?" - copperlisa

Connect with Others on the Guatemala Community

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Guatemala is generally considered moderate, with expenses such as housing, food, and transportation being relatively affordable compared to many Western countries. However, costs can vary significantly between urban and rural areas, with cities like Guatemala City being more expensive.

Weather

Guatemala features a tropical climate with both a wet and dry season. The highlands have a temperate climate, while the coastal areas and lowlands are typically hot and humid. The rainy season runs from May to October, with the dry season from November to April. Temperature variations are more dependent on altitude than on the time of year.

Educational System in Guatemala

The educational system in Guatemala is structured into several levels: pre-primary (ages 4-6), primary (ages 7-12), secondary (ages 13-18), and higher education. Education is compulsory for children from ages 7 to 14, which includes the six years of primary education and the first two years of secondary education. The school year in Guatemala typically runs from January to October. Primary education focuses on basic literacy and numeracy skills, while secondary education is divided into middle school (basicos) and high school (diversificado), with the latter offering various vocational and academic tracks. The quality of education in Guatemala varies significantly, with private schools generally offering better resources and learning environments than public schools. Many families who move to Guatemala from abroad opt for private or international schools to ensure a higher standard of education for their children. Graduation from high school leads to a diploma that qualifies students to enter university.

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Antigua Chichicastenango Coban Flores Guatemala City Lake Atitlan Livingston Monterrico Panajachel Quetzaltenango Rio Dulce San Juan La Laguna San Lucas Toliman San Marcos La Laguna San Pedro La Laguna Santa Cruz La Laguna
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