Guatemala Forum

pato23
Joined 2002
Posts: 765

13 years ago

Post includes an old, but true Guatemala story.

13 years ago

http://www.insidecostarica.com/dailynews/2011/january/13/costarica11011301.htm
An interesting article on the invasion of Costa Rica by young US and Canadian citizens, working illegally, often selling Real Estate to newcomers and how Costa Rican Immigration enforcement is slowly but surely beefing up their ranks so they will be able to deport rapidly those working and making money doing work that a bi lingual Costa Rican citizen is able to perform. This does not affect volunteers for NGOs and non profit organizations that receive room and board and a small stipend. If one has an Internet based business, not to worry, one can conduct that business from Costa Rica or a cave in Outer Mongolia if you have the hardware and the connection. I the writer am a Rentista Resident in anothe Central American country and am unable to work full time, unless I apply for a work permit.
Also, read my own article
http://www.expatexchange.com/lib.cfm?articleID=3197&networkid=41
10 Things to Know Before You Move to Central or South America
Just plain old good advice that was apssed on to me in over 24 years as an ex pat in Central America and Mexico, capital cities, travel destinations and small rural communities.
Some 23 years ago in Guatemala, before the advent of the cellphone, skype and blackberry (all of which are available in Central America, in fact I have far cheaper and far faster Internet connection here in Central America than my Sister, who resides in a small town in the USA) it took some two years minimum to have a land line put into your home, two newbie ex pats in Antigua, who had purchased a home sans land line, paid my fuel to drive them to the telephone company in Guatemala City, enroute the couple told me they had bribed an offical of GUATEL, the then Guatemalan State Communications Monopoly, to have a land line placed in their home within two weeks, they requested that I go into GUATEL with them to interpret, I said no, I only stick my neck out for myself, best of luck to you. A week or so later said offical in GUATEL was fired for corruption and the newbie ex pat pair were out about the equivalant of $250 USD, trying to take a 'short cut'.
Obtaining residency, work permit in any Central American country is a beauracratic nightmare and there were times in the past I just about got on the plane or the bus to head north and repatriate, I made many mistakes an d errors in judgements, so I finally searched out two long term ex pats and a bi lingual local friend as mentors, as underpaid and overworked beauracrats in any country do not wish to hear your personal problems nor your opinions.
So, if you live in the USA or Canada and think my advices are idiotic, send me a private message with your telephone number and I will telephone you back free of charge and you may correct me voice to voice, otherwise if you wish some common sense advice I shall also be happy to accomidate you. Advices are cheap, experiences are priceless. Your own political and religious views are your own business, I walk my own path, the only difference between myself and a newbie is experience and making mistakes (learning experiences), all in the atitude. Saludos. Le esperamos con mucho gusto.

May you find your own little corner of Paradise.

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Help others in Guatemala by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Guatemala.