Guatemala Forum

DRThomas
Joined 2013
Posts: 118

10 years ago

so many questions about Antigua

10 years ago

For the past nine years I have lived outside the US, hanging up my hat in Brazil, Costa Rica, and Panama. I am very interested in moving to Guatemala. Antigua seems to offer the most of the many towns and cities I have visited. I have not been in Guatemala for a couple years, but I plan to travel there in January 2014. Hopefully someone will take the time to answer a few questions for me.

(1) Does Guatemala tax foreign pensions? Some countries do, some do not.

(2) Does Guatemala have national health plan to which holders of a visa de pensionado can belong?

(3) Do US expats use a mailing address in the US to facilitate the receipt of packages, correspondence, magazines, etc.?

In Panama many people, foreigners and Panamanians, use a service such as Airbox Express. If they buy something on the internet, the package is sent to a Miami address, forwarded to Panama, and finally delivered to the buyer at the office that services his area. A small packet costs about USD$10.00. Panama does not charge import duty on items valued at less than USD$100. If the item is of greater value, Airbox collects the custom fees from the buyer, avoiding long lines at Customs and lengthy paperwork. All items sent to a Panamanian POB, on the other hand, pass through Customs regardless of the declared value.

(4) What does Guatemala charge on imported items?

(5) About how much does a law firm charge for submitting the paperwork for a visa de pensionado? A ballpark figure?

(6) Between date of the request for a visa and the receipt of the visa, can an applicant leave Guatemala for a short trip?

In Costa Rica, a letter from an attorney verifying that a visa has been requested is sufficient to leave and re-enter the country. In Panama, a multi-entry visa is required (about USD$50).

(7) How is the taxi service in Antigua?

I do not recall using a taxi in Antigua. I think I took a tuktuk everywhere. The bus service to other cities and towns was quite adequate. Are there cooperativas (a central office for taxis)? Costa Rica has a very good taxi system, Panama has no system at all.

(8) Are there Lions and/or Rotarians in Antigua?

(9) Can you recommend a good practical book about Guatemala for a potential immigrant?

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