Guatemala Expat Forum

MissoulaRob
Joined 2019
Posts: 12

5 years ago

Things to consider

5 years ago

In all of my research, I never found any mention of Guatemala not having a postal service. Without this knowledge, I had a mail forwarding service send mail to me in Guatemala. It sat somewhere for a month or so and was finally returned. Learning that DHL was the only international mail carrier, I had the mail sent to me here. Cost $140.

Also, there is a lot of hype about the medical care costs in Guatemala being cheap. Yes, on some procedures. And, we pay our local doctor 100Q ($12.00) for office visits, but needing shoulder surgery sent me into Guatemala City for a price quote from a specialist. Cost $8,000-$12,000. Outrageous. We cancelled our Medicare in the States before our move here based on all the hype about medical care costs. Having needed the shoulder surgery, I have to travel to Mexico for $5,500 surgical cost. If you have Medicare, DO NOT cancel it. You will need it. On a insurance website called CompareNow, for two 66 year olds we are quoted $11,352/yr and that's after a $7,000 discount. One prescription I use as a maintenance drug is $95 for a month's supply. All in all, Guatemalan health insurance IS NOT a bargain for older people.

Bottom line: based on costs for American-style groceries, mail and package costs, and medical care can make Guatemala seem like not such a bargain.

Allianz Care

Flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. Use Promocode: LIFE10 and get 10% off your international health insurance for life!
Get Quote

Allianz Care

Flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. Use Promocode: LIFE10 and get 10% off your international health insurance for life!
Get Quote

Living in Guatemala Guide

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.

Guatemala Forum
Join our Guatemala forum to meet other expats and talk about living in Guatemala.

Contribute
Help other expats and newcomers by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Guatemala.

Best Places to Live in Guatemala

If you're dreaming about living in Guatemala, here are the 15 Best Places to Live in Guatemala in 2023.

Healthcare in Guatemala

Expats in Guatemala have a variety of healthcare options available to them. Understanding what is available is a critical part of preparing to move there.

Cost of Living in Guatemala

Expats offer insight into the cost of living in Guatemala.

Moving to Guatemala Guide

Expats that move to Guatemala do so to enjoy a beautiful country where the cost of living can be dramatically different than the rest of the world. However, it's important to understand all of the details of living in Guatemala before moving there.

Real Estate in Guatemala

Real estate listings in popular cities and towns in Guatemala.

Pros & Cons of Living in Guatemala

Take off your rose-colored glasses and learn what expats have to say about the biggest challenges and the greatest rewards of living in Guatemala.

Retiring in Guatemala

Advice for people retiring in Guatemala.

10 Tips for Living in Guatemala

If you've recently arrived in Guatemala, here are 10 tips for digital nomads living in Guatemala.

Additional Information:

Visit our Guatemala Index for a Full List

Allianz Care

Flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. Use Promocode: LIFE10 and get 10% off your international health insurance for life!
Get Quote

Allianz Care

Flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. Use Promocode: LIFE10 and get 10% off your international health insurance for life!
Get Quote

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