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Planning to retire in central or South America. Some advice :)

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eybaba7200
  5/17/2020 16:46 EST

Hi everyone , I have started researching to figure out what’s the best place for us to retire. I am in my late 40’s but planning to retire in my mid 50’s. So far with no serious health concern :) I haven't been to Guatemala yet. A bit about me :I am Canadian. I speak Spanish. Engineer/ musician. I’ve travelled to 8-10 countries in America’s. My wife is Colombian. I’m looking for a small city or decent pueblo close to a major city ( for health care...). With great climate. Not expensive. My budget will roughly be around $5000 US monthly. I am not much into western way of life so losing a bit of a luxury doesn’t bother me. I am coming from a very poor and humble background and have been raised in rough places in other countries so the crime and insecurity as long as it’s not to the point of nightmare doesn’t bug me much.
Also I’d like to know how bad are taxes in Guatemala. Do expats pay income taxes for their pensions Or income coming from overseas ?

Is it possible to obtain residency in Guatemala without investing ? ( I might buy a humble house there ). I won’t be commuting to Canada much so that won’t be an option.

How is the healthcare situation? Is private healthcare very expensive?

How do you rate your happiness level there compared to your home country?
How difficult is banking there? are commissions and transfers eating a chunk of the money coming in?

I know there’s much to consider but any pointers and info from you guys who live there and experience things first hand is super valuable. Thank you so much :)

armandatitlan
  5/17/2020 16:59 EST

a lot of questions to answer...
PM if you want to have my in house experience..
Banks are pretty good of course they do charge some fees but not that bad
Health care very good in the private hospital most of the expat would say.. but I live in a place only boat access and i do use in case of emergency (my emergencies are very small) like I cut my finger, and went to the health center and got very good treatment for free... well my taxes do pay for it.
Private health care for the ones I know had used it .. they told me 3 to 5 times cheaper then in the US.
My happiness level versus living in France... on ten... 1oo...
My health well i raised 2 daughters born and raised her.. now (18-20) and we never had any particular issues. we don't have a family doctor. I don't go to the doctor .. i'm totally pain and pill free...
With the budget you mention you will more then fine...
Welcome

PS and i also came from an humble background..

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eybaba7200
  5/17/2020 17:04 EST

Thank you so much. I’ll PM you for further questions.

Poly39
  9/16/2020 10:33 EST

@armandatitlan, I am wondering if you know anything about applying for citizenship/residency/Guate Passport? I was born in US, father is Guatemalan and I am seeking my "dual" passport so that I can stay in Guatemala longer than 3 months, and maybe buy land in a few years. You seem knowledgable so thought to ask! Thanks a million and sending much love to Atitlan. :)

armandatitlan
  9/16/2020 11:29 EST

Hi Poly 39????

well i would say consult with the Guatemalan consult the closest to you.
and read this article
https://republica.gt/2020/03/04/por-que-debo-tramitar-la-doble-nacionalidad-a-mi-hijo-nacido-en-ee-uu/
good luck
Armand

Normando
  9/16/2020 13:01 EST

Adventuretrek.com. We are doing RV trek from Texas to Guatemala the end of the month

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Allianz Care's plans ensure that you have access to quality healthcare whenever you need it. Our flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. You can submit your claims digitally and our helpline is available 24/7 to help you anytime.

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Allianz Care's plans ensure that you have access to quality healthcare whenever you need it. Our flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. You can submit your claims digitally and our helpline is available 24/7 to help you anytime.
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Normando
  9/16/2020 13:01 EST

Adventuretrek.com. We are doing RV trek from Texas to Guatemala the end of the month

Poly39
  9/16/2020 18:55 EST

Thanks for the article share. I tried contacting the consulate here in NEW YORK a year or more ago, repeatedly and they are little to no use. I received different directions both times anyone picked up the phone. I then went to Guatemala Officina del relationes exteriors or some such, and that advice even seemed convoluted. Ok, thanks again for the article. I will figure it out.

Best,
Poly

armandatitlan
  9/16/2020 19:40 EST

your other option is to contract a lawyer here to help you from this end...
you can also go to the web site of the ministry of guatemalan affairs and write them if the consulate don't do their work

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