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Guatemala City, Guatemala
Living in Guatemala
Last updated on Dec 02, 2021
Summary: Expats, digital nomads and retirees discuss what it is like to live in Guatemala: Cost of living, Finding a home, Meeting People and more.
What do I need to know about living in Guatemala?
When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Guatemala, they said:
"Be prepared to travel by boat as it is only accessible by boat, Understand that it is not a city that offers a great social life but a great community of expats," said another expat in Santa Cruz La Laguna.
"Be prepared to live a different life style. Life is affordable, help is affordable. Slower pace," added another expat who made the move to Panajachel.
"If you are thinking about living in Antigua remember the prices there are ridiculously expensive in everything. Cuidad Vieja is very close to Antigua (10-15 min.) and everything here is very inexpensive. Example I have big 5 Br. house 3Br. Garage and a killer view of the volcanoes all for $187.00 per month, not even possible in Antigua. Cuidad Vieja is a very quite city and very low crime. A Great Place to retire to," explained one expat living in Cuidad Vieja, Guatemala.
"Come visit, first! Then decide. Only you know what you are looking for, check out what is offered here," mentioned another in Esquipulas.
"It is a great country to live in provided you have a certain income and are willing to accept the restrictions the insecurity imposes," explained one expat who made the move to Guatemala-City.
Need health insurance in Guatemala? William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite).
Get a Quote
Need health insurance in Guatemala? William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
How do I meet people in Guatemala?
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Need health insurance in Guatemala? William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite).
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000. Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Some of Joshua's more popular articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 8 Best Places to Live in Croatia and the Living in Mexico Guide. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.
International Health Insurance
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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.
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Help other expats and newcomers by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Guatemala.
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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.
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.
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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.
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Expats in Guatemala offers tips about living in Guatemala. They discuss where to live in Guatemala, the locals and their culture, crime problems, cost of living and more.
International Health Insurance
Get a quotes for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
Get a Quote
Pros and Cons of Living in Guatemala
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. Cons include limited access to quality healthcare (especially outside of Guatemala City), gringo pricing, crime and the reality that the rainy season can be depressing.
5 Important Tips about Healthcare for Expats 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. Advice about proximity of care and prescription medications in Guatemala is also provided by expats living there.
7 Things to Know Before You Move to Guatemala
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.
The 5 Best Places to Live in Guatemala
Expats share their favorite places to live in Guatemala - from Antigua to Lake Atitlan to Xela and more.
Guatemala City, Guatemala
International Health Insurance
Get a quotes for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
Get a 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
Meet other expats and talk about living in Guatemala.
Best Places to Live in Guatemala
Expats share their favorite places to live in Guatemala - from Antigua to Lake Atitlan to Xela and more.
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.
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.
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.
Contribute
Help other expats and newcomers by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Guatemala.
10 Tips for Living in Guatemala
Expats in Guatemala offers tips about living in Guatemala. They discuss where to live in Guatemala, the locals and their culture, crime problems, cost of living and more.
Guides to Cities in Guatemala
Guatemala City
Lake Atitlan
Panajachel
San Pedro La Laguna
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