×
Interested in our Partner Program for businesses or our Local Guide Program for experienced expats and digital nomads? Click here to learn more.
Lake Atitlan, Guatemala | What do expats find most challenging? | Expat Exchange
Expat Exchange
Free MembershipSign In

What do expats find most challenging?

Answer this Question

We asked expats and digital nomads what they find the most challenging about the local culture in Lake Atitlan. They wrote...

"Expatriates often find it challenging to adapt to a new culture and lifestyle, establish relationships, find meaningful employment and navigate the unfamiliar environment of a new country. Many expats struggle to learn a new language, maintain a quality of life comparable to their home country and feel accepted into their new community. Other challenges include understanding different legal systems, obtaining visas or permits, dealing with bureaucracy and finding suitable housing. For some expats, being away from family and friends can be an emotionally trying experience," explained one expat living in Lake Atitlan, Guatemala.

William RussellWilliam Russell
Get Quote

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.

William RussellWilliam Russell

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.
Get Quote

"Hello, the language...duh...kind of need it to be part of the culture and not separate...helps to function. Using up all my fresh veggies and fruits before they go bad...lol...a juicer helps with this... Sticking to an annual living budget...lol...I want to eat out more than I should in order to supply the need of wanting the company of others... Having some one do my laundry...which is not something I am use to...and then not understanding why she would get upset when I offer to help...true story! Not having easy shopping access to my painting supplies and books! But I knew this before I came... Finally, the reality of being on a vacation is not the same as living here full time...Belize was vacation...here it is like a weirdness...part vacation and part living...sometimes my brain doesn't wrap itself around this idea...so when I am not working I feel like I should be...and when I am working I feel like I should be off exploring...then there is the days where I am happy to be working in paradise and it just feels strange...like pinch me some one...this cannot be for real...lol," said another expat in Lake Atitlan, Guatemala.

Other Questions:

What do expats find most challenging?

If you live in Lake Atitlan, newcomers to Lake Atitlan would love to hear your answer to this question.


SJB Global
SJB Global

SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
Learn More

SJB GlobalSJB Global

SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
Learn More

SJB Global
SJB Global

Copyright 1997-2025 Burlingame Interactive, Inc.

Privacy Policy Legal Partners & Local Guides