Digital Nomad Life in Guatemala

"The best thing a new-comer should do is take a 10-15 ride to Antigua there you can meet all the expats you want," said one person in Cuidad Vieja.

"There are group of people biking, playing pokers, theatre. Saturday mid day at the center of town big bbq where lots of expats goes. Lots of NGO offering volunteering plans," said one expat who made the move to Panajachel.

"Expats in Guatemala often join clubs and activities such as language exchange groups, book clubs, and outdoor activities like hiking and biking. Expats can also meet people by attending local events such as festivals, concerts, and art exhibitions. Additionally, many expats find it helpful to join online forums and social media groups related to their interests, as well as attending networking events and meetups," explained one foreigner living in Guatemala.

"Esquipulas is a small,friendly,laid back city. Most people will say "Hi" to you on the street. There are only 5 expats here, and we don`t have a club. But, we do help each other when asked. It's a fairly safe place, unlike the Capitol. You can walk down the street at 2AM in the morning without fearing for your life," said one in Esquipulas.

"Due to the lack of security on the street lives revolve basically around work and family. There are dozens of fine restaurants,bars and clubs, though. The country offers many tourist attractions that can be reached during a weekend trip," said one expat in Guatemala-City.

"Antigua is wonderful. social opportunities as little or as much as you like. My neighborhood and areas in the area, seem to attract a lot of full-time expats as opposed to just short term visitors. We live in Panorama on the outskirts 10-15 minute walk to town. We love the connectivity with the expats from US, Canada, Europe, and other areas. Tourists in town, or just meet people at events, coffee shops or while shopping," remarked one member in Guatemala.

"People are pretty much having a great time having a good life. Not too many expat with families," explained one expat living in Panajachel, Guatemala.

"By accident.. renting a place and discovering the area. Arrived without knowing the area, first struck by the climate and then by the locals. I found my house by world of mouth," explained one expat living in Panajachel, Guatemala.

"One of the best ways to find a place to live in Guatemala is to use online resources such as websites and classifieds. Websites such as Encuentra24.com and Craigslist Guatemala are great resources for finding rental properties. Additionally, you can also search for rental properties on Facebook groups such as Guatemala Rentals and Guatemala Real Estate. Additionally, you can also contact local real estate agents who can help you find a place to live in Guatemala," said one person in Guatemala.

"Expats should research the cost of living in Guatemala before retiring there, as it may be significantly lower than their home country. It is also important to research the healthcare system in Guatemala, as it may not be as comprehensive as what they are used to. Expats should also familiarize themselves with the local culture and customs, as well as the language, to ensure a smooth transition. Additionally, it is important to research the safety and security situation in Guatemala, as crime rates can be high in certain areas. Finally, expats should consider the availability of activities and amenities in the area they plan to retire in, as some areas may be more remote than others," said one person in Guatemala.

"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," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Cuidad Vieja.

"Come visit, first! Then decide. Only you know what you are looking for, check out what is offered here," explained one person living in Esquipulas, Guatemala.

"Be prepared to live a different life style. Life is affordable, help is affordable. Slower pace," said one expat in Panajachel.

"Expats in Guatemala appreciate the warmth and hospitality of the local people, the vibrant culture and the beautiful landscapes. They also enjoy the variety of traditional foods, the colorful markets, and the unique architecture. Additionally, they appreciate the country's rich history and the opportunity to explore the many archaeological sites. Finally, expats enjoy the relaxed pace of life and the opportunity to immerse themselves in the local culture," said one expat who made the move to Guatemala.

"If anything the rebelliousness towards their corrupt government and their acceptance of a day to day optimism of life. I found that the poorest of people generally seemed to be the happiest," explained one foreigner living in San Pedro La Laguna, Guatemala.

"The people's willingness to SMILE. Old people who are still active and friendly. The busy cultural norm of walking. The noise of vehicles can be annoying to me as its constant... from morning until night....," said one in Quetzaltenango.

"Weather is nice. There are some nice places to visit (lakes, vulcanoes, coastal area)," explained one expat in Guatemala City.

"Expats in Guatemala often find the local culture to be quite different from what they are used to. Many find the language barrier to be a challenge, as Spanish is the primary language spoken in Guatemala. Additionally, the local customs and traditions can be difficult to understand and navigate. Expats may also find the pace of life to be slower than what they are accustomed to, as well as the lack of modern amenities and infrastructure. Finally, the safety and security situation in Guatemala can be a concern for expats, as crime and violence are prevalent in some areas," said one expat who made the move to Guatemala.

"Security (18 murders per day, many robberies), understanding people (learning a new language), not working," explained one foreigner living in Guatemala City, Guatemala.

"The chronic noise of vehicles... grinding gears, horns and just general loudness not of the people but the blaring speakers and vehicles....non stop chaos.....! Arrgh! The other challenge in Guatemala is finding a decent WIFI signal. Not common like up in USA or Canada...at all," said one in Quetzaltenango.

"If you plan to stay in Guatemala for an extended period of time, you will need to obtain a residency visa. Depending on the length of your stay, you may need to apply for a temporary or permanent residency visa. You will need to provide documentation such as a valid passport, proof of financial stability, and a criminal background check. Additionally, you may need to provide proof of health insurance and a medical certificate," said one person in Guatemala.

"Sure, such as being at the cash register and telling the cashier when she was bagging the carton of eggs,"Ten cuidado con mis huevos" which translates to be careful with my balls. Foreigners tend to put the possessive on things, like my car and my eyes and my this and that which translates certain phrases differently in Spanish as noted in my example," remarked one foreigner who made the move to San Pedro La Laguna.

"There are new emergency medical facilities in Antigua. Get catastrophic Insurance for private hospitals if needed. Local regular care is very inexpensive - you can still go home to see your doctors at home if you desire," said one member in Guatemala.

"Make sure to look for the best doctors, get a private Guatemalan insurance to take you the best hospitals.. forget about public hospital unless it is for emergency," explained one expat in Guatemala City.

"It's a beautiful country with great people and food. There is not good affordable education for children," commented a person living in Guatemala.

"Expats and digital nomads often appreciate the affordability of living in Guatemala. The cost of living is much lower than in many other countries, making it an attractive destination for those looking to stretch their budget. Additionally, the country is home to a diverse range of cultures and landscapes, from the colonial cities of Antigua and Quetzaltenango to the lush jungles of the Petén. Expats and digital nomads also enjoy the friendly and welcoming nature of the local people, who are often eager to share their culture and customs with visitors. On the other hand, some expats and digital nomads may find the infrastructure in Guatemala to be lacking, with unreliable public transportation and limited access to high-speed internet. Additionally, the country has a high crime rate, which can be a deterrent for some," explained one digital nomad living in Guatemala.