Digital Nomad Life in Guatemala

"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," said one person in Guatemala.

"Life for expats and digital nomads in Guatemala is generally quite pleasant. The country is known for its friendly people, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes. Expats and digital nomads can find a variety of activities to enjoy, from exploring the ancient Mayan ruins to visiting the many volcanoes and lakes. Guatemala also offers a wide range of affordable housing options, making it a great place to live for those on a budget. The country also has a strong infrastructure for digital nomads, with reliable internet access and plenty of coworking spaces. Overall, Guatemala is an excellent destination for expats and digital nomads looking for an exciting and affordable place to live," said one expat in Guatemala.

"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," remarked one member in Guatemala-City.

"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.

"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.

"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," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Panajachel.

"Come visit, first! Then decide. Only you know what you are looking for, check out what is offered here," said one person 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," said one expat who made the move to Guatemala-City.

"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," explained one foreigner living in Guatemala.

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

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

"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," remarked one member in San Pedro La Laguna.

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

"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," remarked one member in Quetzaltenango.

"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," explained one expat living in Guatemala.

"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 expat in Guatemala.

"I offered to help do the laundry when the woman I hired came to mi casa...not a good idea...the look on her face was...well lets just say I got the impression I was borderline close to offending her... Walking a trail without a lamp... duh... in the rain ...after dark... First and last time I get into a boat without asking if it is public or private! Spent 45 minutes trying to start a fire and giving up...later to meet someone on the trail who casually mentioned it is hard to start a fire here due to the lack of O2 in the air...and so some cooking oil and a few major breathes of my hot air and I had instant fire from that day on...lol," said one expat in Lake Atitlan.

"It is important to be respectful of local customs and traditions when visiting Guatemala. It is considered rude to point with your finger, so it is best to use an open hand when gesturing. It is also important to dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. It is also important to be aware of the local language and to avoid speaking English loudly in public. Additionally, it is important to be aware of the local customs regarding physical contact, as it is considered inappropriate to touch someone without their permission. Finally, it is important to be respectful of the local culture and to avoid making jokes or comments that could be seen as offensive," remarked one member in Guatemala.

"Healthcare services in Guatemala are provided by both public and private institutions. The public healthcare system is funded by the government and is available to all citizens and legal residents. The quality of public healthcare varies depending on the region, but generally it is considered to be of lower quality than private healthcare. Foreign residents do have access to the public healthcare system, but they may need to pay out-of-pocket for some services. Expats in Guatemala typically use the private healthcare system, as it is more reliable and offers better quality care. However, some expats may opt to use the public healthcare system if they are unable to afford private care," explained one expat living in Guatemala.

"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 digital nomad in Guatemala.

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