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 expat who made the move to 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," explained one foreigner living in Esquipulas, 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 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," explained one expat in Panajachel.

"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," 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.

"Lives revolve around families and work. In the case of retired expats, we spend our time doing what we want," said one person in Esquipulas.

"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," said one expat who made the move to 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 person 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 expat in Guatemala.

"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 in Guatemala-City.

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

"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 foreigner who made the move to San Pedro La Laguna.

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

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

"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," remarked one member in Guatemala.

"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," said one expat 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 member in San Pedro La Laguna.

"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," explained one expat living in Lake Atitlan, 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," said one foreigner in Guatemala City.

"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," remarked one member in Guatemala.

"It's a beautiful country with great people and food. There is not good affordable education for children," wrote one digital nomad 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," said one foreigner in Guatemala.