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 expat who made the move to Cuidad Vieja.

"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.

"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 in Panajachel.

"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 expat in Esquipulas.

"Lives revolve around families and work. In the case of retired expats, we spend our time doing what we want," said one expat who made the move to Esquipulas.

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

"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 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," explained one expat in 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," explained one expat living 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," said one person 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," said one expat who made the move to Cuidad Vieja.

"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.

"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 in Guatemala-City.

"Come visit, first! Then decide. Only you know what you are looking for, check out what is offered here," explained one expat 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 member in San Pedro La Laguna.

"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....," explained one expat living in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala.

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

"Security (18 murders per day, many robberies), understanding people (learning a new language), not working," explained one expat living in Guatemala City, 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 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 member in San Pedro La Laguna.

"Blunders all humans commit wherever they are. No one else notices so get over it. I think the one blunder I personally notice a lot is how LOUD many Americans talk. Be aware of this and attempt to chat quietly. Whenever I saw 2 or more Americans I heard them first! Whatever you think you have to say.... remember to say it quietly," explained one expat living in Quetzaltenango, 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 person in Lake Atitlan.

"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 living in Guatemala City, 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," said one digital nomad 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.

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