Digital Nomad Life in Guatemala City, Guatemala
Summary: Digital nomads like living in Guatemala City, Guatemala because of its affordability, vibrant culture, and easy access to the rest of Central America. The best neighborhood to live in is Zone 10, which is known for its safety, modern amenities, and proximity to the city center. The approximate population of Guatemala City is 3.2 million. The weather in Guatemala City is generally warm and humid, with temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to the mid-80s Fahrenheit. The monthly cost of living for a digital nomad in Guatemala City is estimated to be around $1,000 USD. This includes rent, food, transportation, and entertainment. The cost of renting a centrally located, one-bedroom apartment with high-speed internet access in Guatemala City is approximately $500 USD per month.
How do I meet people in Guatemala City?
When we asked people living in Guatemala City about club and activities where newcomers can meet others, they responded:
"Expats in Guatemala City often join clubs and activities such as language exchange groups, salsa dancing classes, and yoga classes. Expats can also meet people by attending local events such as festivals, concerts, and art exhibitions. Additionally, expats can join social media groups and meetups to connect with other expats and locals. Finally, expats can also meet people by attending church services, volunteering, or joining a sports team," explained one person living in Guatemala City, Guatemala.
What is life like in Guatemala City?
When we asked people living in Guatemala City what life is like and how people spend their time, they said:
"Life for expats and digital nomads in Guatemala City is generally quite pleasant. The city is full of vibrant culture, delicious food, and friendly locals. The cost of living is relatively low, making it an attractive destination for those looking to stretch their budget. The city is also well-connected, with reliable public transportation and plenty of coworking spaces. Expats and digital nomads can find plenty of activities to keep them entertained, from exploring the city's many parks and museums to taking part in the lively nightlife. With its diverse culture and welcoming atmosphere, Guatemala City is an ideal destination for those looking to experience a new way of life," said one person in Guatemala City.
Where should I live in Guatemala City?
We asked digital nomads and expats how they chose their neighborhood and found a place to live. They answered:
"One option for finding a place to live in Guatemala City is to search online for rental listings. Websites such as Encuentra24.com, Vivanuncios.com, and Casas.com are popular sites for finding rental properties in Guatemala City. Additionally, you can search for rental listings on social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter. Additionally, you can contact local real estate agents who specialize in rental properties in Guatemala City. They can provide you with information about available properties and help you find the perfect place to live," said one expat in Guatemala City.
What do I need to know before moving to Guatemala City?
When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Guatemala City, they said:
"Before retiring in Guatemala City, expats should familiarize themselves with the local culture and customs. It is also important to research the cost of living and the availability of healthcare services. Additionally, expats should consider the safety of the city and the availability of transportation. It is also important to research the local laws and regulations regarding visas and residency. Finally, expats should consider the language barrier and the availability of English-speaking services," explained one expat living in Guatemala City, Guatemala.
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What do people appreciate most about the culture in Guatemala City?
"Expats in Guatemala City appreciate the vibrant culture and friendly people. They enjoy the colorful markets, the delicious food, and the unique architecture. They also appreciate the rich history and the many cultural festivals that take place throughout the year. Additionally, they enjoy the warm climate and the stunning natural beauty of the country," explained one person living in Guatemala City, Guatemala.
"Weather is nice. There are some nice places to visit (lakes, vulcanoes, coastal area)," said one expat in Guatemala City.
What do people find most challenging about the culture in Guatemala City?
"Security (18 murders per day, many robberies), understanding people (learning a new language), not working," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Guatemala City.
"Expats in Guatemala City often find the local culture to be quite different from what they are used to. The language barrier can 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 used to, as well as the lack of modern amenities and infrastructure. Finally, the high levels of poverty and inequality can be difficult to witness and adjust to," explained one person living in Guatemala City, Guatemala.
What residency documents or visas did I need if I will be in Guatemala City for a while?
"If you plan to stay in Guatemala City for an extended period of time, you will need to obtain a valid residency visa. Depending on the length of your stay, you may need to apply for a Temporary Residency Visa or a Permanent Residency Visa. You will also need to provide proof of financial stability, a valid passport, and other documents as required by the Guatemalan government," said one expat who made the move to Guatemala City.
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What cultural blunders should I try to avoid making in Guatemala City?
We asked people in Guatemala City if they could share any humorous cultural blunders they commited. They wrote:
"In Guatemala City, it is important to be respectful of local customs and traditions. Avoid making negative comments about the country or its people, as this can be seen as offensive. Additionally, it is important to dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. It is also important to be aware of the local language and to be respectful when speaking to locals. Finally, it is important to be aware of the local customs regarding public displays of affection, as some may be seen as inappropriate," explained one person living in Guatemala City, Guatemala.
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Relocating abroad soon? Make your move with AGS! AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Our experience and expertise allows us to guarantee our clients the best quality moving services.
Relocating abroad soon? Make your move with AGS! AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Our experience and expertise allows us to guarantee our clients the best quality moving services.
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What are healthcare services like in Guatemala City?
When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Guatemala City, they replied:
"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 City, are a mix of public and private providers, with the public sector being underfunded and facing challenges in terms of quality and accessibility. The private sector offers better quality care, but it can be expensive and is mostly accessible to those who can afford it. Public hospitals and clinics in the city are often overcrowded, with long waiting times and limited resources, which can lead to inadequate care for patients. In contrast, private hospitals and clinics are well-equipped and staffed with highly trained professionals, offering a wide range of services, from primary care to specialized treatments. However, these facilities are concentrated in urban areas, making it difficult for people living in rural areas to access quality healthcare. Additionally, there is a shortage of healthcare professionals, particularly in rural areas, which further exacerbates the challenges faced by the healthcare system in Guatemala City," said one digital nomad in Guatemala City.
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Relocating abroad soon? Make your move with AGS! AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Our experience and expertise allows us to guarantee our clients the best quality moving services.
Relocating abroad soon? Make your move with AGS! AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Our experience and expertise allows us to guarantee our clients the best quality moving services.
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What are the pros and cons of living in Guatemala City?
"Expats and digital nomads generally like the low cost of living in Guatemala City, which allows them to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without breaking the bank. They appreciate the vibrant culture, rich history, and friendly locals who are often eager to share their traditions and customs. The city offers a variety of delicious local and international cuisine, as well as bustling markets and shopping centers. The weather is also a plus, with a pleasant climate year-round. On the other hand, expats and digital nomads may dislike the safety concerns in Guatemala City, as it has a reputation for high crime rates and gang activity. They may also find the traffic and public transportation to be chaotic and unreliable, making it difficult to navigate the city. Additionally, the infrastructure, particularly in terms of internet connectivity, can be lacking in some areas, which can be frustrating for digital nomads who rely on a stable connection for work. Finally, the language barrier can be challenging for those who do not speak Spanish, as English is not widely spoken outside of tourist areas," said one digital nomad in Guatemala City.
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Relocating abroad soon? Make your move with AGS! AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Our experience and expertise allows us to guarantee our clients the best quality moving services.
Relocating abroad soon? Make your move with AGS! AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Our experience and expertise allows us to guarantee our clients the best quality moving services.
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About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange and serves as Co-President of Expat Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange and Digital Nomad Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.
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