With its unrivaled blend of natural beauty, fascinating culture, and pleasant climate, Guatemala is a very attractive destination for adventurous expats. Before making the move, you’ve certainly considered the major pros and cons of living in Guatemala.
Contents
Why you should move to Guatemala?
Pros include the spring-like weather, the low cost of living and the lifestyle.Expats that move to Guatemala do so to enjoy a beautiful country where the cost of living can be dramatically different than the rest of the world.
Is Guatemala a nice place to live?
Despite feeling far away from the U.S., Guatemala is just a two-hour flight from Miami. Along with this proximity are other practical reasons expats come here. The clement and forgiving climate is a major plus. In the southern highlands where most people live, temperatures average 70 F year-round and humidity is low.
Why is Guatemala a good country?
Guatemala has everything you’re looking for in a vacation destination. From history to culture, ancient ruins and brilliant colonial architecture, natural beauty and adventure, you’ll love traveling to the country – it’s known as the Mayan center of Central America because of the many historical sites.
Is it expensive to live in Guatemala?
Summary about cost of living in Guatemala City, Guatemala: Family of four estimated monthly costs are 2,138$ (16,543Q) without rent. A single person estimated monthly costs are 601$ (4,655Q) without rent. Guatemala City is 55.54% less expensive than New York (without rent).
What’s it like living in Guatemala?
Guatemala is a stunning country with a diverse landscape of mountains, rainforest and volcanoes.With a history of civil war and natural disasters, however, Guatemala suffers from a number of problems including poverty, food insecurity, low education rates and poor health care.
What do I need to move to Guatemala?
Start by applying for a 90-day residence permit, which requires a letter of sponsorship from a Guatemalan citizen plus evidence of financial resources. Before that permit expires, apply for a Visa Ordinaria, which permits residence for six months, after which it can be renewed.
Is Guatemala safe to live in?
Despite having a reputation for crime, Guatemala is generally safe to visit right now. Travel warnings and stats don’t always paint a true picture of what it’s like to actually BE in the country. For example, most violent crime is gang-related i.e. only affects locals living in certain areas.
How safe is Guatemala?
Guatemala has one of the highest violent crime rates in Latin America; there were 4,914 violent deaths in 2018. Although the majority of serious crime involves local gangs, incidents are usually indiscriminate and can occur in tourist areas. Despite the high levels of crime, most visits to Guatemala are trouble-free.
How much money do you need to live comfortably in Guatemala?
All in all, a couple can live comfortably in Guatemala for anywhere between $1,200 and $1,500 a month, and this will include housing, food, entertainment, transportation, utilities and even maid, handyman or gardening services if you so choose.
What is Guatemala best known for?
Guatemala is best known for its volcanic landscape, fascinating Mayan culture and the colorful colonial city of Antigua, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. But this small Central American country has a wealth of homegrown produce and talent.
Is Guatemala a 3rd world country?
In summary, Guatemala is a third world country. Even though it is a beautiful country with plenty of attractions, it continues to struggle with the effects of its long civil war. During the cold war, Guatemala was not a part of the east and west conflict.
What are 5 interesting facts about Guatemala?
11 Surprising Cultural Facts You Didn’t Know About Guatemala
- The national bird lends its name to the Guatemalan currency.
- Guatemala means “land of many trees”
- It has been inhabited for 20,000 years.
- 22 languages are spoken in the country.
- The CIA overthrew a socialist government in 1954.
Is Guatemala cheaper than Mexico?
Mexico is 16% cheaper than Guatemala.
Do Americans retire in Guatemala?
Guatemala is a third most populous country in Central America and one of the best places to retire currently. The country offers a very stable and pleasant climate year round, pretty safe cities and one of the lowest cost of living in the Americas.
How much is a Big Mac in Guatemala?
Prices for a Big Mac in Guatemala from 2019 to 2021 (in U.S. dollars)
| Characteristic | Average price in U.S. dollars |
|---|---|
| 2021 | 3.2 |
| 2020 | 3.24 |
| 2019 | 3.23 |
What are families like in Guatemala?
Guatemalan families like to spend time together during meals and at family gatherings. Parents are usually very protective of their children, especially girls. In smaller towns, people might greet each other on the street, even if they don’t know them. A simple “buenos días” is a great sign of hospitality.
Where do most Americans live in Guatemala?
Most expats living in Guatemala settle in the capital, Guatemala City, or Antigua.
What are some problems in Guatemala?
Public Security, Corruption, and Criminal Justice
Violence and extortion by powerful criminal organizations remain serious problems in Guatemala. Gang-related violence is an important factor prompting people, including unaccompanied children and young adults, to leave the country.
Is Guatemala a good place for Americans to live?
Although compared to Southeast Asia, Guatemala isn’t cheap, it’s definitely affordable and the cost of living is relatively inexpensive compared to the U.S. Imported goods are pricier, but you can live comfortably buying local products and fresh in-season produce from the mercado.
Is it safe to retire in Guatemala?
Safety in Guatemala
Guatemala’s public safety has improved significantly in the last 20 years since the end of the civil war. The center of Guatemala City has the highest crime rates in the country, but areas like Antigua, where many American expats live, report very low crime rates.
