Moving to Guatemala

Post new topic

kukulcan56 Member

Member since 24 September 2012

kukulcan56Member24 September 2012 22:12:00

I am exploring the idea of moving to Guatemala sometime next spring and would like to know a few things related to the country.I am single.The most important to me is Internet providers because I am making my living using my computer.Here is a list of the other important things I'd like to know:

-Banking system.ATM service.I am paid by wire transfer from US but to my bank account I still keep in US.
-Housing and prices.What can you rent for ex with $400 a month???
-What cities are safer and closer to nature possible?I don't need to live in the center of a big city for ex.IF I have an Internet connection at the outskirts of a city it would be fine.
-How far would be food stores/supermarkets/markets?Is there necessary to have a car?Is a bus system available?
-Can I renew the visa every year?
-Is there an American Consulate or Embassy?I am an American citizen.

So far these would be for now my questions.I'd appreciate if somebody can give me a closer to reality answer.Also if any of you lived in Yucatan/Mexico,how much it differs living in Guatemala than Mexico?

Thank you very much,
best

础耻谤茅濒颈别 ViP

Member since 02 May 2012

Follow Expat blog on , and

础耻谤茅濒颈别ViP25 September 2012 06:30:41

22735

Hello kukulcan56.

Welcome to 禁漫天堂!

I hope other members will be able to help you.

In meantime, you can go through the other threads on the Guatemala forum.

Thank you,
础耻谤茅濒颈别

armandatitlan Active member

Member since 23 March 2010

armandatitlanActive member07 November 2012 18:30:36

Dear Member,

Living here permanently I can fill you in for some of your questions.

Internet
The easiest is to rent a house with a hard phone line.. You can get different size I use 1 gb
it cost $70 per month very stable and fast.
Some cities and villages have internet cable not so fast but it does work
Now if you are in the wood we use also a USB modem that work over the cell phone system
You pay $ 45 per month for 8 gb for a month and if you use it you can refill it.
If you really need fast system you can have a satellite system cost of installation and then $ 65 to $ 265 per month

Banking
The Guatemalan banks the 3 best one (Banco Industrial, Banco Agromercantil, Banco GyT) are very stable and conservative banks.
When you live here you can open a bank account in Dollars either a saving account or checking account. Then transfer your money to your account in Guatemala the fees are around $ 15 per transfer.Then you get US $ or Guatemalan Money Quetzales

HOUSING
Cost of housing are depending of the city you will choose
Guatemala city for one bedroom apartment more above $ 600.00
Antigua high demand and wide range of prices but if you go to the villages near by
price drop
Lake Atitlan you can have a good house for $ 400.00 but average $ 500.00
Quetzaltenango more in the $ 500.00

CITIES
Guatemalan cities are small. buses in Guatemalan and Quetzaltenango
Antigua, Atitlan moto taxi tuk tuk

VISA
If you come under the tourist visa you have the right to stay 3 months renewable and then
need to get out the country for 3 days and start all again.
To renew after 3 months you can do it in the city or use the services..

In Guatemala you have the full services of your embassy.

Let me know if you need more info..

TheDQ Guest

TheDQGuest09 November 2012 15:16:10

214245

Armand, very good info! Thank you. Once you live in GT for 3 months, can you then apply for residency? And what are the next steps to acquiring a full passport/citizenship?

Thanks

Articles to help you in your expat project in Guatemala

Banking in Guatemala
Guatemala has endeavoured to clamp down on money laundering by implementing stringent control over international ...
How to drive in Guatemala
The majority of public means of transportation in Guatemala is notoriously uncomfortable, so being able to drive ...
Phones and internet in Guatemala
Guatemala enjoys extensive and modern telecommunications networks, encompassing cellular and land lines, broadband ...
The healthcare system in Guatemala
Guatemala's public health system benefits from a well-established legal framework, a long-standing ...
Free movies
As a movie fan, having the chance of watching all kinds of movies in the places I visit is a plus. Although, ...
Leisure activities in Guatemala
With Guatemala's rich cultural and historic heritage, stunning landscapes and dense cultural agenda, spending your ...
Finding work in Guatemala
Guatemala has a stable economy driven by the primary and tertiary sectors. Although foreigners are only rarely ...
The tax system in Guatemala
Taxation in Guatemala is all but excessive; the country's revenue from tax, at 12.3% of GDP, is one of the lowest ...