Guategringo
American expat in Guatemala
Forum posts
54
Contacts
5
About me
American
Lives in Guatemala City
Registration: 05 April 2013
Early retirement is calling my name... by cumbia911
Hello all, My name is Carolyn I currently reside in Florida and have worked for 28 years in the 911/law/fire/rescue dispatch center. I hope to achieve early retirement and plan to move to Guatemala within a year from now. I am bi-lingual, of ...
I would not bring any large furniture, appliances. They are all available here. I have been here 25 years check out my book on Amazon - Living in Guatemala. If you have any questions email me at *** Read More
Considering retirement in Guatemala by luv2travel
So we FINALLY retired and we can live anywhere. Guatemala looks like an awesome place to learn Spanish, make friends and enjoy life. Any tips on moving, bringing a car, pets, etc. would be appreciated. We love to travel and look forward to our ...
In Guatemala City you can purchase a townhouse from US$100,000 to US$2,000,000 all depends on where and how big.. The city has a few very good and expensive school as does Antigua. Read More
Relocating to Antigua, Guatamala
https://www.amazon.com/Living-Guatemala-2017-Antigua-Atitlan-ebook/dp/B06WWHCMY1/ref=pd_sim_351_1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=6MY381MT02VET2WSHTS0 Read More
Retiring in Guatemala
This is a very good guide for those interested in living in Guatemala - https://www.amazon.com/Living-Guatemala-2017-Antigua-Atitlan-ebook/dp/B06WWHCMY1/ref=zg_bs_16882_1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=F6WWCVNTQFJ3QVDRK8VM Read More
Moving soon to the area of Jocotenango / Antigua. Safety questions by ladulcecita
Hi. First post- so much pressure! We are moving (self, husband and children- 1 year, 11, 13, and 16 years old) to Antigua / Jocotenango area. We are bilingual, have some family in Guatemala, and have visited the home that we are renting. It is ...
This will help you.. https://www.amazon.com/Living-Guatemala-2017-Antigua-Atitlan-ebook/dp/B06WWHCMY1/ref=zg_bs_17140_2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=08Q10E48BH4AM36R559N Read More
Please share your experience about Health Insurance
There are a number of health insurances available in Guatemala. We have a private one offered by Hospital Pilar in the city. Most banks offer health insurance and one company that is widely used in the country is El Roble.... Read More
Studying in Guatemala
My son just started Med school in Guatemala. All universities in Guatemala are taught in Spanish. The most recognized universities are Rafael Landivar, Del Valle, Francisco Marroquin, San Carlos amongst others. Tuition is very inexpensive. Tuition ... Read More
landline internet service
Not all internet provideds are available in each town. Where is she? Best is Tigostar, Tigo or Claro Read More
Health concerns - Regarding Vaccinations by tiosam
Hello to all. My name is Garry and my spouse and I will be moving to Guatemala in Nov., probably to Antigua. I have a question regarding vaccinations. I know they are not required, but many health sites recommend typhus and yellow fever vaccinations ...
I have been here almost 22 years and have never had a vaccination. Did not have them before I can and none since. I know some people have them before they come as the websites suggest it. Generally they are less expensive here but for yellow fever ... Read More
Healthcare in Guatemala by Julien
Hi, how does the healthcare system work in Guatemala ? Is it efficient ? What are the main differences between public and private sectors? Is it recommended to purchase private health insurance in Guatemala? Thanks in advance for sharing ...
I have lived in Guatemala for the past 22 years. In that time I have had an emergency appendectomy, hernia surgery and kidney stone surgery. All three were at Centro Medico in zone 10. Professional staff, excellent equipment, super knowledgeable ... Read More
Seeking English Speaking OB Doctor
please send an email where I can send a private message, prefer not to send all info on open forum This doctor has been my wife's OB-GYn for 17 years and delivered our two sons. he lives in chimaltenango and studied in Guatemala and in the U.S. Read More
Seeking English Speaking OB Doctor
I will send you a private message with info Read More
Considering retirement in Guatemala by luv2travel
So we FINALLY retired and we can live anywhere. Guatemala looks like an awesome place to learn Spanish, make friends and enjoy life. Any tips on moving, bringing a car, pets, etc. would be appreciated. We love to travel and look forward to our ...
Guatemala has been my home since 1992. I love the country, its people, their customs, culture, traditions and food. Like any other place it has its downside. Crime is high in Guatemala City, but mainly involving drugs and gangs. Antigua is great for ... Read More
Applying for Permanent Residency in Guatemala by amytoledo71
I need to obtain an official police report/record from the Guatemalan authorities. With what agency would I go about requesting this information ? Cordially, Amy Toledo
You need to go to a police station and ask which one of the stations in the city you need to go to receive your "antecedentes penales." Read More
Moving soon by rpkittle
We just completed our one week trip to Guatemala. We stayed in Antigua and liked it so much that we are moving there. My wife and I want good health care and the USA will soon be not the place find it if you are on Medicare. We saw how beautiful ...
Check these sites www.revuemag.com, http://www.novantigua.com/es/inicio http://antiguarealty.net/ http://www.realestateinantigua.net/antigua/home.html However your best bet is to find an inexpensive hotel to stay at for a week or so and walk the ... Read More
Best places for expat to relocate in Guate by tigerfan
We are highly considering relocation to Guatemala and would appreciate any opinions as to the top 3-4 locations to live in Guate. We like the coast since we grew up close to the South Carolina coastal area but we are open to any area. Antigua seems ...
Tigerfan, Well I have two sons 14 and 11. Both are enrolled in private schools since public schools are atrocious to say the least. My boys attend a school in Guatemala City that is bilingual, but next year starting in Janaury (school year here is ... Read More
high schools in Guate or Mexico by juleslarosa
Hi all, I might live in Guate or Mexico for a few months, I want my teenage girl to go to school there, she'll be in 10th grade, any suggestions for good schools to look into? We live in New York City. Thanks, I'm new to this group. Jules
Yes Colegio Boston is bilingual. The exams usually consist of math, Spanish and English. if that answers your question. Where will you be living? Have you been here before? I have lived here for over 20 years and love it. Used to spend my summers in ... Read More
high schools in Guate or Mexico by juleslarosa
Hi all, I might live in Guate or Mexico for a few months, I want my teenage girl to go to school there, she'll be in 10th grade, any suggestions for good schools to look into? We live in New York City. Thanks, I'm new to this group. Jules
My children go to this school manosalaobra.edu.gt/ Like I mentioned before the school starts in January so your arrival would be good, but they have an entry exam that must be taken beforehand. I am sure you could write to them. The website does ... Read More
high schools in Guate or Mexico by juleslarosa
Hi all, I might live in Guate or Mexico for a few months, I want my teenage girl to go to school there, she'll be in 10th grade, any suggestions for good schools to look into? We live in New York City. Thanks, I'm new to this group. Jules
Jules, Welcome to the forum. I have two boys 14 and 11 who attend school here in Guatemala. First of all, for the vast majority of schools, the school year is January through October. There are a few that are like the states September through June. ... Read More
Checkpoints and safety by Guategringo
I found in my time here in Guatemala that checkpoints are a good thing, as long as you are not hiding anything!!!:cool: There have been a rash of robberies by people on motorcycles in Guatemala City. They find stop lights that have long, long lines ...
Guys do not get carried away. It does not happen all the time and it does not happen every where.It has never happened to me and I have been here 20 years nearly 21. Just want people to be aware of what could happen. I would never want to scare ... Read More
Checkpoints and safety by Guategringo
I found in my time here in Guatemala that checkpoints are a good thing, as long as you are not hiding anything!!!:cool: There have been a rash of robberies by people on motorcycles in Guatemala City. They find stop lights that have long, long lines ...
Steve, I just hope your bravado does not get in the way of your safety. My brother-in-law down here feels the way you do, make them pay if they steal from you. Roll down your window and have a gun, knife, baseball bat, etc., etc. To each his ... Read More
Checkpoints and safety by Guategringo
I found in my time here in Guatemala that checkpoints are a good thing, as long as you are not hiding anything!!!:cool: There have been a rash of robberies by people on motorcycles in Guatemala City. They find stop lights that have long, long lines ...
I meant to say MOST people Read More
Checkpoints and safety by Guategringo
I found in my time here in Guatemala that checkpoints are a good thing, as long as you are not hiding anything!!!:cool: There have been a rash of robberies by people on motorcycles in Guatemala City. They find stop lights that have long, long lines ...
Steve, I would reconsider playing the tough guy. Most criminals here know that they will never get caught if they rob, steal or shoot someone and they will not hesitate to do so. You might thinks its easy to use your car as a weapon, but these are ... Read More
Checking out Guatemala--thinking of around pana--live currently in US by Gig3000
Thinking about the little things here. If i didn't want to carry cash around, how would i pay for rent? Can you have a cashiers check cut at the local bank to pay the landlord? or mail it? If we rent from locals, do they go to the bank? Do they ...
DQ, I have an account in Chase in the U.S. I earn a living writing online and everyone pays me via paypal. I transfer to Chase from paypal which does not cost anything and that usually takes two busines days or if its the weekend, I transfer Friday ... Read More
Checking out Guatemala--thinking of around pana--live currently in US by Gig3000
Thinking about the little things here. If i didn't want to carry cash around, how would i pay for rent? Can you have a cashiers check cut at the local bank to pay the landlord? or mail it? If we rent from locals, do they go to the bank? Do they ...
You always need to have some sort of cash on you since some places do accept debit or credit cards. Like Armand said, I suggest opening an account (a savings account in Banrural is easy to open), get a debit card and transfer money to that account ... Read More
Checkpoints and safety by Guategringo
I found in my time here in Guatemala that checkpoints are a good thing, as long as you are not hiding anything!!!:cool: There have been a rash of robberies by people on motorcycles in Guatemala City. They find stop lights that have long, long lines ...
I suggest you roll down the window and give them what they ask for, otherwise they might shoot you before you shoot them. I am very serious. You read in the papers how someone resisted being robbed and they were shot. Material things cannot be ... Read More
Checkpoints and safety
I found in my time here in Guatemala that checkpoints are a good thing, as long as you are not hiding anything!!!:cool: There have been a rash of robberies by people on motorcycles in Guatemala City. They find stop lights that have long, long lines ... Read More
5 good reasons for living in Guatemala by Julien
Hi, if someone asks you the best reasons for making the choice to live and stay in Guatemala, what would be your top 5? Thanks in advance for participating, Julien
I have an expired driver's license from Massachusetts from about five years ago. I renewed mine every five years there just in case, but have not done that since 2008. Most cannot read English and they are probably making sure the name on the ... Read More
5 good reasons for living in Guatemala by Julien
Hi, if someone asks you the best reasons for making the choice to live and stay in Guatemala, what would be your top 5? Thanks in advance for participating, Julien
DQ I would not be worried by the checkpoints. Acutally they make things safer. They are looking for unregistered cars, people with arrest warrants and what not. I have been stopped a numerous occasions. Sometime I show them an old U.S. drivers ... Read More
Guat Basics for Newbie - help, please by sopwith21
I'd like to consider a move to Guat, but my wife insists on answers to the following before she'll even visit: - How frequently does the electricity "go out?" - Same for phone service, and are cell phones common and reliable? - Does the ...
110/220 in my house. I always have the fridge going, we have an electric stove, washing machine hair dryers four computers... four television sets... etc. etc Read More
Guat Basics for Newbie - help, please by sopwith21
I'd like to consider a move to Guat, but my wife insists on answers to the following before she'll even visit: - How frequently does the electricity "go out?" - Same for phone service, and are cell phones common and reliable? - Does the ...
Following your guidelines 1. Electricity does not go out much at all 2. Anyone and everyone has a cell if the poorest people. The service is very reliable, only a few dead spots around the country where you will lose a call. But in Antigua Guatemala ... Read More
Health Insurance
I bet you are really looking forward to coming here to live. I have called Guatemala home for more than 20 years and love living here more each day. I have a health insurance that is offered by a local hospital here called Hospital Pilar. They ... Read More
Opening a bank account in Guatemala by Julien
Hi all, is it difficult for expats to open a bank account in Guatemala ? Which documents are required to open a bank account in Guatemala ? How long does it take to open it ? Is there any restriction for expats regarding the services ...
There are many banks to choose from here ArmandAtitlan likes BAM - Banco Agricola Merchantile. I personally like Banco Industrial. It really does not matter unless you have to work with a specific coorespondent bank in the U.S. then you need to ask ... Read More
Opening a bank account in Guatemala by Julien
Hi all, is it difficult for expats to open a bank account in Guatemala ? Which documents are required to open a bank account in Guatemala ? How long does it take to open it ? Is there any restriction for expats regarding the services ...
Armand, yes it might be more difficult now, but I know at Citibank here in Guatemala City they will open accounts for anyone with a passport. I just called and asked them. I use paypal and xoom because with xoom I pay a small fee but the money is ... Read More
Opening a bank account in Guatemala by Julien
Hi all, is it difficult for expats to open a bank account in Guatemala ? Which documents are required to open a bank account in Guatemala ? How long does it take to open it ? Is there any restriction for expats regarding the services ...
I do not want to say anything against ArmandAtitlan, but I have been here for 20 years and I have accounts in my personal name and business name. I opened a new savings account in my name in trust for my two children just last week at Banco ... Read More
5 good reasons for living in Guatemala by Julien
Hi, if someone asks you the best reasons for making the choice to live and stay in Guatemala, what would be your top 5? Thanks in advance for participating, Julien
Aurélie, Why put us back on topic if no one else is complaining about it? If others are not posting or not making negative comments, what is the problem? Or to stay on topic should I say it this way 1. What is the problem 2. No one is ... Read More
moving soon by shartline9
We are moving soon to Guate and I have a few questions. So for those that have recently arrived, or those that have lived here for years I look forward to hearing from you. We will be moving to San Raymundo...smallish town up north-west of Guate ...
DQ, When are you arriving in Guate? Have you decided Antigua will be your starting point? How does the family feel about your move? I have been here 20 years and mom still asks me to come home when we talk on the phone!!! Now I just say to her that ... Read More
5 good reasons for living in Guatemala by Julien
Hi, if someone asks you the best reasons for making the choice to live and stay in Guatemala, what would be your top 5? Thanks in advance for participating, Julien
[Moderated: No advertising please!] Read More
moving soon by shartline9
We are moving soon to Guate and I have a few questions. So for those that have recently arrived, or those that have lived here for years I look forward to hearing from you. We will be moving to San Raymundo...smallish town up north-west of Guate ...
All I meant was it was important to make sure you were happy with Antigua not because there are a large number of expats because they all have their own lives as do you and when it gets right down to it survival, happiness and making your way will ... Read More
5 good reasons for living in Guatemala by Julien
Hi, if someone asks you the best reasons for making the choice to live and stay in Guatemala, what would be your top 5? Thanks in advance for participating, Julien
I could go on and on but would rather not bore you. You need to see and experience it all for yourself. You want beauty look up Semuc Champey or Monterrico or Lake Atitlan or even Las Georginas in Xela... My family and I use one weekend a month to ... Read More
moving soon by shartline9
We are moving soon to Guate and I have a few questions. So for those that have recently arrived, or those that have lived here for years I look forward to hearing from you. We will be moving to San Raymundo...smallish town up north-west of Guate ...
I suggest you just come and visit and check out what the country has to offer and make the expats a secondary focus. I would assume there are between 2,000 and 3,000 expats from the U.S. in Antigua and I personally know one of them. All of these ... Read More
5 good reasons for living in Guatemala by Julien
Hi, if someone asks you the best reasons for making the choice to live and stay in Guatemala, what would be your top 5? Thanks in advance for participating, Julien
1. Beautiful people 2. More fruits and veggies than one can eat 3. A volcanic landscape like no other. 4. Traditions, customs and culture unparalelled 5. Each morning I grab the Prensa Libre, a cup of coffee, sit on my porch and read the news while ... Read More
Moving soon by rpkittle
We just completed our one week trip to Guatemala. We stayed in Antigua and liked it so much that we are moving there. My wife and I want good health care and the USA will soon be not the place find it if you are on Medicare. We saw how beautiful ...
GOOD FOR YOU TWO!!! I am happy to hear you are going to live here in the most beautiful country in the world. I have lived in Guate for 20 years. I lived a short time(one year) in Antigua, but for the most part in Guatemala City since my office was ... Read More
Little things you miss the most....
I have been here 20 years but I still miss Italian Sausage both spicy and sweet!!! The sausages do not have the same taste here. Read More
Working "remotely" advice? by languagetraveler
Hi everyone- Im new to the forum and I have a few questions if anyone can help. I live in the states and have no immediate plans to permanently move to Guatemala, but would like to plan some extended stays of 1-2 months here and there. Ive ...
There are local providers that run cable into your home and there are other larger companies lile Claro that offer cable, telepone and internet service as a package of two or three. there is also Yego and Japi yego.com.gt/ and soyjapi.com.gt/ I have ... Read More
Working "remotely" advice? by languagetraveler
Hi everyone- Im new to the forum and I have a few questions if anyone can help. I live in the states and have no immediate plans to permanently move to Guatemala, but would like to plan some extended stays of 1-2 months here and there. Ive ...
Tim, I live in Guatemala City and write online for a living. I start work each morning around three am and write until about 10am. I have to start early since my sites I write for are news and sports and need to be fresh. I have been writing online ... Read More
Can I sell my 98 car in Guatemala by Robert Miles
As a tourist coming from the US,can I or should I, sell my car in Guatemala. It's a 98 Towncar in great shape.
You can bring in any car you wish, but there are now new duties you must pay since the new government came into powere in January of 2012. The import taxes are higher, but once you pay them you can register the car and you have to pay once year like ... Read More
Just how dangerous is Guate nowadays? by BasiaAlm
I have to go to Belize for 6 months to a year and during summer I would like to visit Guate, especially highlands, as it is cooler. Found a lovely house on Lake Atitlan to rent for 2-3 months, but how about getting there? I heard the maras target ...
Guatemala is as dangerous as any other country in the region. One recent person posted that there is more crime in Miami in one day that in Guatemala in a year. That my friends is a lie. Guatemala has its share of crime. It should not be ... Read More