armand boissy
@armandatitlan
French expat in Guatemala
Forum posts
91
Contacts
16
About me
French
Lives in Panajachel, Sololá
Speaks french, spanish, english
Registration: 23 March 2010
Guatemalan customs tax by PatrickLeclerc
Dear friends, Can you tell me, please, the amount of Guatemalan customs tax on - books ? - a laptop ? Thank you. :) Best regards Patrick
Customs charges 12% as vat separately are the custom taxes that varies according the product some have 0% importation taxes. like the computers.. Read More
Doing business in Guatemala
You should come first own to judge if you like it.. then once here depending your stream of passive income you can apply for a residency that would allow you to work and live permanently here. Armand Read More
The jobs that are the most in-demand for expats in Guatemala by Priscilla
Hello, We invite you to share some information regarding the job market for expats in Guatemala. This information will be incredibly helpful to anyone considering moving there, so we're very grateful for your contribution. What are the types ...
The calls centers also recruits expats and not only english speaking,. they welcome French and other european nationalities.. you can make like $800 per month.. also Language schools hire expats as teachers... I have a very good friend teaching full ... 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 ...
Dear Sir, Average price as you might understand varies greatly from location to location.. but you can have $ 80,000 houses colonial style for example in Antigua but you have to count around $ 150,000 for a good town house around Antigua or ... Read More
The good,bad and ugly of Guatemala by Kendoit
I have read a lot of replies on this forum about the people of Guatemal and their attitude toward gringos, I have lived many years in S.E. Asia and found most of my experiences good very little bad and rarely ugly, (here it comes) but I know to ...
In Guatemala, locals are very welcoming toward the expats.. I have been living here for 27 years and have to experience racism only 2 times (go back to your country if you don't like it here...) . Now it is all question of attitude.. You need to ... Read More
Guatemala 2018 w/banking question by Ketzaldreemz
Hello to all! :cheers: I'm planning to move to Guatemala next year. I have lived in the Chicago area for 13 years, originally I am from Eastern Europe. I have been reading the expat group posts on Facebook and it has been really helpful. Also ...
hello.. you can't open an account here if you are not physically here and a friend could open it in his name but could be incurring illegal act as when you open an account you declare that the account is for your personal use.. I would suggest ... Read More
Speaking Spanish in Guatemala by Priscilla
Hi everyone, It is widely agreed that speaking Spanish is essential for a successful integration in Guatemala. Do you agree? Share your experience! Do you speak Spanish? If so, where did you learn this language? Where can one attend a ...
I think it is indispensable to learn some basic of the language of the country you plan to live. I have learned Spanish in Antigua Guatemala from one of the numerous private Spanish school you find there. The teaching is on one to one basis, and if ... Read More
landline internet service
If she can use Claro I would recommend it. I have it at my office and it works very well plus you can size the quantity of bandwidth you need. Read More
Are you happy in Guatemala?
26 years of happiness... Living in Lake Atitlan Area.. going back every year to France make me enjoy still more the privileged I'm .. Living here is great for my soul, physic and spirit.. the rest is just Life as usual Read More
Tourist visa Loop, fine, exemption... for Tourist-Resident by armandatitlan
Very often when coming to Guatemala to visit you end up staying longer than expected or you simply move in and slowly forget about your migratory status... Any serious expat candidate should consider before considering moving abroad is to know the ...
Hi BP, You get the stamps not at SAT which is the "Guatemalan IRS" the stamp of residency is given by the Migration office..so be aware... Read More
San Pedro LA Laguna. ????
I differ with Examericano... San Pedro is no more expat scene with alchohol and drugs than Pana.. difference San Pedro the crowd is younger.. It is 2 different villages.. San pedro more indigenous and less expat than Pana.. Both offers different ... Read More
Need Advices help me make this transition.
Hi Ed, Sounds a divine adventure.. depending where you want to live .. there is different website for rentals.. check this one of the chamber of realtors.. www.ccbrg.com I'm a realtor specialized in Atitlan www.rentalsatitlan.com... Read More
Tourist visa Loop, fine, exemption... for Tourist-Resident by armandatitlan
Very often when coming to Guatemala to visit you end up staying longer than expected or you simply move in and slowly forget about your migratory status... Any serious expat candidate should consider before considering moving abroad is to know the ...
Hi Bp... imigration agent from which country? Did you renew your passport and your new one doesn't have the residency stamp? Pink cards you mean DPI? your US passport must have a stamp from the Gt government that says you are resident in ... Read More
Common misconceptions and clichés about life in Guatemala by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Old clichés die hard, as the saying goes... and living in Guatemala can generate lots of misconceptions in the eyes of the people. What are the most common misconceptions about the expat lifestyle in Guatemala? What are ...
I like Antigua as well and I think it is not that dangerous when you are cautious.. and not living to isolated from the main city.. Of course living in a gated community tagged you as a potential victim.. versus living in a mix neighborhood .. ... Read More
Dealing with homesickness in Guatemala by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Being an expat in Guatemala can turn out to be a wonderful human, social or professional adventure... with potential moments of nostalgia and homesickness along the way. What are your personal tips to prevent ...
sure I have sent you an email Read More
Tourist visa Loop, fine, exemption... for Tourist-Resident
Very often when coming to Guatemala to visit you end up staying longer than expected or you simply move in and slowly forget about your migratory status... Any serious expat candidate should consider before considering moving abroad is to know the ... Read More
In retrospect, would you move again to Guatemala? by Christine
Hi all, If you had to look back on your expat experience in Guatemala, would you heartily say "lets do it again"? From the preparation stage to your actual everyday life in your new country, what did you enjoy the most? Would you do ...
You bet I will move again...I didn't plan to move here.. I just kept mesmerized by the natural beauty of the country. I don't know if I would do anything different.. as I know where I'm and not sure to know where I would be if I have ... Read More
Bank question...and a rather dumb one by Quesera
I opened a bank account at BAM recently and brought along a Guatemalteco to vouch for me as requested (required). He is a trusted and long-term employee where I am currently living. All went well...I must have answered a million questions to which ...
2 things to have a legal entity you don't need to have a dpi as a tourist you can own shares of a Guatemalan C Company. Colua let you open without a DPI maybe because they are not a bank but a cooperative and their rules might be less stringent ... Read More
Bank question...and a rather dumb one by Quesera
I opened a bank account at BAM recently and brought along a Guatemalteco to vouch for me as requested (required). He is a trusted and long-term employee where I am currently living. All went well...I must have answered a million questions to which ...
If your account is open with your guarantor.. you can get him out of it as it is not necessary to open the account that he has signature in it.. I help lots of clients for this and I "back them up" but don't have necessarily the ... Read More
Safety in Guatemala by Christine
Hi, We would like to talk about a sensitive but important topic: do you feel safe in Guatemala? How would you define the level of safety in the country? Can you walk safely during the day and at night without any fear? Do you think ...
Yes I feel safe in Guatemala. I have in my 26 years of expat life only have been robbed at gun point on the road (20 years ago) and have my car broken once. Never add a problem at my house (Santa Cruz La Laguna) or Panajachel (my office). I feel ... Read More
Guatemalan cuisine
I love the Guatemalan Chiltepe.. it is one of my favorite chile ... It is very small and I prefer the redish ones than the green ones. There are several recipes like this one from Hacienda Real but I prefer mine.. Which consist in like 10 chiles, ... 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 ...
great information.. I didn't know that you could pull out money from your paypal to a saving Q account Read More
Living in Gua. and Getting Citizenship - HOW? by JamesB
Hello: If I move to Antigua and decide to stay for three or four years to study Spanish I would also like to leave the country with a dual citizenship and have a Guatemalan passport. Can anyone tell me who to hook up with during my first several ...
When you ask for Citizenship the Guatemalan government ask you to renounce to your current one.. But if your country has dual citizenship at the end you will keep both. Read More
Blood pressure medication by CHRISTOPHER CRICHTON
i will be retiring to guatemala very soon . i have high blood pressure and i iam on some very common blood pressure medication.i am told by my doctor here that they should be available in guatemala maybe under a different name.i have never had any ...
Hi there You will find pretty much all the medication you need and if a prescription is required you can get one easely. If you need to consult a specialist locally I would recommend the following clinics.. Centro Medico in Zona 10 they speak ... Read More
I've been invited to Guatemala City as a partner in a restaurant by Jaredvstone
I'm a chef by trade and a good Guatemalan friend of mine has invited me to Guatemala City to help open a bar/restaurant in zone 1, located in the site of a previously successful bar/restaurant. I'm am seriously considering this as it seems ...
HI Jared, Zona 1 is a booming area since a couple of years now.. before it was very dangerous but now there are plenty of cool bars opening and it is a great hang out place in the evening.. plus they have renovated the main avenue 6th and made it ... Read More
Relocating to Antigua or Panajachel, Guatemala by ifriedberg4550
Hi-Seriously considering moving from the States, South Florida area to Antigua, Guatemala or Panajachel on Lake Atitlan. I will be receiving social security in a couple of months and hope to be able to live a fairly comfortable, not extravagant ...
Hi Ira Great idea... for rentals please contact Aaron Salguero at *** there are several low cost options in Panajachel See you around soon Armand Read More
Relocating to Guatemala by ifriedberg4550
I have met some really nice people when I visited Guatemala in May. I stayed in Guatemala City, at the Hotel Barcelo, visited Antigua twice, spent a day helping in a medical clinic in the mountains, but didn't make it to Lake Atitlan. One of my ...
Dear Sir, I have been living here for 25 years.. around Atitlan.. currently working out of Panajachel and living in Sta Cruz La Laguna.. You will find out that most of the expat are concentrated in Panajachel, because you have plenty of services ... Read More
Pregnancy in Guatemala
Everything went very well we have one children in a birthing home in Antigua.. it was with a US midwife. the center is called Ixmucane.. and we have the baby in water.. Then we go to the centro de salud to get a certificate of birth explaining that ... Read More
Registering a birth in Guatemala by David
Hi, About to have a baby or already had children? Let's share your experience about the paperworks for registering a birth in Guatemala. What are the formalities to obtain a birth certificate? What is the procedure to follow if both parents ...
Send you a private message. Don't get irritated it doesn't help for your new kid.. If you are married in the US and you didn't registered it... you mean in the US? if it is not registered how can you be married.. Any way you can have ... 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 ...
Great idea.. you will find out Guatemala is a great place to retire.. but it will depend on where you will be living.. as there are various options .. for example Guatemala City, Antigua Guatemala, Pacific Coast, Rio Dulce, Lake Atitlan, ... Read More
Question
check this linkImmigration Guatemalan Department Good luck Armand Read More
The other side of the Guatemalan postcard by Julien
Hi, As a tourist in a foreign country, very often, we are enchanted with what we discover. Living abroad is different. It's a rich experience but there are also some difficulties to face. When people ask me for advice on living abroad, I ...
Hi Estella. I'm sorry about your misfortune.. It is true that some landlords do find excuses to steal part of your deposit if not all of it when it is time to vacate founding excuses that don't make sense if not only for them in order to not give ... Read More
Registering a birth in Guatemala by David
Hi, About to have a baby or already had children? Let's share your experience about the paperworks for registering a birth in Guatemala. What are the formalities to obtain a birth certificate? What is the procedure to follow if both parents ...
I have 2 children in Guatemala.. it is pretty easy to register them.. When they are born.. either with a mid-wife or at an hospital.. you get a birth certificate from the mid wife or the hospital ( I have both cases) and took them to the city where ... 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 ...
Hi there, Great idea .. but nothing compare to Costa Rica.. First of all the weather on the highlands is much more comfortable Second you don't have such a big expats community Then you have a big population of Mayan communities which will make your ... Read More
Opening bank account in Guatemala by DeliaL
We are also flying in in Dec (7) to check out Guate we will have a bit more time. Do you need to have an address to open a bank account or is there a PO Box type situation there? Do banks pay interest on deposits? If so does anyone know how much? ...
To open a bank account normally you need somebody local to help you as some banks might not open account for you. Normally they request the electrical bill of the place you are staying for example the rental you are.. Yes Banks pay interest on ... Read More
Want to Drive from CA to Guatemala... Safety Concerns
Hi Farmer I have not done it myself but I know people who come down in car.. You have to get an insurance when you cross Mexican border for the time you will be in Mexico Then in Guatemala insurance is not mandatory. I have heard that better to ... Read More
Pensionado program - does it exist? At $850/m gives Perm. Residency? by looking4answers
I read about this program on another website which apparently found to be scammers. So, i'm Looking4answers. 1. Is there a Guatemala Pensionado program? Website link please ____ (i searched but could not find) 2. Is the financial requirement to ...
When you import your house hold you get tax importation exemption but you have to make a list of everything and you have to price them.. as if they think you under value it they might tax you.. And I would recommend to consult prior to import ... Read More
Saludos! by JenaMcD
Hello, I am new to this forum. My husband and I are looking to move to Guatemala for a year. We have very close friends (family) living in Tiquisate. My husband cannot handle the heat, so we are looking to move to the Lake Atitlan area. We both ...
HI Jena, If you need strong phone connection and internet I would recommend to find a house with a hard line phone. This will give you the best stable internet.. I personally use more skype than magic jack.. I have a premium susbcription with skype ... Read More
Recommendations for a good real estate agent (Guatemala City) by kathleenm
Hello everyone: I am an American trying to retire in Guatemala and am looking for an apartment to rent. I would like to find an apartment in a good neighborhood in the city for a good price and do not know where to begin when it comes to finding a ...
Hi Would recommend you to check the mulilisting of the Guatemalan chambers of realtors.. of which I' m a board member.. I don't work Guatemala city but you will find through our directories several members that can I help you.. if you need further ... Read More
2 weeks in Dec to explore Atitlan/Antigua as place to move. Need plan by Padrino
My fiancé and I are coming to Guatemala in December (2013) for a bit over 2 weeks to check out Lake Atitlan and Antigua as possible places to retire 1 year from now. I've lived internationally for 30 years including 3 years in Costa Rica for post ...
Dear Padrino, What a great place to decide to retire.. I have been living here for 25 years and I helped several people to settle there... If you send me a private message I can suggest you some rentals.. Regarding your questions.. 1.) Getting ... Read More
GUNS IN GUATEMALA by TheDQ
What is the status on guns here? Banned or can have a concealed carry permit or what?
Check the web site of the direction of Control for arms and ammunitions 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 ...
Yes Colua offers great services but if you plan to have more than Q 20,000 deposited you have to know that Colua is a cooperative and not a bank therefore doens't contribute to the funds of protection from the government .. meaning if they go broke ... 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
Hi PCI has kids from several nacionalities but you should contact them directly for more information. My daughter will start there next year... and she is French-American-Guatemalan. They have I think spanish class but the teaching is mainly 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
Hi Jules. You can also check in Panajachel School A great environment for kids to study and Panajachel rentals a great place to spend time.. great out doors activities close to Guatemala city (2 1/2 hours drive) and living mayan culture,, very ... Read More
2013 Trip to Lake Atitlan by HippieMama
When I first joined this site, I was planning on visiting Guatemala for the first time in January 2013. Our plans have changed somewhat, but I am glad to say that we are still planning to go to Guatemala for the first time in 2013...just a little ...
Hi Steve The ride to the Lake is very easy on a brand new divided highway.. If you have a private choffer it won't take more than 2 1/2 hours unless you stop for lunch or food. Chicken buses from the airport it is not easy as you will have to take ... 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 ...
Fees..well when you open the account as far as I know , and I use the bank BAM, no fees.. It takes 2 hours, then you wait 3 days and you get your check book nothing else.. Now as a service provider when people can't open an account by themself I ... 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
Hi Steve, From the Airport to Antigua it is easy , a short drive if you go before 1600 and avoid Friday pm. You will be very safe to reserve a shuttle and they will be waiting for you to take you to Antigua. Where to stay for cheap.. well what ... 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 ...
HI If you plan to stay long term you should open a bank account and then you can transfer your US $ to your local guatemalan account.. it can be a saving accoung or a checking account. You have to pay your gardener, maid and market with cash. You ... 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 ...
Well nothing wrong Guategringo about what you are saying but Banco Industrial as you mentioned them won't open an account to a tourist that easely if not. THe fact that you have your account for 20 years doesn't mean that you can do it today.. And ... 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 ...
You will be able to drive it but not to import it.. 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 ...
For importation taxes you can consult the web site of the Tax office.. they have an online chat service and if you are not familiar with spanish using google translate at the same time help you get your questions through... ... 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 ...
Well, It will depends on who is driving your car and how much they are familiar with taking car into Guatemala. Normally if the cars comes in as a tourist car they don't look much into the car but as yours will be coming with a driver and it won't ... Read More
Shipping HH goods to Guatemala by jrhouser39
We are planning a move to Guatemala and I am interested in any information available from people who have actually experienced shipping household goods to Guatemala. What I am hearing is that it makes more sense to just buy new in Guatemala. I guess ...
I have clients and friends who have been shipping used goods and new...and it is very costly... average 15% of custom tax plus 12% VAT and yes it end up being cheaper to buy in Guatemala.. 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
Lived here for 23 years and keep adding -weather -low cost of living -people, living mayan culture -amazing country with wide diversity of climate, landscape on a small scale -close to the US Read More
Driving license in Guatemala by Armand
Hi all, Can a foreigner take the driving test in Guatemala? What are the formalities to get a drivers licence in Guatemala? Do you need special or extra documents being an expatriate? How much does it cost? Thank you for ...
You can take the Guatemalan driving test with any driving school... just to check your level.. the guatemalan driving code is very simple and basic.. some tricky questions for speed limit. Now if you get residency you are not obliged to take the ... Read More
Pensionado program - does it exist? At $850/m gives Perm. Residency? by looking4answers
I read about this program on another website which apparently found to be scammers. So, i'm Looking4answers. 1. Is there a Guatemala Pensionado program? Website link please ____ (i searched but could not find) 2. Is the financial requirement to ...
What you get with the pensionado status is the authorization to leave permanently in Guatemala without having to go out every six months. You get to have a Guatemalan driving license. And if you pay tax in the US it gives you also access to special ... 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 ...
Hi Julien, Because of my business "realtor" I open very often bank accounts for my clients. The only thing they need is their passport, an electrical bill (because of my good relation with the bank I use one of mine) and money to put in the ... Read More
3D Ultrasound in Guatemala?
You should check with the major private hospital in guatemala. and I can recommend you Centro Medico they speak english Centro Medico Guatemala Ciudad Guatemala have excellent medical facilities with great price. Read More
GUNS IN GUATEMALA by TheDQ
What is the status on guns here? Banned or can have a concealed carry permit or what?
Hi DQ, You can have guns in your house and carry a concealed gun as well. the Ministry of Defense is the one in charge of the control of the arms in the country. Minsitry defense Link So you can either import your gun, or buy one in Guatemala and ... Read More
Moving to Guatemala by kukulcan56
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 ...
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 ... Read More
suggestions
Living myself in Lake Atitlan since 23 years I can tell you that it is a great place to distress and have a great life style. There is not need to live in a hut, I do a lot of rentals and I have all kind of houses.. Cable Tv is mostly in the ... Read More
Receiving mail (post) safely in Guatemala? by JamesB
I am asking this for a friend of mine from the states: If someone moves from the U.S. to Guatemala and they want to receive mail safely and securely, is there a courier service from the states that sends the accumulated mail via FEDEX once per ...
For physical address and courrier from Miami, I use CPS their web site cpxbox.com very please with their services. Read More
Pensionado program - does it exist? At $850/m gives Perm. Residency? by looking4answers
I read about this program on another website which apparently found to be scammers. So, i'm Looking4answers. 1. Is there a Guatemala Pensionado program? Website link please ____ (i searched but could not find) 2. Is the financial requirement to ...
Dear Sir, Guatemala gives the opportunity to the pensionado to retire here.. I don't know if you can call it a "pensionado program" . Question 1 Here is the link to the Migration Web site. Website of Guatemalan Immigration Services Question 2 It ... Read More
Lifestyle, cost of living and social life by julylee
Hi Ya'll, considering Guatemala as next step of life adventure. Would love to get real information regarding ex pat lifestyle there, costs of living and community & social life. Have no desire to buy any real estate, would like to explore country ...
I live in Lake Atitlan.. life is cheap..compare to the US for sure.. rentals might be high but you can find good ones for bargain price also if you are not too regarding with house style.. Expats gather mostly in Panajachel.. couple of hang out ... Read More
Is there a central land registry in Guatemala? by Gordon Barlow
Ten years or so ago my son bought a sliver of land half a mile or so to the west of the village of San Marcos la Laguna on the northern side of Atitlan. He paid some locals to build a basic Swiss-Family-Robinson type of house in a big tree on the ...
Hi Gordon. Norway how interesting I have 4 clients from Norway who have houses in the Lake that I managed for them... there is a big little comunity of norvegian in Santa Cruz La Laguna ... that we call little norway... A Read More
Warning!! ATM's in Antigua Guatemala by Traveler57
Just to let everyone know that Banco "BAC" across from parque central has machines that are hacked and have been for sometime, it is said that their Data Lines have been compromised and still to date no real solution has been made. Please Google ...
Indeed there have been a serious problem with the ATM in Antigua, but the bank have been working on it... you can cash money also directly into the bank sometimes and not use the ATM in the other cities it seems that things are better... Read More
Doing business in Guatemala
Regarding doing business in Guatemala as a tourist your options are narrowing.. with the new tax laws which came in application since end of january there will be less people willing to front for your businsess as it is now illegal .... As a tourist ... Read More
Is there a central land registry in Guatemala? by Gordon Barlow
Ten years or so ago my son bought a sliver of land half a mile or so to the west of the village of San Marcos la Laguna on the northern side of Atitlan. He paid some locals to build a basic Swiss-Family-Robinson type of house in a big tree on the ...
Hi Gordon, If he is not lake front but still in the 200 mts from the water level he will have to register with OCRET the government office in charge of lake front state land... Land have becoming very valuable lately around the lake and he is has a ... Read More
Is there a central land registry in Guatemala? by Gordon Barlow
Ten years or so ago my son bought a sliver of land half a mile or so to the west of the village of San Marcos la Laguna on the northern side of Atitlan. He paid some locals to build a basic Swiss-Family-Robinson type of house in a big tree on the ...
Hi Gordon, San Marcos La Laguna is a particular area because according the village the all land of the village is own by the village, therefore yes you can't get a deed or titulo de propriedad. A deed in guatemala is the maximum owner ship garantee ... Read More
Buying property in Guatemala by Christine
Hi, can a foreigner buy property in Guatemala? If so, is it complicated? What is the process of purchasing a property in Guatemala? Any tips for buying property, such as a check-list of items to verify ? Thanks in advance for ...
Hi Christine, Foreigners have the same rights as Guatemalan in buying land, houses or business. In Guatemala there is different kind of ownership, the best ownership title you can have is a "deed' called here titulo de propriedad that is registered ... Read More
Mail from Guatemala to USA
Hi Jesse, Mailing money to the US ...!!! Well I guess if you mean put some green bills folded in a piece of paper, then envelop then in the mail... sure you can do it ... might work might not.. Now you can use Western Union or similar companies ... Read More
Safe ATM in Antigua
Hi, The police caught some bands doing the ATM scam and the banks have been improving control we didn't hear anything lately so I would say it is safe now.. You can always ask in the bank to go with you or to get cash advance directly inside the ... 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 ...
Hi, I leave in Atitlan and it is not bad that bad (crimes speaking) weather yes.. The roads right now are particularly damaged and it is hard to go and come to the Lake and better avoid it until the rainy season is over.. Coming from Puerto Barrios ... Read More
Moving to Guatemala
Hi Shaberman, What a good choice... I'm located in Lake Atitlan, Panajachel and deal with real estate and relocation. [Moderated: No free ad on the forum] See you soon Best Armand 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 sell the car without paying the importation taxes.. or the buyer... it depends what you agree on... 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.
WHich ones ? .... if the car are in your name... you have the right to sale it... If you want to have a car insurance during the time you sell it you can suscribe for one... car insurance is not mandatory here in Guatemala but highly recommended.... 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.
Hi As far as I can see it is not a car in high demand... people by more pick up.. toyota you might be better off selling it in the US... Read More
Spanish Language Schools Guatemala City
Yes it is indeed hard to get spanish class through a spanish school in Guatemala because it is not a place where tourist hang out... If you leave in Guatemala City and wants spanish class you are better off posting an add in a university or news ... Read More
Cost of living in Guatemala? by jack.landham
I am a new reader so I don't have a feel for things Guatemalan. I am interested in visiting or maybe even retiring in Guatemala in maybe 4 or 5 years. Can anyone tell me how much it costs to live in Guatemala? Thanks. Jack
Hi PAul, What you miss in your analyse is the size of the rental market in Antigua... Contrary of the US where there is a big stock of houses for rent and therefore more offer than demand...in Antigua and most of the touristic areas of Guatemala, ... Read More
Cost of living in Guatemala? by jack.landham
I am a new reader so I don't have a feel for things Guatemalan. I am interested in visiting or maybe even retiring in Guatemala in maybe 4 or 5 years. Can anyone tell me how much it costs to live in Guatemala? Thanks. Jack
Dear Jack, Cost of living in Guatemala will depend actually of the location you choose... There is various destination to retire in Guatemala. The most look after is Antigua Guatemala. There the rent are high but you can find cheaper houses in the ... Read More
Receiving mail (post) safely in Guatemala? by JamesB
I am asking this for a friend of mine from the states: If someone moves from the U.S. to Guatemala and they want to receive mail safely and securely, is there a courier service from the states that sends the accumulated mail via FEDEX once per ...
From my personal experience on this topic... I receive from the US and Europe through the regular mail service subscriptions, little package, checks.... Never had a problem plus you can have your mail tracked from the US to Guatemala doesn't cost ... Read More